Languages and Cultures of India and Tibet

Wandering beggar-monks and shining software companies: this contrast symbolizes perfectly the duality of modern-day India, simultaneously modern state and third-world country, home to a seemingly inexhaustible variety of languages and cultures. Travelling from the slopes of the Himalayas to the southern point of Tamil Nadu, one experiences an interminable sequence of cultural variations, reflecting also to a large extent the richness of India's cultural past. A multitude of texts, temples, statues and influential philosophical systems bear witness to this past. One simply cannot become tired of India.

The Bachelor’s Programme
Language of Instruction: Dutch
This programme is unique in the Netherlands. In the first year, students are introduced to a limited number of Indian languages (Hindi, Sanskrit and Tibetan), together with classical Indian literature, philosophy, religions and cultural and art history. After the first year, students can choose between classical Sanskrit and Tibetan on the one hand and the modern language of Hindi on the other. Sanskrit is a prerequisite for further study of classical Indology, Budhology, Indian philosophy or the art history of South Asia. Those choosing for the modern language will focus on literature, history and contemporary South-Asian society. In this way, while some students study classical literary and philosophical texts, others ponder the history of modern literature. The third year provides an opportunity to visit India for a study period.

See for more information the department website (in Dutch)

Practical Studies

Following the basic programme, the Languages and Cultures of India and Tibet programme can be combined with one of the 'practical studies' or PraktijkStudies (International Management & Culture, European Union Studies, Journalism and the New Media, Book and Publishing or the Educational minor) or with other options and, possibly, an internship.