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 Madras University was the first in India to set up a department for the study of philosophy. Established in 1927 by Dr S S Suryanarayana Shastri, it was later renamed Dr. S.Radhakrishnan Institute for Advanced Study (RIAS) in Philosophy, after the late
Philosopher-President of India. Subsequently, in the mid-1980s, four other departments - the St. Thomas Department of Christian Studies and the Departments of Saiva Siddhanta, Vaishnavism and Jainology - were added on and all together form the University's School of Philosophy and Religious Thought. The five departments are run on an endowment fund of Rs.15 lakh collected for each of them. Another fund for a like amount was collected at the same time for a department of Islamic studies as well, but the project never took
off.
The courses are open to everyone keen on learning. As Dr.Felix Wilfred, head of the St.Thomas Institute, explains, bringing the courses into mainstream academics has led students of one religion to relate with the traditions of other religions. The atmosphere is secular and one of open-mindedness. Some Christian students have passed out of the departments of Saiva Siddhanta and Vaishnavism. Besides, the introduction of the credits system has resulted in Hindu students from departments like English Literature studying Christianity. Music students, irrespective of their religion, seem to prefer a course on Vaishnavism. Often students of universities abroad come to study here.
While at the RIAS, the main study is of Indian Philosophy, the focus is on Advaita and Vedanta. The department has a well-equipped library with over 30,000 books. More than 100 students have completed their Ph.D. and 55 their M Phil programmes here. Dr.N.Vasupal, head of Jainology, says not too many non-Jains opt for Jainology, primarily because a basic knowledge of "prakrit" is essential. Although the medium of instruction for all courses is English, most religious texts are in languages like Sanskrit, Prakrit or Tamil. Knowledge of the language is an asset. The Department of Vaishnavism conducts courses in Sanskrit. If necessary, students of Saiva Siddhanta and Jainology take these courses or study at the Sanskrit Department of the University.
The courses include the basics of Indian and Western Philosophy, Yoga, Vedanta and
other aspects. The Jainology MA programme covers Jain philosophy, art and architecture. The focus of the Vaishnavism course is on the teachings of the Ramanuja School. The Saiva Siddhanta deals with a school of Shaivism popular in South India. The St.Thomas Institute looks at all branches of Christianity. The course is more relevant to Christianity as practised in Tamil Nadu. Dr.P.Krishnan, head of Saiva Siddhanta, agrees that there is need to relate the courses to the demands of the modern world. As of now, students of Jainology, Saiva Siddhanta and Vaishnavism find little scope for employment after passing out.
 Recognising this, the St.Thomas Institute has so modeled its courses that its students get jobs with NGOs or in the area of personnel management. RIAS students also apparently have interesting options. Students of symbolic logic even find jobs with computer companies. Many take up law as the course teaches them essential aspects of analysis and argument. It would seem that it is interest in religion and culture that draws students to these courses. Their ages range from 20-80. While well-to-do Marwari housewives dominate the Jainology department, there are several retired persons studying Vaishnavism and Saiva Siddhanta. There are also some pastors at the St.Thomas Institute.
Though funds are scarce, the departments have well-equipped libraries and conduct workshops and seminars regularly. Besides, they have published several notable books. Some departments have 25-30 Ph.D scholars currently on their rolls.
Meenakshi Anantharaman
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