This class is an introduction to the history and culture of India and ancient Persia through the lens of four major world religions that have their origin in Indo-Persian culture.  

I cover Hinduism and Buddhism in another class, World Religions: Asia Edition.  This class presents four lesser known (but very important to know!) world religions related to this historical contact between Persia and India.

Ne prerequisites or background knowledge required, just an interest in world history and cultures is needed!

The class is structured as a lecture presentation (with slides to keep as a PDF) with student participation and questions with the instructor throughout and at the end of each class.  The style is like a university classroom, but with the material and lessons presented for a younger class.  

This class is prepared especially for young learners.   The material will be made approachable just for them.  For parents, the following is a (very) technical and detailed list of topics and terms for each week of the course.  The actual weekly lessons will be delivered so that young learners will easily find it informative and engaging!   


Week 1 – History
From the ancient Persian migrations circa 1800 BCE, to the Muslim Sultanes that continued until the institution of British rule in 1858, the history of the Indian subcontinent for millennia reveals a fusion of traditions known today as Indo-Persian culture.  Students are provided with an overview of this history, then provides in-depth presentations on four religions found today in India that are associated with this history: Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, Jain, and Bahai.  

Week 2 – Zoroastrianism 
One of the oldest living religions, Zoroastrianism originated in Persia before migrating to India nearly four millennia ago.  It would also have a profound influence in the development of Judaism due to historical engagements and conflicts with the Neo-Assyrian Empire and Babylonia.  Students learn of the history of the ancient Persian Empire and religion in the Middle East and India, the life and teachings of their prophet Zoroaster, worship and ceremonies, and death rituals (that is, “sky burials”).  

Week 3 – Jainism 
A reformist movement of the 6th Century BCE, Jainism arose as a countermovement to the caste system and the Vedic literature of Hinduism.  Nataputta Vardhamana, known to his followers as Mahavira (great hero) and a Tirthankara (spiritual bridge-maker), is a founder of this new religious movement, who taught doctrines on “crossing over” to Nirvana.  Jainism emphasizes the path of asceticism, non-violence (ahisma), truth, right conduct, strict vegetarianism, and detachment from worldly pursuits.  Students learn about the practices of Jains for the monastics and the observant laity, as well as their religious festivals (including Paijusana and Divali), and their place in Indian society today.

Week 4 – Sikhism 
Originating in the Punjab region in the 16th Century, Sikhism emerged between devotional Hinduism and mystical Islam by their first teacher, Nanak. In a time of conflict, he taught a harmony and synthesis between these religions, finding a shared sacred reality.  Students learn about the life and teachings of Nanak, Shik religious life, holy days, and its historical development to the present day.

Week 5 – Bahai 
Beginning as a sect of Shi’ite Islam, Bahai emerged from mystical Sufi inspiration concerning the oneness of all religions.  A new religious movement, it began in 1844 by Ali Muhammad who declared himself the 12th Iman and “Bab-ud-Din” (the gate of faith).  Students learn of the history and teaching of Bahai, their relation to traditional Islam, their emphasis on the equality of men and women, the need for formal education of all believers, and social ethics—as well as their distinctive and beautiful temples in India and elsewhere.