Varanasi, Aug 18 (IANS): For the first time, Hinduism will be taught as a subject in the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and students will learn ancient knowledge, tradition, arts, science and skills under this course.

The university is starting the Hinduism course of two years with 40 seats and forms will be accepted till September 7. An entrance exam will be held on October 3 to shortlist the students for the course.

BHU vice chancellor Vijay Kumar Shukla said "It will be the first degree course of Hinduism in our country. Earlier, only a diploma course was running in Himachal university. We are teaching other cultures, traditions like Christianity, Islam in universities while Hinduism was not on streamline".

He said smart classes will be organised for students in varsity and students from other countries can also be part of the course.

He said a large number of applications from foreign students indicates interest of other countries in Hinduism.

The course will be conducted by the Philosophy department that will explain the soul of Hinduism, ambitions and outlines of Hinduism while ancient history and culture departments will elaborate ancient evidence on ancient trading activities, architecture, weapons, tools used by great Indian Emperors. The Sanskrit department will discuss practical aspects of scriptures, Vedas and ancient records through mantras.

Students will enrich themselves with knowledge of ancient war craft, Hindu chemistry, military science, art, classical music, etc., he added.