Central Sanskrit University (CSU), New Delhi, has announced a new two-year postgraduate programme, MA in Mahabharata Studies, in academic collaboration with INDICA. This 90-credit programme aims to provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of the Mahabharata beyond the well-known narrative of the Pandavas and Kauravas conflict.
Programme Overview
The MA curriculum focuses on four broad areas:
- Text: Study of the Mahabharata as Itihasa and Kavya, including original Sanskrit passages, source texts, narrative structures, dialogues, literary traditions, translations, and commentaries.
- Thought: Exploration of philosophical concepts such as Dharma, the four Purusharthas, Bhagavad Gita, Mokshadharma, Atman, and ethical questions related to human choices and responsibility.
- Society: Themes covering Rajadharma, governance, statecraft, diplomacy, social institutions, family relationships, economic life, and environmental concerns.
- Civilisation: Examination of the Mahabharata’s impact on Indian civilisation, including sacred geography, cultural memory, regional traditions, performances, and varying retellings.
Research and Field Learning
Students will engage in classroom learning complemented by research and field-based immersion. The programme encompasses three interconnected components: Text, Research, and Immersion. Participants will have opportunities to interact with scholars, visit cultural institutions, and explore regions and traditions associated with the Mahabharata.
Central UniversityCentral Sanskrit UniversityNew Delhi, DelhiAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1970View details
NAAC A++
NIRF #2 (2025)Jawaharlal Nehru UniversityNew Delhi, DelhiAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1969View details
NAAC A++
NIRF #4 (2025)Jamia Millia IslamiaNew Delhi, DelhiAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1920 · 239 acresView details
NAAC A++
NIRF #5 (2025)University of DelhiNew Delhi, DelhiAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, JEE MainEst. 1922View details
NAAC A++
NIRF #1 Open UniversityIndira Gandhi National Open UniversityNew Delhi, DelhiEst. 1985View detailsSLBSN
Central UniversityShri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit UniversityNew Delhi, DelhiAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1962View detailsSAU
Central UniversitySouth Asian UniversityNew Delhi, DelhiAdmission: Own Entrance, NET/JRFEst. 2010View detailsCapstone Project and Assessment
The course includes a 20-credit Capstone Project, enabling an in-depth research investigation on a chosen topic related to Mahabharata Studies. Public Scholarship activities and a Comprehensive Viva Voce will evaluate students’ grasp of the subject and their ability to communicate research beyond academic writing.
Significance
This programme offers an advanced and holistic approach to Mahabharata Studies, integrating literary analysis, philosophical inquiry, social understanding, and cultural context. It is designed for students seeking a deeper and broader appreciation of one of India’s foundational epics and its influence on Indian civilisation.
