HIST086 - HIST, CULT, EARLY INDIA

Status
O
Activity
LEC
Title (text only)
HIST086 - HIST, CULT, EARLY INDIA
Term
2011C
Subject area
HIST
Section number only
401
Section ID
HIST086401
Meeting times
TR 1030AM-1200PM
Meeting location
CLAIRE M. FAGIN HALL (NURSING 216
Instructors
ALI, DAUD
Description
This course surveys the culture, religion and history of India from 2500 BCE to 1200 CE. The course examines the major cultural, religious and social factors that shaped the course of early Indian history. The following themes will be covered: the rise and fall of Harappan civilization, the Aryan invasion and vedic India, the rise of cities, states and the religions of Buddhism and Jainism, the historical context of the growth of classical Hinduism, including the Mahabharata, Ramayana and the development of the theistic temple cults of Saivism and Vaisnavism, processes of medieval agrarian expansion and cultic incorporation as well as the spread of early Indian cultural ideas in Southeast Asia. In addition to assigned secondary readings students will read select primary sources on the history religion and culture of early India, including Vedic and Buddhist texts, Puranas and medieval temple inscriptions. Major objectives of the course will be to draw attention to India's early cultural and religious past and to assess contemporary concerns and ideologies in influencing our understanding and representation of that past.
Course number only
086
Cross listings
RELS164401SAST003401
Use local description
No
LPS Course
false