The Abhinavagupt Institute of Aesthetics and Shaiva Philosophy, under Lucknow University's Sanskrit department, will now offer a PhD in 'Tantraagam,' the academic and philosophical derivations of the occult and Shaiva philosophy, reports TOI.
According to Tribune, the institute will also offer diploma courses in aesthetics and ¡®Natyasastra¡¯ (an ancient treatise on dramaturgy).
Postgraduates in Sanskrit will be able to pursue the PhD and diploma courses.
Brijesh Shukla, the dean, said, "We are introducing afull-fledged paper on Shaiva philosophy and aesthetics at post-graduation levelin our M.A (Sanskrit) course and will be conducting doctoral studies inSanskrit on the topic of Tantraagam and Kashmiri Shaiva philosophy from thissession."
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He said the subject is taught in a few universities and adegree in Tantraagam is awarded in Banaras Hindu University.?He said that a total of 16 PhD seats are there inSanskrit, of which five seats will be under the Shaiva school under which theresearch will be held on these two topics.
"Acharya Abhinavagupta, who studied all the schools ofphilosophy, is known for 'Tantraloka', an encyclopedic treatise on all thephilosophical and practical aspects of Trika and Kaula (also known as KashmirShaivism). Research on major works of Abhinavgupta will be conducted," hesaid.
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The institute was founded on August 5, 1968, by Prof KCPandey, an expert in Shaivism, deeply influenced by the writings ofAbhinavgupta.
It produced many scholars in the eighties and nineties butgradually became defunct due to the retirement of teachers and dearth ofsuitable candidates for the job. The institute has now been revamped with helpof government grants.
Facebook image courtesy: Lucknow University