Master Class on Dharmaśāstra with Nithin Sridhar

INDICA, in collaboration with Central Sanskrit University, announces a two-day, in-person Master Class on Dharmaśāstra with Nithin Sridhar.

This offering continues the academic collaboration between INDICA and Central Sanskrit University through a series of intensive Master Classes exploring foundational dimensions of Indian Knowledge Systems. Earlier programs examined the Mahābhārata with Prof Vishwa Adluri, Bhāratīya Mānas Śāstra with Prof Mala Kapadia, Temple Management in the Āgamas with Dr Deepa Duraiswamy, and Tantrayukti with Prof M. Jayaraman.

Dharmaśāstra is one of Bhārata’s foundational traditions of inquiry into dharma, conduct, responsibility, and collective life. Since dharma cannot be adequately understood through any single modern category such as law, religion, morality, custom, or duty, engaging with Dharma texts requires familiarity with their distinctive concepts and ways of reasoning.

Across two intensive days, the Master Class will introduce participants to the foundations of Dharmaśāstra, key ideas required for understanding Dharma texts, and important tenets of dharma discussed within the tradition. It will also explore their contemporary relevance, application, guidance for everyday life, and possible directions for future research. Case-study discussion and group deliberation will enable participants to examine the application of dharma principles to contemporary issues.

Mandatory Text

All selected participants are required to procure a copy of Chatuh Shloki Manusmriti: An English Commentary by Nithin Sridhar and bring it to the Master Class, as the text will be referred to during the sessions.

The book offers an introduction to the Dharmaśāstra tradition through a detailed commentary on the opening four verses of the Manusmṛti. It examines foundational questions concerning dharma, the purpose and relevance of Dharma texts, and the framework through which these texts may be approached.

Purchase the book on Amazon India

Schedule

Participation and Selection

Participation is through application and selection. A focused cohort will be curated to enable serious engagement and meaningful discussion.

Applicants should apply only if they can attend the complete two-day Master Class and fulfil the mandatory reading requirement. Applications will be reviewed, and selected participants will receive a formal confirmation.

Gratitude-Based Participation

At INDICA, learning is anchored in gratitude, not transaction. This Master Class is offered in reverence for the knowledge we have inherited and for those who choose to engage with it sincerely.

There is no fixed upfront fee for participation. Each program, however, involves significant intellectual, organisational, and financial commitment. The approximate cost per participant for this two-day Master Class is ₹3500.

At the conclusion of the Master Class, participants who feel enriched by the experience may offer Guru Dakṣiṇā in a manner that reflects the value they derive from the learning and their appreciation for the space being created.

Gratitude may also be expressed through action. Carrying forward what is received through study, writing, teaching, mentoring, dialogue, research, or other forms of service is equally valued.

Travel and Accommodation

Participants are requested to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements. INDICA does not provide or coordinate either.

Meals and Refreshments

Tea will be served twice each day, and lunch will be provided on both days.

Certificate of Participation

A Certificate of Participation will be awarded to participants who attend the Master Class in its entirety and fulfil the completion requirements of the program.