REL 335 - Hindu Law in Theory and Practice

Credits: 3
This course introduces Hindu law, in both historical and comparative perspectives. We begin with introductory reflections on the nature and role of law in society and the relationship between religion and state in the law in general, and in India in particular. Other topics covered include the origins of Hindu law in priestly ritual codes, political theory, and local custom; Dharma as religious jurisprudence; premodern legal practice; British attempts to codify Hindu law; Hindu personal law in modern India; and the controversy over religion and secularism in the courts today, including the constitutional definition of “Hindu;” attempts to legislate against disapproved religious practices; and disputes over sacred spaces. We close with comparisons with legal reasoning about religion in America, Israel, and England, based on court cases. (HU, GE4d) Lubin.