M. A. (Hindu Studies)

(This programme will be conducted in offline mode.)

Programme details for Academic year 2026-2027

Commencement Date: 13th July 2026
Days: Monday to Friday 
Timing: 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
(depending upon the timetable)

The M.A. Hindu Studies programme offers students an opportunity to explore Hinduism as a diverse and evolving tradition encompassing a wide range of philosophies, beliefs, practices, and cultural expressions. Rather than focusing on a single doctrine, the programme presents Hinduism as a dynamic way of life that has shaped the social, cultural, and spiritual fabric of the Indian subcontinent over centuries.


Through an interdisciplinary approach, the programme provides a strong academic foundation for advanced study and research. Students engage with Hindu traditions from historical, socio-cultural, philosophical, and textual perspectives, gaining an understanding of their diversity and complexity. The curriculum also examines the relationship between texts and lived practices, interactions with other religious traditions, the role of devotion and faith in social and cultural movements, and the modern expressions of Hinduism, including in diaspora communities worldwide.


Overall, the programme helps students develop critical thinking, research skills, and a deeper understanding of one of the world’s most influential and enduring traditions.
 

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Key Information

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Admission Details

Eligibility

1. Graduation in any discipline with minimum of 55%

2. Exceptional candidates with a score lower than 55% may be considered, based on an interview.

Pedagogy

The teaching-learning will occur largely in lecture format but students will also do site visits to understand the historical and art historical aspects; workshops on various religious dimensions, such as rituals and Vedic chanting, would form an important part of engagement. Throughout the two-year period, the pedagogy will also ensure that students are equipped with methodological tools that help them frame questions for research.

Curriculum

 
 
Semester I Semester II
Religions of the World Sources of Hinduism
Critical Concepts in Religious Studies Dharmaśāstra
Indian Philosophical Systems Ancient Indian Temple
Introduction to Ancient Indian Languages - Prākṛta, Sanskrit & Pāli  Sanskrit Language – I
Research Methodology - I Research Methodology - II
Elective Elective
Defining Hinduism State, Wealth and Kingship
Archaeological Sources of Buddhist History Natural Theology
Socially Engaged Buddhism Travelling Stories
Jain History and Culture On Job Training/Field Project
Semester III Semester IV
Core Papers Core Papers
Sects of Hinduism Sacred Landscape and Pilgrimages
Ancient Educational Tradition Critique and Reforms of the Religion
Bhakti Traditions in India Ancient Indian Aesthetics (Rasa and Dhvani)
Sanskrit Language Sanskrit Language
Elective  Elective
Cultural History of Ancient India - I  Spiritual Practices of Yoga and Tantra
Art History - I Art History – II
Upaniṣads Myths, Symbols and Iconography
Bhagavadgītā - I Bhagavadgītā - II
Research project Dissertation

For detail Curriculum please refer below link

First Year Curriculum
 Second Year Curriculum

Differentiators

Our institute has been leading the field of religious studies in Mumbai and indeed in Maharashtra by developing rigorous programmes that include languages skills, textual study, philosophy and art and architecture. The faculty of our institute bring to bear our considerable experience as well as the diverse nature of our specialisations to a unique curriculum.

The MA (Hindu Studies) programme offers students the possibility of exploring their interest in the historical development of the tradition, textual study, philosophy and art and architecture. Language skills are built into the curriculum, with Sanskrit as a compulsory audit course.

The K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies has a library with over 30,000 books, which is an important resource

The K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies regularly organises special lectures, seminars and workshops on different themes in areas of Religion, Culture and Philosophy. In addition, there are field trips to heritage sites. This offers students opportunities to meet students of other disciplines in informal learning forums which is an unmatched experience.

Programme Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the programme, the student will have a clear understanding of:

  • The sources of Hindu tradition
  • The various religious and spiritual practices that form the basis of Hindu life
  • The cultural manifestations of this tradition in literature, art and architecture
  • The impact of patronage
  • Debates and reform
  • Hinduism today

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