A Detailed Study of Hindu Religious Tradition

Course Code: BRS04

A Detailed Study of Hindu Religious Tradition

(With Study of Prescribed Texts)

BD III, Semester 1, 4 Credit Hours, College Paper

Course Objectives:

1. To critically study the development of Hinduism in India over different periods of time and their contexts up to 800 A.D.
2. To cultivate an informed understanding of Hinduism, particularly discerning the liberating resources in Hinduism over against oppressive forces in religion, culture, and society.

Note:

Students are expected to choose any one of the courses listed in RC 304.

Methodology:

• Historical, Sociological, Philosophic-Theological, and Religio-Phenomenological Approaches would be used as applicable.
• The different sections of the course would include critical reflections from the perspectives of women, Dalits, Tribals, and the poor. Responses would also be made from Christian insights and concerns for interfaith relations.
• Students would be expected to visit temples (of many different Hindu traditions as possible), and observe the performance of rituals and sanskaras (if possible), as well as a celebration of festivals. Audio-visual aids could also be used, particularly where practical exposure is difficult. Visits to homes of Hindus and seeking their views on their beliefs and practices could also be done. A lecture or lectures by knowledgeable practicing Hindus could also be arranged. Reflective critical reports of all such exposures would have to be written by the students.
• Students would also be expected to study prescribed texts.
• Certain sections of the syllabus may be assigned to students for self-study and presentation.

Course Requirements:

• Final Examination: 60%
• Internal Assessment: 40%

Course Outline:

SECTION I

I. Introduction

Pre-Vedic traditions, traces of which seem to be incorporated in Hinduism (e.g., Indus Valley Civilization, Deccan Neolithic Culture, etc.).

II. Vedic Period (2000-600 B.C)

• The Samhitas.
• The Brahmanas.
• Beginnings of Vedic Speculation.
• The Upanishads.
• The Understanding about Sruti and Smriti.
• The Four Ashramas and Varna Dharma.
• The Purshartha.

III. The Period of Reaction to Vedic Hinduism (600 B.C – 300 A.D)

• The Sutra Literature: The Context and the Teaching of the Texts (Srauta, Grihya, and Dharma).
• The Rise of Buddhism, Jainism, and Caravaca: Their Reaction to the Hindu Religion.
• The Itihasas (Ramayana and Mahabharata): Their formation, their message, and their significance.
• The Bhagavadgita: Its Formation and Message.

IV. The Philosophical, Pauranic, and Early Bhakti Period (300-1200 A.D.)

• The Philosophical Systems (Sad-darsana).
• The Puranas.
• The Early Bhakti Movements.
• Vaishanava, Saiva, and Sakta: Their texts, Faith, and Practices.

V. The Bhakti Movements Period (1200- 1800 A.D.)

• The Political and Social Context of India.
• North India – Ramahanda, Kabir, Tulsidas, Mira Bai, Guru Nanak.
• The West – Jnancswara, Namdcva, Tukaram, and Ramdas.
• The East and Northeast-Caitanya, Sankardeva.
• The South-Vallabha.

VI. Some Features of Popular Hinduism

• Rituals and Worship.
• Samskaras.
• Pilgrimages and Holy Leaders.
• Festivals.

SECTION II

I. Some Important Issues in Hinduism

• The Caste System and Dalits and Tribals.
• Patriarchy and Women.
• Creation, Nature, Cosmogonies, and Ecological concerns.
• Pluralistic Openness and Communalism.
• Popular Beliefs and Practices and Fundamentalism.
• Globalization and Economic Justice.

II. Conclusion

Discerning important features in Hinduism and its impact on Indian society. Christian reflections on Hinduism.

SECTION III

Texts for Detailed Studies

• Kenopanishad.
• The Bhagavadgita Chapters XII and XVIII.

Bibliography

Required Subject Reading:

• De, Smet R. and J. Neuner. Religious Hinduism. 4th ed. Bombay: St. Paul Publications, 1996.
• Farquhar, J.N. An Outline of the Religious Literature of India. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1984.
• Flood, Gavin. The Blackwell Companion to Hinduism. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2003.
• Mahadevan, T.M.P. Outlines of Hinduism. Bombay: Chetana, n.d.
• Robertson, S. Bhakti Tradition of Vaisnava Alvars and Theology of Religions. Kolkata: Punthi Pustak, 2006.
• Robertson, S. Approaching Religion in a Pluralistic Context. Bangalore: BTESSC/SÄTHRI, 2009.
• Robertson, S. Freedom of Religion: A Human Rights Issue. Bangalore: TESSC/SATHRI, 2007.
• Winternitz, Maurice. A History of Indian Literature. Vol. I. Part I. Calcutta: University of Calcutta, 1962, Vol. III. Part II, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1967.

Supplementary Reading:

• Alteakar, A.S. The Position of Women in Hindu Civilization. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1983.
• Anand, Subhash. Major Hindu Festivals: A Christian Appreciation. Bombay: St. Paul Publications, 1993.
• Ariarajah, Wesley. Hindus and Christians: A Century of Protestant Ecumenical Thought. Michigan: W.B. Eerdmans, 1991.
• Basu, Jogiray. India of The Age of The Brahmans. Calcutta: Sanskrit Pustak Bhandar, 1969.
• Basu, T. Khaki Shorts and Saffron Flags: A Critique of the Hindu Right. New Delhi: Orient Longman, 1993.
• Bhargava, P.L. Vedic Religion and Culture: An Exposition of Distinct Facets. New Delhi: D.K. Print World (P) Ltd., 1994.
• Bhasin, Kamala. What is Patriarchy? New Delhi: Kali for Women, 1994.
• Bhaskarananda, Swami. The Essentials of Hinduism. Chennai: Sri Ramakrishna Math, 1998 (India Edition).
• Chakraborty, Chanda. Common Life in Rig Veda and Atharva Veda. Calcutta: Punthi Pustak, 1977.
• Chandra, Bipin. Religion and Communalism in Modern India. New Delhi: Vikas, 1984.
• Chaudhry, N.C. Hinduism: A Religion to Live by. Delhi: OUP, 1985.
• Desai, I.P., et al. Caste, Caste Conflict and Reservation. Delhi: Ajanta, 1985.
• Deshpande, V.W. The Impact of Ancient Indian Thought on Christianity. New Delhi: APH Publishing Corporation, 199 “`html
  5.
• Dietrich, Gabriele. Culture, Religion and Development. Bangalore: CSA, 1997.
• —. Reflection on the Women’s Movement in India. Delhi: Horizon India Books, 1992.
• Flood, Gavin. An Introduction to Hinduism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998.
• Fuchs, Stephen. Rebellious Prophets: A Study of Messianic Movements in Indian Religion. New Delhi: Asia Publishing House, 1965.
• Fuller, C.J. The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India. New Delhi: Penguin Books, 1992.
• Ghurye, G.S. Caste and Race in India. Bombay: Popular Prakashan, 1979.
• Gonda, J. Change and Continuity in Indian Religion. New Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal, 1985.
• Gupta, Dipankar. Integrating Caste: Understanding Hierarchy and Difference in Indian Society. New Delhi: Penguin Books, 2000.
• Hiriyanna, M. Outlines of Indian Philosophy. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1993.
• Houtart, Francois. The Great Asiatic Religions and Their Social Functions. Louvain: 1985.
• Keer, Dhananjay. Mahatma Jyotirao Phule: Father of Indian Social Revolution. Bombay: Popular Prakashan, 1993.
• Klostermaier, Klaus K. A Survey of Hinduism. New Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal, 1990.
• Lipner, J. Hindus: Their Religion, Beliefs and Practices. London: Routledge, 1994.
• Massey, James. Towards Dalit Hermeneutics. Delhi: ISPCK, 1994.
• —. Dalits in India. Delhi: ISPCK, 1995.
• Masih, Yakub. The Hindu Religion Thought (3000 B.C-200 A.D.). Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1983.
• Ambedkar, B.R. Writings and Speeches. Bombay: Govt. of Maharashtra, 1989.
• Mishra, Vikas. Hinduism and Economic Growth. New Delhi: OUP, 1962.
• Mohapatra, Amulya & Bijaya Mohapatra. Hinduism: Analytical Study. New Delhi: Mittal Publication, 1993.
• Muralidharan, M.S., Kappen, M., Tharakan, eds. Understanding Communalism. Bangalore: Visthar, 1993.
• Narang, Sudesh, et al., eds. Dharmasastra in Contemporary Times. Delhi: Nag Publishers, 1988.
• Pandey, Raj Bali. Hindu Samkars: Socio-Religious Study of The Hindu Sacraments. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1983.
• Patil, P.G. Slaveiy: Collected Works of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule. Vol. 1. Bombay: Education Department, Govt. of Maharashtra, 1991.
• Ranchor, Prime. Hinduism and Ecology: Seeds of Truth. New York: Cassell Publication, 1992.
• Sarma, D.S. Hinduism through the Ages. Bombay: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1973.
• Sharma, Chandradhar. A Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1987.
• Sharma, D.S. What is Hinduism? New Delhi: V.K. Publishing House, 1991.
• Sharma, L.K. Caste, Class and Social Movements. Jaipur, 1986.
• Sharpe, E.J. Faith Meets Faith. London: S.C.M, 1977.
• Singh, Chitralekha and Prem Nath. Hinduism, 1996. 2nd Ed. New Delhi: Crest Publishing House, 2002.
• Sivaramakrishna, M. JHZWW View of Life: A Contemporary Perspective. Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 2001.
• Upadhyay, Gobind Prasad. Brahmanas in Ancient India. Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal, 1978.
• Vandana, Shiva. Staying Alive: Women, Ecology and Survival in India. New Delhi: Kali for Women, 1988.
• Vannucci, M. Ecological Readings in The Veda: Matter-Energy-Life. New Delhi: D.K. Printworld Ltd., 1994.

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