INDICA
Presents An Online Symposium On
SHASTRIC RESPONSES TO CONTEMPORARY CRITICISM
Hindu texts, traditions, and philosophies continue to face diverse critiques in contemporary discourse.
These critiques primarily target foundational texts including the Vedas, Vedic darshanas, Dharma Shastra, Itihasas, and Puranas, with particular emphasis on their treatment of social, community, and gender issues within their codes, narratives, and characterizations.
Since the colonial period, responses to these critiques have emerged from shaastra scholars, addressing two main sources of criticism:
- External critics: Christian missionaries, European Indologists, and scholars of Indian languages, literature, culture, and religion
- Internal critics: Hindu reformists from movements such as Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj, along with modernist Hindu Indologists, rationalists, and Marxists
In recent years, both lay practitioners and Hindu intellectuals have joined this discourse, often identifying misunderstandings and misinterpretations in these critiques.
In order to review the earlier historical responses as well as consolidate contemporary responses, INDICA is pleased to invite you to an online symposium on January 25th showcasing historical and contemporary shaastric responses to these criticisms.
We welcome speakers in two categories:
1. Scholars presenting historical shaastric responses from the colonial period onward
2. Scholars presenting original shaastric responses to contemporary critiques
The symposium is open to both traditional shaastra scholars and contemporary academics/intellectuals with deep understanding of shaastric traditions.
In order to participate, please write to us at namaste@indica.org.in
January 25th 9.00 AM to 5.00PM
