Course Content

Overview
This capstone course offers students the opportunity to conduct a sustained and independent exploration of a selected Śāstric text, integrating rigorous textual analysis, critical thinking, and academic presentation skills. The project is designed to cultivate scholarly autonomy and prepare students for advanced research within the field of Indian Knowledge Systems.

Project Structure

1. Text Selection and Approval
Students will propose a Śāstric text for in-depth study, providing a clear rationale for its selection, relevance, and scope. The faculty will offer guidance, review each proposal, and approve the text based on its academic merit and suitability for the student’s research level. A preliminary research outline will be submitted for review.

2. Independent Research and Analysis
Students will undertake detailed research on the chosen text, including:

• Primary text analysis in Sanskrit.
• Engagement with classical commentaries and relevant secondary literature.
• Investigation into the historical, philosophical, and cultural context of the text.

Key areas of focus include:

• Structural Analysis: Examination of the text’s organization, chapter divisions, and internal logic.
• Thematic Analysis: Identification and interpretation of central philosophical ideas and arguments.
• Comparative Analysis: Evaluation of divergent scholarly interpretations and commentarial traditions.

Students will meet regularly with faculty mentors to receive feedback and maintain scholarly rigor.

3. Presentation Development
Students will prepare a comprehensive academic presentation (oral and/or written) that demonstrates their understanding and interpretive insight. Presentations should:

• Clearly and accurately express the core ideas of the text.
• Integrate relevant textual citations and examples.
• Be logically structured, using appropriate Sanskrit terminology.
• Incorporate visual aids where applicable, to support clarity and engagement.

This component emphasizes the development of scholarly communication and the ability to convey complex ideas effectively.

4. Presentation and Defense
Students will formally present their research findings to faculty and peers, followed by a structured Q&A session. They will be expected to:

• Defend their interpretive positions with clarity and evidence.
• Critically address alternate viewpoints or objections.
• Demonstrate self-awareness in evaluating their research approach, including challenges faced and strategies for resolution.
• Articulate how the project has advanced their preparedness for further academic inquiry.

Assessment Criteria

• Text Selection and Research Plan – 10%
• Research Progress and Engagement – 20%
• Presentation Quality – 30%
• Defense and Justification of Interpretations – 40%

Emphasis Areas

• • Methodology: Application of appropriate research techniques in Śāstric studies, including textual criticism and philosophical analysis.
  • Critical Thinking: Ability to synthesize complex materials and offer well-reasoned interpretations.
  • Academic Communication: Proficiency in presenting sophisticated content clearly and persuasively.
  • Scholarly Self-Evaluation: Capacity to assess personal learning processes, recognizing areas for improvement and future growth.