Draṣṭā // Course

Rediscovering Indian Knowledge: A Cultural and Educational Exploration through the Works of Śrī Dharampal

This course will delve into the contribution of Śrī Dharampal, a distinguished Indian scholar whose research uncovered the rich educational systems and traditions of pre-colonial India, and rediscover Indian knowledge through his writings.

17 Jun - 19 Jul 2024 Completed
About the Course Session Recordings Takeaways and Audience Know your Instructor

Overview

Śrī Dharampal (1922–2006), was a prolific scholar, historian, and thinker whose work spanned a diverse array of subjects, from education and governance to environmental sustainability and cultural revivalism. Born in the Indian subcontinent, Dharampal ji's journey mirrored the complexities and diversity of his homeland. He traversed the intellectual landscapes with both the curiosity of a scholar and the discernment of a sage, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and provoke critical inquiry.

Central to Dharampal ji's oeuvre is his seminal work, "The Beautiful Tree: Indigenous Indian Education in the Eighteenth Century" (1983), which meticulously documents the robust indigenous educational systems that flourished in pre-colonial India. Through extensive archival research and profound historical insight, Dharampal ji challenges the prevailing narrative of educational backwardness in pre-modern India, demonstrating the vibrancy and effectiveness of traditional educational practices.

In "Civil Disobedience and Indian Tradition" (1971), Dharampal ji delves into the philosophical underpinnings of civil disobedience in the Indian context, drawing upon ancient texts and traditions to illuminate the principles of nonviolent resistance that animated the Indian independence movement. His nuanced analysis sheds light on the enduring relevance of Gandhian philosophy in contemporary struggles for justice and freedom.

Dharampal ji's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development is evident in works such as "The Madras Panchayat" (1972), where he examines the functioning of traditional village councils in southern India, advocating for decentralized governance and community-based decision-making as antidotes to the ecological and social challenges of modernity.

Throughout his life, Dharampal ji embodied the ethos of an "errant pilgrim," journeying across intellectual landscapes in search of truth, justice, and beauty. His writings continue to illuminate paths of inquiry and action, inviting us to engage critically with our past, present, and future. As we embark on this journey through Dharampal ji's work, let us embrace the spirit of inquiry and dialogue that animated his life and scholarship.

Contents

Module 1

Introduction to Dharampal Ji's Work and Contextualizing "The Beautiful Tree"

Overview of Dharampal ji's background and contributions Understanding the historical context of indigenous Indian education in the eighteenth century

Module 2

Structure and Practices of Indigenous Indian Education

Exploring the traditional education systems in the eighteenth century Discussion on the societal and cultural foundations of indigenous education

Module 3

Challenges and Resilience in Indigenous Education

Analyzing the challenges faced by indigenous education Examining the resilience and adaptability of the traditional educational systems

Module 4

Contemporary Relevance of "The Beautiful Tree"

Discussing the implications of Dharampal ji's findings on modern education Exploring how traditional educational principles can inform current educational practices

Module 5

Case Studies and Reflections

Presenting case studies illustrating the application of indigenous educational principles Reflecting on the potential integration of traditional elements into contemporary education systems

Module 6

Indian Science and Technology in the Eighteenth Century

Understanding Dharampal Ji's exploration of science and technology in historical India Analysing the impact of indigenous knowledge on scientific advancements

Module 7

Indian Science and Technology in the Eighteenth Century

Understanding Dharampal Ji's exploration of science and technology in historical India Analysing the impact of indigenous knowledge on scientific advancements

Module 8

Civil Disobedience in Indian Tradition

Examining Dharampal ji's perspective on civil disobedience in the Indian context Reflecting on the Cultural and historical roots of Civil Disobedience in India

Module 9

Civil Disobedience in Indian Tradition

Examining Dharampal ji's perspective on civil disobedience in the Indian context Reflecting on the Cultural and historical roots of Civil Disobedience in India

Module 10

Panchayati Raj and India’s Polity

Exploring Dharampal ji's insights into the traditional Panchayat Raj system Discussing the relevance of Panchayat Raj in contemporary Indian polity

Module 11

Panchayati Raj and India’s Polity

Exploring Dharampal ji's insights into the traditional Panchayat Raj system Discussing the relevance of Panchayat Raj in contemporary Indian polity

Module 12

Essays on Tradition, Recovery, and Freedom

Analyzing key essays addressing the themes of tradition, recovery, and freedom Discussing the relevance of these themes in the context of modern India

Module 13

Essays on Tradition, Recovery, and Freedom

Analyzing key essays addressing the themes of tradition, recovery, and freedom Discussing the relevance of these themes in the context of modern India

Module 14

Bhāratīya Citta, Manas va Kalā / Bhārat kā Svadharma (Hindi)

Understanding the essence of Dharampal ji's writings in Hindi Exploring the cultural and philosophical aspects highlighted in these works

Module 15

Bhāratīya Citta, Manas va Kalā / Bhārat kā Svadharma (Hindi)

Understanding the essence of Dharampal ji's writings in Hindi Exploring the cultural and philosophical aspects highlighted in these works

Session Recordings

Introduction to Dharampal Ji's Work and Contextualizing "The Beautiful Tree"

Module 1

Introduction to Dharampal Ji's Work and Contextualizing "The Beautiful Tree"

Structure and Practices of Indigenous Indian Education

Module 2

Structure and Practices of Indigenous Indian Education

Challenges and Resilience in Indigenous Education

Module 3

Challenges and Resilience in Indigenous Education

Contemporary Relevance of "The Beautiful Tree"

Module 4

Contemporary Relevance of "The Beautiful Tree"

Case Studies and Reflections

Module 5

Case Studies and Reflections

Indian Science and Technology in the Eighteenth Century

Module 6

Indian Science and Technology in the Eighteenth Century

Indian Science and Technology in the Eighteenth Century

Module 7

Indian Science and Technology in the Eighteenth Century

Civil Disobedience in Indian Tradition

Module 8

Civil Disobedience in Indian Tradition

Civil Disobedience in Indian Tradition

Module 9

Civil Disobedience in Indian Tradition

Panchayati Raj and India’s Polity

Module 10

Panchayati Raj and India’s Polity

Panchayati Raj and India’s Polity

Module 11

Panchayati Raj and India’s Polity

Essays on Tradition, Recovery, and Freedom

Module 12

Essays on Tradition, Recovery, and Freedom

Essays on Tradition, Recovery, and Freedom

Module 13

Essays on Tradition, Recovery, and Freedom

Bhāratīya Citta, Manas va Kalā / Bhārat kā Svadharma (Hindi)

Module 14

Bhāratīya Citta, Manas va Kalā / Bhārat kā Svadharma (Hindi)

Bhāratīya Citta, Manas va Kalā / Bhārat kā Svadharma (Hindi)

Module 15

Bhāratīya Citta, Manas va Kalā / Bhārat kā Svadharma (Hindi)

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Key Takeaways

Relevance:

The course will stress the relevance of Dharampal Ji’s ideas and work today, in his opposition to many of the dystopian aspects of existence that are being pushed currently.

Svayambodha:

Śrī Dharampal's thought will be discussed in the context of contemporary ‘post-liberal’ attempts to rethink community, family, and tradition.

Contextualize:

While the focus will be on Śrī Dharampal’s work, the course will also discuss thoughts and ideas propagated by other scholars such as Ivan Illich, Coomaraswamy, SN Balagangadhara, Ashish Nandy, and others.

Who is this course for?

  • This course is ideal for: - Academics, researchers, and students in international relations and public policy seeking deeper insights into global governance. - Government officials and policymakers navigating and shaping policies influenced by international agencies. - NGO and civil society members advocating within the global governance framework. - Traditional knowledge bearers and practitioners safeguarding heritage against supranational influences. - Corporate and business leaders understanding international trade and regulation impacts. - Journalists and media professionals reporting on global governance dynamics. - Interested citizens eager to comprehend the nuances and implications of global governance on national sovereignty.

Know your Instructor

Anurag Shukla

Anurag Shukla

Anurag is a doctoral student at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. He is a recipient of prestigious fellowships such as JPAL and Star Scholars’ Program. His research interests include the discourse technology in education, history of education, decolonizing education, arts and culture, and the civilizational heritage of India.

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