Vedic Literature
Course code
HIL6131.HT
old course code
HIL6131
Course title in Estonian
Veedade ja tehniline kirjandus
Course title in English
Vedic Literature
ECTS credits
4.0
Assessment form
Examination
lecturer of 2025/2026 Autumn semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
lecturer of 2025/2026 Spring semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
Course aims
To examine the sacred Vedic literature of India and myriad of so-called technical (scientific) literature that arises from Vedic literature (law, grammar, historiography, politics, eroticism, philosophy etc.).
Brief description of the course
Lectures start with Vedic era (1200-500 BC) and Vedic literature, religious and philosophical literature, which is a base for all subsequent classical Indian culture. Lectures deal with three main textual layers: vedas, brahmanas and āranyakas, upanishads. We also focus on the mythology of the Rgveda, magic of Atharvaveda and rituals of Yajurveda. Next we look into the technical literature: traditional laws on dharmasutras and smritis; historical writings and inscriptions; school of grammar by Panini; politics of Arthasastra; medical theories of Ayurveda; philosophical writings and erotic literature (Kamasutra).
Learning outcomes in the course
Upon completing the course the student:
- has the ability to distinguish the important Vedic literary genres;
- has the knowledge further independent analysis of religion;
- has the ability to read literary texts of the Vedas
- has the ability to distinguish the important Vedic literary genres;
- has the knowledge further independent analysis of religion;
- has the ability to read literary texts of the Vedas
Teacher
Martti Kalda
Study programmes containing that course