The schools of the Vedas play a significant role in the Vedic and the post-Vedic religious tradition and have remained an ever-inspiring subject of study on traditional as well as modern lines.  The systematization of the mantra-material into the SaØhitÂs of four Vedas and the expansion of the latter into different ïÂkhÂs and caraàas evince a colossal intellectual activity on part of the ancient teachers and their followers. A historical study of these schools focuses generally on their development and inter-action, mutual influence and borrowings, hierarchy and conflicts, survival of some of the ïÂkhÂs and extinction of some others and so on. In recent decades, much research has been done and new material on the Vedic schools has been brought to light. Nevertheless, much scope still remains for further research.

We, at ìrÍ BÂlamukunda Lohiy Centre of Sanskrit and Asian Studies of Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune, propose to organize a two-day seminar on “The Vedic Schools” on 8th and 9th December, 2001 on our campus. It gives us great pleasure to invite you for the said seminar. Below are given some of the topics for papers for your consideration:

  1.   Development of Vedic ïÂkhÂs

  2.    Inter-action between the ïÂkhÂs

  3.    ìÂkh and caraàa

  4.    Vedic schools and historical geography

  5.    Vedic schools and epigraphy

  6.    Vedic schools and MÍmÂØsÂ

  7.    Vedic schools and grammatical literature

  8.    Vedic schools and PurÂàas

  9.    Vedic schools and PrÂtiïÂkhyas

10.    Socio-religious study of Vedic schools

You are welcome to choose one of these or any other topic related to the theme of the seminar. The last date for submitting the abstract of your paper, in about 300 words, is 31st October 2001. Further details of the seminar will be communicated to you in due course.

We request you to communicate your consent at the earliest, but not later than 30th September 2001. You may use e-mail address for faster communication: <bahulkar@vsnl.com>

You will be paid three-tier AC or first class railway fare from your place of residence in India to Pune and back. Local hospitality will be our pleasure.

We hope you will help us make the seminar a success.

Yours sincerely,

S. S. Bahulkar

Director,

B.L. Centre of Sanskrit & Asian Studies

Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth,

Vidyapeeth Bhavan,

Gultekadi, Pune 411 037 India.

Phones: (+ 91) (20 ) 426 4699 / 1856 / 7888 (O); 426 8974 (P); 437  4422 (R)