This module focuses on the transformations of Hinduism during modernity and late modernity while covering, as background, the development of Hinduism and the bhakti movements during the Islamic rule. Central to our historical approach will be attention to the growth and development of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
Course Summary
One of the key objectives of this module is to understand the history of modern Hinduism as part of the cultural, social, and philosophical context of its time, attending especially to how the tension between nondualistic and personalistic worldviews takes varied shapes in these contexts. The module will also provide a detailed understanding of the lives and teachings of the Hindu reformers (Vivekananda, Ramakrishna, Aurobindo, Gandhi etc.) most influential for the development of modern Hinduism. This module will enable students to understand the challenges that Hindus and Vaishnavas have faced during and after the colonial period, particularly with reference to key figures such as Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati and A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. It will also foster analytical thinking about the emergence of missionary movements and modern religious institutions in the context of contemporary India and globalization.
This module was part of Bhaktivedanta College’s former undergraduate Theology and Religious Studies degree.
Lecture topics
There are ten recorded lectures (approx. 6 h in total).
- The Moghul Influence (971-1757).
- The Rise of Popular forms of Hinduism.
- Hinduism and the British (1650 – 1950).
- Christianity and Hinduism: a consideration of the settlements, impressions and influence of Christian missionaries on the Hindu tradition.
- 19th Century Bengal and the rise of the Bhadraloka (intellectual elite of Bengal).
- Ram Mohan Roy and the Brahmo Samaj.
- Dayananda Sarasvati and the Arya Samaj.
- Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Vivekananda.
- Aurobindo Ghose: a consideration of his life, teachings and influence.
- Bhaktivinoda and Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati.
- Gandhi: a study of his life, main religious teachings, and his attitude to modernity caste and gender.
- Hindu Nationalism and Hinduism as a World Religion: a consideration of contemporary trends in Hinduism today and issues surrounding its emergence as a world religion.
- Bhaktivedanta Swami, ISKCON and Hindu Reform: a consideration of ISKCON as a reform movement in the context of modern Hindu reform movements.
Certificate of Attendance
Schedule
Self-study course: In the self-study mode, students can start and finish whenever they want as they immediately get access to all course materials.
Registration
Modern Hinduism self-study course can be attended without any special prerequisites. Students do need to have basic knowledge of the bhakti-yoga philosophy in order to understand the topics presented in the course.
By clicking the enrollment button, you will be required to create a profile on BCOC – Bhaktivedanta College Online Campus (if you don’t have one already) and then proceed with the payment.
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