Hindu Studies: The best courses to understand the oldest religion in the world

Across cultures and continents, people continue to be drawn to the teachings, rituals, and philosophies that have guided humanity for centuries.

With this, religious studies have become a field of interest, with one of them being Hindu Studies. 

Think of life-long wisdom that has been shaping human lives for thousands of years, from the stories of Mahabharata and Ramayana to the philosophical depths of the Bhagavad Gita, the Song of God. 

Hindu Studies offers seekers a doorway into one of the oldest worldviews, a system that has influenced not only the East but also globally.

Hinduism is also known as Sanatana dharma, meaning “immemorial way of right living.” Source: AFP

The oldest religion in the world

Often called the “world’s oldest religion,” Hinduism dates back over 4,000 years — possibly even further.

But unlike most religions, Hinduism doesn’t have a singular founder or starting point. It’s more of a giant mountain of beliefs, practises, and traditions that evolved over the years, woven together into a spiritual journey. 

The thing is, Hinduism isn’t just a religion; it’s a way of life.

It includes everything from karma to dharma, and of course, reincarnation — the idea that you might come back in the next life as a billionaire, or, you know, a cat. 

Hindus also have several gods and goddesses, each with their own personality and power. You’ve got Vishnu, the preserve of the universe; Shiva, the destroyer; and Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, to name a few. 

We can say that it’s amazing how Hinduism has stood the test of time. Despite being so ancient, it’s still thriving with over 1.1 billion Hindus in the world and roughly 94% of them live in India, according to Pew Research Centre.

What do you learn in Hindu Studies?

Hindu Studies give you front-row seats to understanding the spiritual, cultural, and historical dimensions of Hinduism.

But it’s not just about dusty old books and ancient temples; it’s about understanding how this religion influences everything from yoga and meditation practises to Bollywood movies and everyday life in India and beyond.

Ever wondered why there are festivals where people throw colours and each other? Or why does Ganesha, the elephant-headed god mean so much to Hindus? 

Pursuing Hindu Studies at an accredited university may just point you to the best answers.

Whether you’re a seeker of wisdom, a lover of ancient stories, or just someone curious about other cultures, Hindu Studies could be something for you to explore.

8 universities that offer Hindu Studies worldwide

India is a major exporter of international students and is the largest source of international graduate students in the US. So, understanding a little more about the country’s biggest religion could help you navigate personal and professional relationships better. Source: AFP

1. The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Badora (MSU)

Formally known as Badora College, MSU is a public university located in the city of Vadodara, Gujarat, India that offers a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Hindu Studies.

Through this programme, you will learn about Hindu civilisation and how to articulate the position of Hindu values in the 21st century. After three years, you’ll understand the conceptions of Hinduism and how it affects individuality, family, relationships, society, states, environment, and the entire cosmos.

The programme costs US$166.54 per year for local students; the prices for international students are not listed. 

2. Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies (OCHS)

In collaboration with the University of Oxford, the OCHS, an academic research centre, was established over 25 years ago to study Hindu cultures, societies, philosophies, religions, and languages.

Now, the OCHS is offering online courses for those interested in Hinduism, Sanskrit, and yoga studies. All courses are led by specialists in their field. You can choose such as colonial Hinduism, Hindu philosophy, a study of Dharma, and Gender, and women in the Hindu World.

The fees range from US$133 to US$227, depending on the course. No extra materials are required for the courses and you’ll be given lifetime access to existing materials.

OCHS is also in partnership with Princeton University to offer online courses in Hindu Studies.

 

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3. University of Virginia

At the University of Virginia, US, getting a degree in Hindu Studies is done a little differently. You must first enrol in a BA or MA in Religious Studies. 

Once you have completed your first year, you’ll be required to declare your major and concentration, it is only then you’ll be able to receive a degree in Hindu Studies.

The courses you can choose from are Hinduism and Ecology, The History of Yoga, Hinduism Through its Narrative Literature, The Hindu Epics, and Languages of Love in South Asia: Bhaki and Beyond.

The fees for the BA in Religious Studies range from US$58,142 to US$83,658 per year. The MA in Religious Studies costs approximately US$26,506 annually for international students.

4. Nalanda University

Located in the ancient city of Rajgir in the Bihar state of India, Nalanda University has an MA in Hindu Studies, also known as Sanātana Dharma. In the programme, you’ll learn about different streams of Hindu Studies through culture, thought, ritual, and spirituality.

The fee for a two-year MA programme is US$2,066, which includes admission, tuition, miscellaneous, and security deposit fees.

A fun fact about Nalanda University was that it was first founded in 427 CE, more than 500 years before Oxford University was founded. It flourished for over 800 years till the end of the 12th century CE. The university was later re-established again in 2010.

Chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Mukesh Ambani, the richest person in Asia and 9th richest in the world, studied at the University of Mumbai. Source: AFP

5. University of Mumbai

Ranked third on the list of oldest universities in India, the University of Mumbai offers a two-year MA in Hindu Studies programme for those looking to have a good understanding of Sanskrit, Hindu practises, and the foundational principles underlying Hindu civilisation, society, and culture.

Courses include Introduction to Sanskrit, Tattva Vimarsha (Hindu Dharma), Dharma-Karma Vimarsha, Western Methods of Understanding Discourse, and Introduction to the Puranas.

The tuition fee for the MA programme ranges from US$2,117.35 to US$12,323.43 annually.

The University of Mumbai has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies to offer a course on temple management, according to The Indian Express.

6. Sri Sri University

Ranked second in its state of top private universities in India by the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF), Sri Sri University is located in Odisha, India and offers an MA in Hindu Studies programme.

At the end of the master’s programme, you’ll have a deep level of understanding of Hindu principles, practises, and values of its history, philosophy, society, culture, and civilisation. You’ll also gain a level of working proficiency in the Sanskrit language.

The total programme’s tuition fee is US$416.34 and can be completed in two years.

Diwali, Holi, Navaratri, Makar Sankranti, and Janmashtami are a few of the major celebrations celebrated by the Hindus. Source: AFP

7. Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU)

Nestled in the corner of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, CSJMU is a university for you to look into if you’re interested in pursuing an MA in Hindu Studies. 

Attending CSJMU’s programme will mean that you will learn analytical methods to understand Hinduism, Sanskrit, Hindu practises, and the foundational principles underlying Hindu civilisation and its culture.

The programme will be approximately US$237.91 for two years. Students who attained a three or four-year bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply, including students with degrees in the sciences, engineering, and medicine.

8. Hindu University of America

Located in Groveland, Florida, the Hindu University of America offers an MA in Hindu Studies that can be completed in two years as a full-time student.

Throughout the programme, you will understand the Western perspective on Hinduism which often portrays itself as fundamentally inconsistent, contradictory, hierarchical, or oppressive, and the Hindu civilisation’s self-perception, rooted in its own scriptures, traditions, cultural expressions, and spiritual practises.

Do take note that this university is unaccredited but is authorised by the State of Florida as a religious institution that is exempt from state oversight.

The total tuition for the programme is US$18,000.