| Unit name | Themes in Modern Hinduism |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS20014 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit is concerned with studying and understanding the development and manifestations of Neo-Hinduism(s) and re-interpretations of traditional Indian religious thought both in India and the throughout the Hindu diaspora today. Such re-interpretations and consequent manifestations, such as the philosophy of Hindutva, began with a process which started in the eighteenth century and was influenced by politicians, orientalists, scholars and missionaries. We shall examine the Indian response to western ideas and how they led to rationalist, universalist and often radically militant Hindu reactions often summed up by the phrase the Hindu Renaissance. This unit will also look at some of the most influential figures and personalities involved in this process such as Gandhi and Ambedkar and analyse some of the key events that have shaped modern Hinduism in the world today. Finally this module will present a picture of Hinduism outside India, in particular the U.K. and examine some of the new Hindu religious movements, such as ISKCON (Often referred to as the Hare Krishnas), that have emerged as a result of western interest in eastern spirituality.
