MIT Vedic Undergraduate Diploma in Vedic Sciences (Proposed)

[Vaishnavi Nishankar]

To pre-register for this program, please fill the Pre-Registration form here:

Introduction​

Since the inception of the University system, the scope of study and research in Indic / Vedic Shaastras has suffered limitations by being categorized as a subject of the Humanities / Arts disciplines. No denying that there are aspects in Vedic Shaastras that are fit to be pursued as subjects of the Arts, but the aspects of the Vedic Shaastras that may be approached from the perspective of being “sciences” is grossly neglected in this process.

It was to serve this very purpose of scientific inquiry using Shaastric parameters that MIT SVS introduced its flagship program of MSc in Vedic Sciences, in the very year of its inception. And through the following 4 years, there have been ground breaking activities that the department has had the opportunity to work upon in the realm of Samskrit and Shaastras with some wonderful collaborations with like minded institutions.

Typically, those who approach the M.Sc / Master’s in Vedic Sciences program, are people mature in age and stature seeking active engagement with the Vedic knowledge systems, which is apt for the program. But there is a need to expand the reach of Vedic Sciences to a younger audience. This requires seasoning of the courses to suit their assimilation levels and requirements. B.Sc Vedic Sciences is being launched by MIT SVS with an approach to reach out to younger audiences, particularly those passing out of Gurukula learning modes for opening to them, avenues to mainstream learning and careers. The BSc Vedic Sciences is a full time program of 6 semesters with 6 courses per semester. Details of the same are available here ****.

However, for those learners from mainstream high school mode, who have chosen their paths of higher studies, MIT SVS offers an Undergraduate Diploma in Vedic Sciences (Part-time) program that aims at enabling learners to gain incisive understanding of sciences and an edge in their careers. The targeted learners for this mode are students who are pursuing their higher education elsewhere, but are interested in absorbing the Vedic worldview and thought process in its approach to knowledge and its application. The students who are non-residents of India may also enrol into this mode of the program.

This program is available to all students passing 10 +2 out of recognized school boards, NIOS board and traditional boards considered equivalent to 10 +2. These learners access modern subjects of education from a western perspective. This program enables them to calibrate their knowledge to enhance their understanding and application of knowledge with an objective oriented approach fortified by the Vedic worldview that this program aids them to acquire such that they appreciate the contemporary relevance and value of these knowledge systems.

The program provides the blend and balance that modern learners need to propel themselves into excellence in application of knowledge, whether modern or traditional. It approaches the subjects of learning from a scope, function and structure point of view rather than from a text based learning method, both in case of Shaastra based as well as modern subjects. The program intends to imbue the Vedic outlook and attitude in the learners that is rooted in inquiry, focus on objective and structured approach.

Objectives:​

Through the UG Diploma in VS program, MIT SVS intends to enable the learners to assimilate the structures, scope of application and functions entrenched in western and Vedic sciences and knowledge systems in a blended mode.

After completion of UG Diploma (Vedic Sciences) candidates will be able to:

1. Understand structures, patterns, models / thought models and rationale of the scientific knowledge systems of the west and the Vedic.
2. Assimilate the Vedic worldview gleaning through the plethora of related knowledge streams.
3. Contrast the western and Vedic worldviews and blend their functions in different applications as required through assimilation of their variety of structures and patterns made available through their respective ontologies.
4. Prepare for a deep dive into Shaastras to supplement contemporary technology / lifestyle / personality solutions.
5. Pursue career goals (armed with a vedic worldview) in science, technology, engineering, computation, governance & administration, leadership, public service, Shaastras, environmental sciences, politics, management, entrepreneurship and so on.

Unique Value of the Program:​

The impact of insights into the foundational Vedic worldview on the young minds, with emphasis on structures and thought models, will be a unique contribution that this program will bring. This program probes the foundation and models of knowledge systems as they are, in their own light, in regards to both Shaastric and (western) scientific worlds, so that learners may contrast, assimilate and contextually utilize both systems of knowledge in real life applications, for robust outcomes.

Structure of the Under Graduate Diploma in Vedic Sciences:​

The courses are organized in 3 learning tracks as follows:

Track number	Track Description	#courses	#credits	Course list
Track 1	Vedic scientific thought and disciplines – worldview, structure, method and models	8	24	Understanding Vedic Knowledge Systems 1 – Landscape Understanding Vedic Knowledge Systems 2 – Thought models Structure and method of Shastras Indic Philosophy of life Vedic Sciences 1 – Jyotisha and Vastu models Vedic Sciences 2 – Aesthetic models Vedic Sciences 3 – Social Sciences and Governance models Vedic Sciences 4 – Wellness & Psychology Models (Ayurvidya)
Track 2	Western scientific thought and worldview	2	6	Understanding Western Knowledge Systems 1 – Origin, structure & evolution Understanding Western Knowledge Systems 2 – Processes, models, institutions
Track 3	Meta-Skills:	5	12	Samskrit 1 Technical Sanskrit 1 Technical Sanskrit 2 Robust Reasoning and Debating
Project	3	Vedic term project – (Publishable paper – double blinded peer reviewed)
Total credits	45

Language, Communication & Analysis

Eligibility for Admission:​

Passing 10+2 from any school board that is recognized by UGC for eligibility in admission for graduate courses, including non-residents of India.

Duration: 3 years – Part time

Semesters: 6 semesters with 45 credits spread over three years

Minimum & Maximum Age Limit: No bar

Fee Structure​

– Rs 27000 per annum for 3 years for Indian nationals

– $ 750 per annum for 3 years for students from abroad

Student Intake​

30 (maximum), 10 (minimum) for mode I (without which the program does not function)

Potential Career Opportunities:​

Candidates after completing the UG Diploma in Vedic Sciences will be able to

• Pursue M Sc in Vedic Sciences at MIT SVS.
• Prepare for competitive public service commission examinations.
• Enhance their understanding of the Vedic sciences and apply it to their professional life.

Method of Delivery:​

• The program will be fully online.
• Theory covered in interactive faculty guided sessions and discussions.
• Project in utilitarian applications involving model building and problem solving.
• Interaction with experts in industry who have utilized Indic approaches for progress.
• The contact hours will be face to face sessions with blended learning sessions conducted using the latest technology and constructivist approach. Methods used will be jigsaw cooperative learning technique, debates, discussions, think-pair-share, group discussions, poster presentations, seminars etc. for which worksheets and handouts will be used for all the activities.

Medium of Instruction:​

The medium of instruction in this program will be blended in Samskrit and English. Samskrit will be taught from the initial stages in the program.

Assessment & Evaluation System:

• All assessments in the Diploma mode will be fully online.
• Assessments will be internal and external. Weightage for External: Internal: is 60:40.

• Semester pattern of assessment will be followed. External university exams will be conducted for only core courses and electives at the end of the semester for 60 Marks.
• Student has to pass internal assessment and external examination separately
• Assessment pattern of core course will be carried out as shown in the table:

Sr. No.	Activity for Internal Assessment	Marks allotted	Total Marks
1	Continuous Assessment Activity for the course	40 Marks
2	University semester end Examination	60 Marks	External = 60
Total	100 Marks	100

Curriculum outline​

[Reading the table below:]

[Credits are offered in L-T-P ratio which indicates the weightage to Lecture-Tutorial-Project / Practical for each course. Concurrence of colour codes between structure of the program and curriculum outline may be noted.]

Sem	Course code	Course Title	Credits (L-T-P)	Course Type	Track	Pre-
Sem 1	BVS131	Thinking in Samskrita (For non-Gurukula Students)	3-0-0	Core	3	None
BVS111	Understanding Vedic Knowledge Systems 1 – Landscape	3-0-0	Core	1	None
BVS121	Understanding Western Knowledge Systems 1 – Origin, structure & evolution	2-1-0	Core	2	None
Total	9
Sem 2	BVS231	Technical Sanskrit	3-0-1	Core	3	BVS131, BVS132
BVS211	Structure and Method of Shaastras	2-1-0	Core	1	None
BVS212	Vedic Sciences 1	3-0-0	Core	1	None
Total	9
Sem 3	BVS331	Digital Communications –	1-1-1	Core	3	None
BVS311	Understanding Vedic Knowledge Systems 2 – Thought Models	3-0-0	Core	1	BVS111
BVS312	Human Sciences 2 – Vedic Aesthetics	3-0-0	Core	1	None
Total	9
Sem 4	BVS431	Robust Reasoning and Debating	2-0-1	Core	3	None
BVS411	Indic Philosophy of Life	3-0-0	Core	1	None
Total	6
BVS511	Vedic Sciences 3 – Social Sciences and Governance Models	2-1-0	Core	1	None
BVS521	Understanding Western Knowledge Systems 2 – Processes, models, institutions	3-0-0	Core	2	BVS121
Total	6
BVS611	Vedic Sciences 4	3-0-0	Core	1	None
BVSP6	(Vedic term project) (Publishable paper – double blinded peer reviewed)	0-0-3	Core	–	None
Total	6
All Sem Total	45

requisite


– Jyotisha & Vaastu Models


– Wellness & Psychology Models (Aayurvidya)

Syllabus​

Semester I​

Course: Thinking in Sanskrit (Core)​

Course Code: BVS131

Credits: 3

L-T-P ratio: 3-0-0

Hours: 45

Prerequisite: None

Course designer(s): Dr Tilak Rao

Objective: To enable learners to grasp the general usage of Sanskrit and to understand the structure of the language

Expected outcomes:

1. The learner will be able to understand Sanskrit as a general usage medium
2. The learner will be able to think and communicate simple sentences in Samskrit
3. The learner may gain the confidence to approach texts in Samskrit for self-study and follow when taught using Samskrit medium

Syllabus:

Unit – 1: विषयः – सम्भाषणसंस्कृतम्

उद्देश्यम् – संस्कृते सरलवाक्यानां निर्माणसामर्थ्यम्, व्यवहारे उपयुज्यमानानां संस्कृतपदानां ज्ञानम्

Unit – 2: विषयः – वर्णाः

उद्देश्यम् – संस्कृते प्रयुज्यमानानां वर्णानां ज्ञानम्, वर्णानां समीचीनोच्चारणस्य परिज्ञानम्

Unit – 3: विषयः – सर्वनाम्नां परिचयः

उद्देश्यम् – कस्मिन् अवसरे किं सर्वनाम प्रयोक्तव्यम् (सर्वनाम्नाम् एकवचनं बहुवचनं च), युष्मच्छब्दस्य प्रयोगे मध्यमः (एकवचनस्य एव परिचयः), अस्मच्छब्दस्य प्रयोगे उत्तमः, क्रियापदानां सामान्यतः परिचयः

Unit – 4: विषयः – शब्दानां परिचयः

उद्देश्यम् – अजन्तानां हलन्तानां च प्रसिद्धानां शब्दानां परिचयः। सम्बोधनप्रथमा। प्रसिद्धानाम् अव्ययानां ज्ञानम्

Unit – 5: विषयः – क्रियापदानां परिचयः

उद्देश्यम् – प्रसिद्धानां क्रियापदानां प्रयोगः, लट्, लोट्, लङ् एषां लकाराणां ज्ञानम्

Unit – 6: विषयः – प्रत्ययानां ज्ञानम्

उद्देश्यम् – प्रसिद्धानां केषाञ्चन प्रत्ययानाम् अवगमनम्, वाक्यनिर्माणे तेषाम् उपयोगिता, ग्रन्थेषु Unit – 7:

विषयः – सन्धिः उद्देश्यम् – सन्धिज्ञानसामर्थ्यं सन्धिविच्छेदसामर्थ्यं च

Unit – 8: विषयः – सुभाषितादीनाम् अवगमनम्

उद्देश्यम् – सरलकथानां पठनाभ्यासः, सरलश्लोकानाम् अवगमनं, पदानाम् अन्वयः

Suggested activities:

• Fortnightly sessions for topic based speech in simple Samskrit
• Games such as dumb charades, role play, skip the word, chinese whispers in Samskrit

Project:

1. Write street plays in simple Samskrit and enact
2. Prepare Samskrit labels for objects in the campus
3. Prepare instruction charts in Samskrit (like marking the way to SVS, save water, keep silence etc)
4. Prepare posters to explain simple subhāṣitas (can be collaborated with School of Design beginners)

References:

1. प्रथमदीक्षा, राष्ट्रियसंस्कृतसंस्थानम्, नवदेहली
2. अभ्यासपुस्तकम्, विश्वासः, संस्कृतभारती, बेङ्गलूरु
3. अभ्यासदर्शिनी, जनार्दन हेगडे, संस्कृतभारती, बेङ्गलूरु
4. हिन्दीसंस्कृतशब्दकोषः, श्रीप्रकाशपाण्डेयः, संस्कृतभारती, नवदेहली
5. संस्कृतव्यवहारसाहस्री, संस्कृतभारती, बेङ्गलूरु

Course: Understanding Vedic Knowledge Systems 1 – Landscape​

Course Code: BVS111

Credits: 3

L-T-P ratio: 3-0-0

Hours: 45

Prerequisite: None

Course designer(s): Dr Nagaraj Paturi

Objective: To introduce learners to the landscape of Vedic literature with broad taxonomy of Indic knowledge systems

Expected outcomes:

1. Knowledge of the sources of Vedic knowledge
2. Comprehension of the seamless nature of Vedic knowledge
3. Understand the purpose and utility of Vedic knowledge systems in enriching human life

Syllabus:

Unit – 1: Knowledge – Vedic context; Sources and classification of Indic (Vedic) Knowledge; Yajňas as Knowledge

Unit – 2: Vedāṅgas: Original context and so far identified contemporary knowledge aspects

Unit – 3: Other Vaidika-darśanas: Original context and so far identified contemporary knowledge aspects

Course: Understanding Western Knowledge Systems 1 – Origin, structure & evolution​

Course Code: BVS121

Credits: 3

L-T-P ratio: 2-1-0

Hours: 30

Prerequisite: None

Course designer(s): T N Sudarshan

Objective: To introduce the western thought and its factors of its impact and sources of influence in order to be able to understand the structure and objectives of the western knowledge systems and science and technology in an evaluative manner.

Expected outcomes:

1. Understanding of the History of the West. How Science came to be in the West, the idea of the West.
2. The civilizational arc of Science. Great Civilizations of the past. A preliminary understanding of Comparative Civilizations.
3. The historical relationship between Science, Economics and Power.
4. The relationship of Technology , relative civilizational needs and the modern evolution of Science in distinct time periods.
5. Understanding the markers of “Western knowledge”.
6. Given description of a “phenomenon” or a “system”. Will be able to identify the influences of “Western Knowledge System”.

Detailed syllabus:

Unit – 1: Western Knowledge as a tool of Western Civilization. Eurocentrism.

Unit – 2: West – Origins to 1300, Renaissance, 1600 to WW2 (1945) – Primary sources of Western knowledge; Industrial Revolution; History of Sciences; Examples of unaddressed western myths

Unit – 3: West – WW2 to Today

Unit 4: Modeling in WKS

Suggested activities:

1. Compare approaches of Ayurveda and Modern Medicine
2. Astronomy, Multiplication using the abacus and Roman Numerals

Tutorial:

1. Discuss for one disease, diagnosis, healing processes in Modern medicine, Ayurveda.
2. https://ourworldindata.org/military-spending – Understand world data

References:

1. http://ckraju.net/books/Is-Science-Western-in-Origin.html
2. https://longitudeprize.org/challenge/history
3. http://www.indianscience.org/essays/15-%20E–Navigation%20&%20Math.pdf
4. http://www.vpmthane.org/bhaskara900/papers/M_D_Srinivas.pdf – THE METHODOLOGY OF INDIAN MATHEMATICS AND ITS CONTEMPORARY RELEVANCE
5. http://cpsindia.org/dl/science/logic-c2.pdf – INDIAN APPROACH TO LOGIC
6. https://homepage.univie.ac.at/martin.potschka/papersISSEI1996/Shankard.htm – Epistemology of a Traditional Indian Medical System and its Difference from Western Tradition. Example of How even well meaning Indian experts are misinformed about Western Origins. Purvapaksha of WKS is important

Semester II​

Course: Technical Sanskrit​

Course Code: BVS231

Credits: 4

L-T-P ratio: 3-0-1

Hours: 45

Prerequisite: BVS131, BVS132

Course designer(s): Dr Tilak Rao

Objective:

To familiarize students with the pan-Shaastric technical usages and structures in Indic Shaastras and to enable students to self-study Shaastric treatises.

Expected outcomes:

1. Familiarity with technical structures and usages in Indic Shaastras
2. Ability to self-study Shaastras and understand the concepts there in
3. Identify the technical content in the Shaastras and interpret them based on the Shaastric parameters
4. Appreciate the systematic methodology and scientific structure of Shaastras based on their modelling and representation

Syllabus:

Unit – 1: विषयः – विभक्तीनां प्रयोगाः

उद्देश्यम् – कारकविभक्तीनां सम्यक्तया अवगमनम्, उपपदविभक्तीनां ज्ञानम्, सति-सप्तमीप्रयोगस्य अवगमनं, विशेष्यविशेषणयोः सम्बन्धः

Unit – 2: विषयः – समासः

उद्देश्यम् – समस्तपदस्य अर्थावधारणसामर्थ्यवर्धनम्

Unit – 3: विषयः – शास्त्रे उपयुज्यमानानां कृत्तद्धितप्रत्ययानां परिचयः

उद्देश्यम् – शब्दकोशानाम् अनवलम्बनेन प्रसिद्धपदानाम् अर्थनिर्णयः, धातुपाठस्य साहाय्येन स्वतन्त्रतया अर्थग्रहणम्

Unit – 4: विषयः – वाक्यावगमप्रकारः

उद्देश्यम् – शास्त्रीयवाक्यानाम् अर्थस्य सम्यक्तया ग्रहणम्

Unit – 5: विषयः – शास्त्रीयविषयोपस्थापनक्रमः

उद्देश्यम् – भाष्यादिव्याख्यानग्रन्थानां सुलभतया अवगमनम्

Unit – 6:विषयः – पारिभाषिकपदानां परिचयः

उद्देश्यम् – तत्तच्छात्रीयपारिभाषिकपदानां ज्ञानम्

Unit – 7: विषयः – शास्त्रग्रन्थानां पठनाभ्यासः

उद्देश्यम् – शास्त्रग्रन्थानां स्वाध्यायक्रमपरिज्ञानम्

Tutorial:

1. Practice of वाक्यान्वय in simple poems like नीतिशतकम्, सुभाषितावली etc.
2. Identifying the अधिकरण structures in polemic texts
3. Studying commentaries of sUtra literature and noting their interpretations in simple language
4. Identifying technical terms and definitions in a text
5. Working out multiple meanings of compound words like रामेश्वर

Course: Structure and Method of Śāstras​

Course Code: BVS211

Credits: 3

L-T-P ratio: 2-1-0

Hours: 30

Prerequisite: None

Course designer(s): Dr Shrinivasa Varakhedi

Objective: To enable the participants to understand the purpose, structure, methodology and hierarchical classification of Indic sources based in Vedic worldview and to elucidate how to study them.

Expected outcomes:

1. Comprehending the Vedic worldview of knowledge, its purpose and its universal and holistic nature
2. Understanding and identifying the pan-SAstric structure and methodology of Indic knowledge sources

Syllabus:

Unit – 1: Indian world view:

Unit – 2: Indic sources – How to study?

Unit – 3: Introduction to the systematic structures of Vedic science literature

Unit – 4: Role and utilization of structures of Śāstra exposition in interpreting the Śāstra

Unit – 5: Scientific nature of Indic literature

Tutorial (suggested for study):

• Maṇḍala and aṣṭaka structures of Ṛgveda
• Vedāṅga structures
• Link between Saṁhitā and Āraṇyaka sections of Yajurveda
• Structure of Āgama texts
• Structure of Tantra texts
• Structure of Mahābhārata
• Structure of Purāṇas
• Structure of Mahākāvyas
• Caraṇavyūha – Vedalakṣaṇa

References:

1. Prasthāna-bheda by Madhusudana Sarasvati
2. Sanatana Dharma, An elementary Text Book of Hindu Religion and Ethics, Published by the Managing Committee, Central Hindu College, Benaras, 1916

Course: Vedic Sciences 1 – Jyotisha & Vaastu Models​

Course Code: BVS212

Credits: 2

L-T-P ratio: 2-0-0

Hours: 30

Prerequisite: None

Course designer(s): Dr Dinakar Marathe

Objective: To introduce learners to the models of different categories that form the structure of Jyotiṣa Śāstra and to develop primary skills of application in it, and to explore the different models of Vāstu Śāstra proposed through its different schools and to develop a scientific approach towards this subject

Expected outcomes:

1. Understanding of different categories as structures of Jyotiṣa Śāstra and their applications in arriving at outcomes
2. Knowing the multiple structures in which Vāstu Śāstra is applicable along with the different models proposed by different theorists

Syllabus:

Unit 1 – Origin and Development of Jyotiṣa

Unit 2 – Indian models of time calculation & Basic astronomy

Unit 3 – Calculation of ascendant & Planetary Positions

Unit 4 – Origin of Vāstu Śāstra, Models and propagators of Vāstu Śāstra

Unit 5 – The Puruṣa model in Vāstu, processes and infrastructures

Unit 6 – Temple architecture (Mandira-vāstu) & Town Planning (Grāma-vāstu, Nagara-vāstu)

Suggested activities:

• Practice of Lagna Calculation (Jātaka-nirmaṇa)
• Study of residential, temple and town layouts based on understanding of theories of Vāstu

References:

1. Bruhatpārāśara-horāśāstra – parāśara, Chaukhaṃbā Publication, Vārāṇasi
2. Sūryasiddhānta – Rāmacandra Pāṇḍeya, Chaukhambā Publication, Vārāṇasi
3. Bhāratīya-kuṇḍalī-vijñāna, Mīṭhālāla Ojhā, Chaukhambā Publication, Vārāṇasi
4. Graha-nakṣatram, Sampūrṇānanda Sanskṛta University, Vārāṇasi
5. Arvācīna-jyotirvijñāna, Rāmanātha Sahāya, Sampūrṇānanda Sanskṛta University, Vārāṇasi
6. Bhāratīya jyotiṣa śāstrācā itihāsa, Śaṅkara Bāḷakṛṣṇa Dīkṣita, Puṇe
7. Bṛhat-jātaka of Varāhamihira, Motilāla Banarasīdāsa, New delhi
8. Muhurta-cintāmaṇi, Rāma Daivajña, Caukhambā Prakāśana, Vārāṇasi
9. Muhūrta-gaṇapati, Muralīdhara Caturvedī, Motilāla Banarasīdāsa, New Delhi
10. Sūrya-siddhānta, Caukhaṃbā Prakāśana, Vārāṇasi
11. Jātaka-pārijāta, Gopeśa Kumara Ojhā, Motilāla Banarasīdāsa, New Delhi
12. Bṛhat-avakahaḍā-cakram, Kedāradatta Jośi, Motilāla Banarasīdāsa, Delhi
13. Viśvakarmā-prakāśa, Abhaya Kātyāyana, Caukhambā Surabhāratī, Vārāṇasī
14. Bṛhat-saṁhitā, Sureśacandra Miśrā, Rañjana Publications, New Delhi
15. Mayamatam, Bruno Dagens, Indirā Gāndhī National Center for Arts
16. Samarāṅgaṇa-sūtradhāra of bhojarāja, S. K. Sarmā, Parimala Publications, Delhi
17. Bhāratīya vāstuśātra kā itihāsa, Dr. Vidyādhara, Eastern Book Linkers, New Delhi
18. Bṛhat Vāstu Mālā, Rāma Nihora Dvivedī, Caukhambā Surabhāratī Granthamālā, Vārāṇasī
19. Mayamatam, Śailajā Pāṇḍeya, Caukhambā Surabhāratī, Vārāṇasī
20. Vāstu Śāstra Vimarśa, Hari Prasāda Pāṇḍeya, New Bhāratīya book corporation, New Delhi

Semester III​

Course: Digital Communications​

Course Code: BVS331

Credits: 3

L-T-P ratio: 1-1-1

Hours: 15

Prerequisite: None

Course designer(s): T N Sudarshan

Objective: Learn to present ideas/arguments in various forms. Learn skills and tools for basic planning and layout of ideas, projects, presenting knowledge, findings, research.

Expected outcomes:

1. Ability to present problem statements and describe a problem.
2. Ability to present projects and execution plans in concise form.
3. Ability to present findings of research.

Syllabus:

Unit – 1: PROBLEM Communication

Unit – 2: PROCESS Communication

Unit – 3: SOLUTION Communication

Suggested activities:

• Read up on Writing skills. Practice blog writing. Thought on VS courses.
• Practice English presentation skills. Indian language communication (use Sanskrit or any one regional language)
• All students are encouraged to own and design their own websites as part of the BSc Vedic Sciences degree.

Tutorial: Tutorials for making Infographics. DO online tutorials for making videos, flyers, infographics. Use Adobe Spark.

Project: Present projects of Sem 1 and Sem 2 as part of Problem and Process Communication.

References:

1. Are your lights on? – G.Weinberg
2. https://spark.adobe.com/ex/edu/

Course: Understanding Vedic Knowledge Systems 2 – Thought Models​

Course Code: BVS311

Credits: 4

L-T-P ratio: 3-0-0

Hours: 45

Prerequisite: BVS111

Course designer(s): Dr Nagaraj Paturi

Objective: To introduce learners to the ontology, metaphysics, epistemology and thought models in some Indic thought systems

Expected outcomes:

1. Understanding the purpose and thought process of the four thought systems in framing their ontologies
2. Comprehension of the perspectives of the world according to each of the four thought systems
3. Identifying the scope, functions and application of the four thought models

Syllabus:

Unit – 1: Nyāya-Vaiśeṣika System of Thought:

Unit – 2: The System of Sāṅkhya

Unit – 3: The System of Pūrvamīmāṁsā

Unit – 4: The System of Vyākaraṇa

Tutorial:

1. Applying the four thought models to one case
2. Providing comparative ontologies of the different schools of thought
3. Deriving the function and scope of the thought models in the overall Vedic knowledge landscape

References:

1. Tarka-sangraha by Annambhatta by Athalye and Bodas

Course: Vedic Sciences 2 – Aesthetic models​

Course Code: BVS312

Credits: 3

L-T-P ratio: 3-0-0

Hours: 45

Prerequisite: None

Course designer(s): Dr Nagaraj Paturi and Dr Sai Susarla

Objective: To look into the Vedic concepts of aesthetics and creativity; to discuss the various aspects and theories related to poetics and arts in Indic creative knowledge systems and their extension to contemporary art and design.

Syllabus:

Unit – 1: Psychology of Beauty

Unit – 2: Vedas: View of beauty of nature and art

Unit – 3: Prerequisites of creativity: Kāvyahetus: Pratibhā, Vyutpatti, Abhyāsa; Purpose /benefits of poetry (art) Kāvyaprayojanas

Unit – 4: Mother of all Vedic Aesthetic texts: Nāṭyaśāstra

Unit – 5: Kāvyātmā theories: Rasa theory; Dhvani theory; Rīti theory; Alaṅkāra theory; Aucitya theory; Vakrokti theory; Kavisamayas (Poetic conventions)

Semester IV​

Course: Robust Reasoning and Debating​

Course Code: BVS431

Credits: 3

L-T-P ratio: 2-0-1

Hours: 30

Prerequisite: None

Course designer(s): Dr Tilak Rao

Objective:

1. To introduce the reasoning acumen and structured model of debate available in Indian epistemology
2. To equip learners with the skill of debating by closely following the reasoning structure of statements in debate, discourse, discussion etc and present their own points of view and assess the opponent’s / speaker’s point of view

Expected outcomes:

1. Learners will understand the concept of knowledge, its classification and means and system of reasoning in Indian epistemology
2. Learners will be able to identify structures, fallacies in arguments and develop robust reasoning skills

Syllabus:

Unit – 1: Cognition and its means

Unit – 2: Reasoning: Inference, valid and fallacious reasoning

Unit – 3: Debating

Suggested activities:

• Organize debates in the vāda structure
• Test invariable concomitance instances in real life situations and check for fallacies

Tutorial:

• Explore structures of fallacies of cognition and debating in Schools of philosophy other than Nyāya

Project:

• Evaluate the arguments in reasoning exercise books from the vāda perspective

References:

1. Tarkasaṅgraha
2. Pramāṇa-paddhati

Course: Indic Philosophy of Life​

Course Code: BVS411

Credits: 3

L-T-P ratio: 3-0-0

Hours: 45

Prerequisite: None

Course designer(s): Dr Nagaraj Paturi

Objective: Pursuing “philosophy of life” by itself as one of the Indic knowledge systems and understanding Vedic worldview as the context of various Indic knowledge disciplines being pursued.

Expected outcomes:

1. Comprehend the Vedic worldview that governs the social, societal, personal and occupational goals and means in the world
2. Grasp the Vedic outlook regarding life in the here and hereafter and the cycle of life
3. Understand the concepts of Svadharma, free will and duty oriented action vis-a-vis desire driven action

Syllabus:

Unit – 1: Purushārthas; Pravṛtti-mārga – advancing to action; Nivṛtti-mārga – advancing to return; Āśramas – Facilitation for Pravṛtti and Nivṛtti; Varṇas – Organized facilitation for action; Svadharma as governing aspect

Unit – 2: Cycle of life – Iha and Para; Various lokas; Spiritual paths

Unit – 3: Karma theory

Unit – 4: Violence and non-violence – Mutual dependence of Gṛhastha and Sannyāsa

Tutorial:

• Frame a model of the Catuṣṣaṣṭīi-vidyāsthānas into a framework of the Puruśārthas that they address, which varṇa / āśrama they fit for
• Read and discuss the context of ‘svadharme nidhanaṁ śreyaḥ paradharmo bhayāvahaḥ’ from five commentaries of Bhagavadgītā
• Discuss the contexts of ‘mā phaleshu kadācana’ and ‘sarva-dharmān parityaja māmekaṁ śaraṇam vraja’ with regards to abhyudaya and niśśreyas in the life of an individual

References:

1. बलदेव उपाध्याय, संस्कृत साहित्य का इतिहास, शारदा निकेतन, वाराणसी
2. बलदेव उपाध्याय, वैदिक साहित्य और संस्कृति, वाराणसी
3. राधावल्लभ त्रिपाठी, संस्कृत साहित्य का अभिनव इतिहास, विश्वविद्यालय प्रकाशन, वाराणसी
4. Winternitz Maurice, Indian Literature (Vol. I – III), Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi
5. Pujyasri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati, The Vedas, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Sudakshina Trust, Mumbai

Semester V​

Course: Vedic Sciences 3 – Social Sciences and Governance Models​

Course Code: BVS511

Credits: 3

L-T-P ratio: 2-1-0

Hours: 30

Prerequisite: None

Course designer(s): Sumedha Verma Ojha

Objective: To lay out the Indic structure of society, social organization and governance with its close links to Vedic Philosophy; Varṇāśrama-dharma and the four Puruṣārthas as the basis for both social organisation and governance, Dharma as the pivot for governance. Explication of the difference between Western and Indic models of governance.

Expected outcomes:

1. Understanding structures, patterns, models / thought models and rationale of the social organisation of Indic and Western social organisation and governance
2. Contrasting the Western and Vedic worldviews and applying the latter to modern social and governance structures. The Indian worldview has been taken over by Western models but this course will put the Vedic view firmly back into a contemporary understanding with the necessary epistemological adaptations.

Syllabus:

Unit – 1: Social Organisation: The Caste System; Classic Western Views; Varṇāśrama-dharma

Unit – 2: Governance Models: Saptāṅga State Model; Indian examples of Saptāṅga State Applications; A SWOT Analysis using the 7 Prakṛtis

Unit – 3: Placing Indic Models in Perspective: Comparison of Caste System and Varṇa-vyavasthā; Western Foundations of the Caste System; Caste and Social Capital; An Indian Theory of Politics and State Formation based on the Arthaśāstra; Comparison of Classical Western Political Theory with Indian political Theory; Placing Caste into the Current Political Context

Projects:

1. Collection and Analysis of NCRB data to verify evidence of caste atrocities
2. Critiquing Selected Writings of B.R. Ambedkar and E.V. Ramaswamy
3. Rethinking Varṇa in contemporary India
4. Applying the Saptāṅga State Model to the Republic of India
5. Applying “Mitra”, the seventh Prakṛti, to current geopolitics to draw policy conclusions
6. The Welfare State, a modern European concept or an ancient Vedic one?
7. Kauṭilya vs Machiavelli vs Sun Tzu

References:

1. Social Stratification by Dipankar Gupta
2. Homo Hierarchicus by Louis Dumont
3. Inequality Among men by Andre Beteille
4. On Understanding Caste by T.N. Madan
5. Western Foundations of the Caste System by Prakash Shah et al
6. The Heathen in his Blindness by S. Balagangadhara
7. The Arthashastra of Kautilya Tr. R.P. Kangle Vol1-Vol III
8. To Uphold the World by Bruce Rich
9. Indigenous Historical Knowledge Vol1 – Vol IV Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis
10. Caste as Social Capital by R. Vaidyanathan

Course: Understanding Western Knowledge Systems 2 – Processes, models, institutions​

Course Code: BVS521

Credits: 3

L-T-P ratio: 3-0-0

Hours:45

Prerequisite: BVS121

Course designer(s): T N Sudarshan

Objective: Understand the Knowledge creation and dissemination processes in the Hard Sciences and the Soft Sciences

Expected outcomes:

1. For the Hard Sciences
   1. Understand the methodologies of the process of doing Science
      1. Physics
      2. Chemistry
      3. LifeSciences
      4. Economics
   2. The role of Mathematics and Formal Methods in “Science”
   3. Understand the role of development of “Technology”, Understanding of How “Scientific” is Engineering
   4. The PEER REVIEW ecosystem of Science
   5. Journals, Labs, Sharing of work, the markers of “Acceptance”
   6. The role of Science as a handmaiden of Capitalism and GeoPolitics explicated
2. For the Soft Sciences (Humanities, Social Sciences)
   1. Understand the methodologies of the process of doing SocialScience
      1. Sociology
      2. History
      3. Philosophy
      4. Literature
      5. Political Science
   2. The role of Mathematics and Formal Methods in “Social Sciences”
   3. The role of Universities (Hard Sciences) in legitimising Social Sciences
   4. Journals, Labs, Sharing of work, the markers of “Acceptance”
   5. The role of Social Sciences as the principal tool of Power, Propaganda, Policy, Modern Colonisation

Syllabus:

Unit – 1: The Knowledge Life Cycle in the Hard Sciences

Unit – 2: The Knowledge Life Cycle in the Soft Sciences

Unit – 3: Role of Hard Sciences in the Clash of Civilizations

Unit – 4: Role of Soft Sciences in the Clash of Civilizations

Suggested activities:

1. Read and analyse BM Hegde’s: What they don’t teach you in Medical School?
2. Discuss the role of the Indian Judiciary system (designed on Western ideas of Law and Justice) as a tool of Dharma
3. What would a Vedic Sociological model be like? Discuss.

Tutorial:

1. Discuss BM. Hegde’s work
2. Discuss SL Bhyrappa’s, Sitaram Goel ji’s, Dharampal ji’s works
3. https://ourworldindata.org/military-spending – Understand world data, more dimensions

References:

1. Dharampal ji’s Works
2. Sitaram Goel ji, Ram Swarup ji Voice of India Publications
3. Rajiv Malhotra – Being DIfferent, Battle for Sanskrit, AI and Power
4. S N Balagangadhara – All Roads lead to Jerusalem
5. Thomas Sowell – Intellectuals and Society

Semester VI​

Course: Vedic Sciences 4 – Wellness and Psychology Models (Āyurvidyās)​

Course Code: BVS611

Credits: 3

L-T-P ratio: 3-0-0

Hours: 45

Prerequisite: None

Course designer(s): Dr S Sushrutha

Objective:

• Identifying the factors of health from Āyurveda and Yogic systems of medicine
• To offer probable Śāstric methods of healing

Expected outcomes:

• Recognise and plan the lifestyle factors of health

Syllabus:

Unit – 1: Concept of health in Vedic system; Potentiality of a human entity; Role and relevance of Āyurveda and Yoga

Unit – 2: Āyurveda: Ingredients of Sthūla and Sūkṣma-śarīra

Unit – 3: Yoga: States and functions of Citta; Obstacles of mind and methods to overcome as suggested in Yogic system

References:

1. Yogasūtras
2. Haṭhayogapradīpikā
3. Cārucarya

Course: (Vedic term project)​

Course Code: BVSP7

Credits: 8

L-T-P ratio: 0-0-8

Hours: 15

Prerequisite: None

Course designer(s): Mentoring faculty

Objective: To enable learners to author a paper that is of the standard of publication in a double blinded peer reviewed journal in the subject of their choice in Vedic Science with guidance from a mentor

Expected outcomes:

1. The learners will choose a subject in Vedic Science from their learning through the previous semesters to present their work, preferably, a socially useful application / utility of a Vedic science model / framework / function / structure / tool etc. to undertake a minor research project
2. The research output will be published as a paper of the standard of a double blinded peer reviewed journal and encouraged to be sent for publication in WSC, Swadeshi Indology conference, IJHS, KV Sarma Research Foundation journal etc

Syllabus: Mutually decided between the learner and the mentor

Pre-Registration​

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