Jaipur: In line with the New Education Policy (NEP), Rajasthan University has introduced a new course in comparative literature under its Master of Arts programme in English. The course, launched this academic year by the department of English, integrates Indian texts and regional literature into the traditionally Western-centric syllabus. The revised curriculum includes works by Indian literary figures such as Kalidas and Premchand, along with selected excerpts from the Upanishads, Mahabharata, Ramcharitmanas, Bhagavad Geeta, and Panchatantra.Officials said the aim is to offer students a deeper understanding of Indian culture and literary heritage by examining it alongside Western texts.“This course will give students a chance to read and analyse Indian texts in English and understand how they relate to or differ from Western literature,” said Prof Deepa Mathur, head, department of English. She added that this approach aligns with NEP’s emphasis on incorporating the Indian knowledge system across disciplines.Prof Mathur said the course opens up diverse career opportunities. “Many of our students, through tie-ups with departments like French and Spanish, are now working abroad as English professors,” she said. The course has seen strong demand, with the department receiving nearly 700 applications annually for just 75 available seats. Eligibility requires a Bachelor of Arts degree with a minimum of 48% overall or 55% in the subject chosen for postgraduation.
