The course will provide through lecture, discussion and course readings a comprehensive introduction to the major texts, doctrines, beliefs and practices of classical Hinduism from antiquity to modernity. Special emphasis will be placed on Vedic and Āgamic traditions and on the rise and development of the major Hindu saṃpradāyas, including those of Vaiṣṇavism, Śaivism, Śaktism and Tantrism. Attention will be paid to Hinduism's relationships with non Hindu traditions of South Asia, the rise of political Hinduism and Hinduism in the Indian Diaspora.