SOUTH ASIA COLLEGE OF THEOLOGY & MISSION
Course Syllabus
Academic Year: 2025-2026 for Under Graduate
Department: Religion
Programme: Bachelor of Theology
Semester – III
Course: Major Religion in India
Course Code: BT.-----
Credits: 3 credit hours
Mode: Offline
Course Description
India is one of the diverse countries in the world. Few countries can boast such an extensive and
diverse religious heritage as India. It is the Birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism,
home to a large Muslim community, as well as to the small, but ancient, communities of Syrians
Christians, Parsis and Jews. The course gives a brief historical overview of these religious traditions,
introduces students to basic concepts related to each of them, and illustrates their rich practices
through primary and secondary readings, films, art and music.
Course Goals
The primary goal of a course on major religions in India is to provide a comprehensive understanding
of the diverse religious landscape of the country, including their origins, core beliefs, practices, and
societal impacts. At the end of this course students are expected to master the key concepts and
practices associated with religions covered in class, as well as to gain understanding of the complex
network of inter religious relations in Indian subcontinent. Last but not the least is the ability to
evaluate critically impact and implications of colonialism, modernity, and globalization on the study
of religion.
Learning Outcomes
1. The student will have the ability to analyse the interconnectedness of these religions, identify
key figures and texts, and understand their evolution and influence on Indian society and
culture.
2. Students should be able to trace the historical development of major religions like
Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, and Sikhism, including their origins, key periods, and
geographical spread.
3. Students should understand that each major religion is not monolithic, but rather
encompasses diverse schools of thought, practices, and interpretations
4. Students should be able to examine the historical and contemporary interactions and
relationships between different religious traditions in India.
Course Outline
UNIT 1 The Hinduism Religion
1.1. Origin of Hinduism
1.2. Hindu Scripture
1.3. Principal Hindu Beliefs
1.4. Structure of Hindu Society
1.5. Hindu Festivals
UNIT 2. The Islam Religion
2.1. The Origin of Islam
2.2. The Pillars of Islam
2.3. The Holy Scripture
2.4. The Messenger of Islam
UNIT 3. The Sikhism Religion
3.1. The Origin of Sikhism
3.2. The Ten Sikh Gurus and their works
3.3. The Sikh Festivals
UNIT 4. The Buddhism Religion
4.1. The Origin of Buddhism
4.2. The Essence of Buddhism
4.3. The Four Noble Truths
4.4. Noble Eight- Fold Path
4.5. Five Precepts
4.6. Wheel of Life
4.7. Buddhist Scripture
4.8. Buddhist Festivals
4.9. Places of Pilgrimage
4.10 Buddhist Rituals
5. The Jainism Religion
5.1. The Origin of Jainism
5.2. Principal features Teaching of Jainism
5.3. Rule of Conducts
5.4. Jain Scripture
5.5. Jain Pilgrimage
5.6. Prayer of Jain
References/Suggested Reading:
K.S Bhalla, Major religions in India, Publication: Star Publications, New Delhi
Pashaura Singh, The Bhagat Singh Reader. Oxford University Press, 2014.
Mittal, Sushil, and Gene Thursby, eds. Religions of India. Second edition. New York: Routledge,
2018.
Susunaga Weerapiruma, Major religion in India, New Insight into Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism,
Sikhism, New York: Motilal Banarsidass Publishing House,1998
Evaluation Criteria:
1. Reading Report: The student must complete all of the required reading. Reading
assignments are broken down week by week. The Reading Report will indicate the
amount of required reading that has been completed during the semester and must be
filled out and submitted at the end of the course. 20%
2. Class Interaction and Participation: students must attend all the classes that allow for
self-reflection and encourage deepening your commitment to your personal faith.
Through the attending classes you’ll further your understanding of the course and
strengthen your beliefs. 10%
3. Research Paper: Establish and present an argument after a critical examination and
reflection on existing views, biblical texts, theological questions, etc. External resources
are used (and properly cited using the appropriate citation style) in conjunction with your
own evidence to support the claims you make within your argument. 10%
4. Class Test: The Course administers both supervised and unsupervised testing and
examination methods for completion of an assigned course. 20%
5. Examination: 40%
