M.A. (Jainology and Prakrit)

M.A. (Jainology and Prakrit)

(This programme will be conducted in offline mode.)

Programme details for Academic year 2025-2026

Date of Commencement: 14th July 2025

Days & Timings : Monday to Thursday; 11.00 am to 4.00 pm

Jainism is an ancient Indian religious and philosophical tradition, which has unbroken continuity up to the present day. Two prominent schools developed within this tradition very early in its history: the Digambara and Shwetambara sects. In this program students will be introduced to the textual tradition of both the sects. An important feature of this program is the study of Prakrit over the two-year period, with well-designed elective options that will introduce students to the texts in their original medium in Ardhamagadhi.

The programme features distinctive features of Jainism and its historical development in the Indian religious context; the contribution to Jainism to the development of Language, Art and Architecture, Logic, Philosophy and Education is a theme that is also explored. Language proficiency, which prepares students for further research in this field.

The programme calendar at the institute includes seminars and workshops that add to the depth of the curriculum.

 

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Key Information

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Admission Details

Eligibility

1. B. A. in Jainology or Graduate in any other discipline with Diploma in Jainology or Diploma in Prakrit Language and Literature.

2. Students from disciplines other than jainology must have cleared the Diploma in Jainology or Diploma in Prakrit Language and Literature or they have to take an entrance exam.

3. Exceptional candidates who has not done degree or diploma in jainology or Prakrit, may be considered, based on an interview. In case selected, they have to undergo the entrance exam.

4. A score of minimum 40% is required in the entrance exam.

Pedagogy

Teaching-learning occurs in lecture format. Students are encouraged to actively participate in seminars and workshops that are regularly organised. Field trips are also scheduled whenever possible, to sites of Jain heritage.

Curriculum

 
 
 
Semester I Semester II
Jain History and Culture Jain Adhyātma (Samayasāra) 1-68 Gāthā
Prākṛta Language and its Development Jain Āgama Literature in Prākṛta
Elective  1 Elective  1
Ahiṃsā and Three Jewels (Acārāṅga) Adhyayana-1-4 Jain Ethics: Āchārmimāṃsā
Jain Epistemology (Pravacansāra)  Jain Philosophy of Karma and Liberation-A
Elective 2 Elective  2
Māhāraṣṭri Language and Literature Śaurseni- Language and Literature
Introduction to Māgadhī Prākṛta Ardha-māgadhī – Language and Literature
Workshop Iconography
  Workshop
Semester III Semester IV
Jain Cosmology (Loka mimāṃsā) Dissertation
Prākṛta Linguistics Elective
Elective  1 Jain Educational System (Uttarādhyāyana) - Vinayasutta
Sarvajñasiddhi and Anekāntavāda (Āpta-mimāṃsā, chapter 1, 2, 8, 9 and 10) Jain Logic (Prameyratnamālā) 1-2 samuddeśa
Jain Philosophy of Karma and Liberation-B Jain Yoga and Meditation (Jñānārnava) 3-4 Chapter
Elective 2 Workshop
Muktaka and Saṭṭaka in Prākṛta  
Apabhramśa Language and Literature  
Elective 3  
Critical Concepts in Religious Studies  
Workshop  

Differentiators

The Centre for Studies in Jainism has consistently designed curriculum in ways that addresses the learning needs of the community who can engage full time, as well as those who pursue their passion part-time, at their own pace. Faculty have diverse areas of interest and syllabus reflects this in the elective options offered.

The M.A. (Jainology and Prakrit) is a unique programme, offered specifically for students who wish to prepare for research and includes language skills which are an essential skill.

The K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies has a library with over 30,000 books, which is an important resource.

In addition to the workshops that are an integral part of this programme, students can attend seminars, workshops and field trips that are offered by the institution across various disciplines. This creates opportunities of learning beyond the classroom and permits interaction with students pursuing different interests: this is a key feature of the learning experience on our campus.

Programme Outcomes

At the end of successful completion of the course the student will have:

  • A firm foundation in the principles of Jainism.
  • Read selections from both traditions and become familiar with reading original sources.
  • Developed language skills to pursue further study and research.
  • Gained an insight into Jain philosophy.
  • Have a deeper understanding of the tradition as it is lived today

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