M.A. in Sanskrit Studies (MASS): Degree and Diploma

Overview

idam andhaṃ tamaḥ kṛtsnaṃ jāyeta bhuvanatrayam;

yadi śabdāhvayaṃ jyotir āsaṃsāraṃ na dīpyate. (Daṇḍin, Kāvyādarśa)

"All the three worlds would become blinding darkness if the light called 'word' were not to shine forth to the limits of creation."

The Master’s Program in Sanskrit Studies offers text-based engagements with major forms of Indian intellectual thought in Sanskrit, such as literature, aesthetics, hermeneutics and advances a historical, cultural and linguistic study of Sanskrit language and literature. The course presents a text-critical and exegetical analysis and examines the intertextual links between literary texts. While studying the historical development of Sanskrit literature, this course also explores the continuities and discontinuities between the Sanskritic traditions of classical India and prevailing modes of enquiry in the Sanskrit literary canon.

The program is designed to equip learners with the interpretive and discursive techniques to engage with Sanskrit literatures within the framework of comparative studies. Drawing upon these literatures, it examines how Indian intellectual traditions have shaped societies, cultures, and civilizations. It is aimed at creating a brand of educators and researchers in Sanskrit language and literary studies competent in traditional and modern research methodology. On one hand, this would encourage newfound engagements with classical literatures; on the other, it aides the development of a refined pedagogy for the teaching of Sanskrit language and literature.

The program has been designed to accommodate students from diverse academic backgrounds and offer ample exposure to variety of philosophical subjects such as epistemology, metaphysics, ethics and aesthetics. With a structured curriculum which gradually proceeds from beginners to advance levels of study, it prepares the students to specialize in the subjects which best serve their intellectual growth.

Programs’ objectives

To conduct interdisciplinary studies/research in philosophy of art, literature with humanities and sciences
To engage in debates of social, moral and intellectual importance
To cultivate in-depth understanding of Indian intellectual and cultural traditions
To work with Sanskrit texts and language independently
To pursue autonomous critical engagements with literature and arts
To extend philosophical skills and knowledge in various professional pursuits

Programs’ highlights

Proficiency in Sanskrit language
Critical study and analysis of literary texts
Research oriented focus on linguistics, didactics and philosophy
Hands-on training on Indian and European languages
Critical engagement with interdisciplinary niche areas
Entwined with an international pedagogy rooted in traditional approach
Inter-institutional collaborations and study/research opportunities within India and outside
State-of-the-art facilities
Year exit option with Postgraduate Diploma award