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निग्रहस्थानानि - भारतीयवादकौशलस्य मूलतत्त्वानाम् अवगमः

Nigrahasthanas: Understanding the Foundations of Bharatiya Debating Techniques

In the rich tradition of Indian logic, Maharshi Gautama identified 22 Nigrahasthanas - the “points of defeat” in debate. These are the precise mistakes that can weaken or completely undo one’s argument, such as abandoning one’s original claim (Pratijna-haani), speaking incoherently, using ambiguous words, straying off-topic, or relying on flawed reasoning. This 10-day intensive course, guided by Dr. Sathyanarayana C T, unveils these timeless insights through Gautama’s original sutra-s while connecting them to modern-day scenarios. Learners will gain not just an understanding of these classic principles, but also the ability to apply them in everyday conversations, professional discussions, and structured debates. This course bridges the wisdom of the ancient Nyaya Shastra with today's communication challenges making it an invaluable tool for students, professionals, teachers, and anyone who values the power of clear, logical, and respectful dialogue.

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About the Course

What will you gain from this course? (Key Benefits / Learning Outcomes)

  • Understand Maharshi Gautama’s key role in shaping the Indian tradition of debate.
  • Know the rules of classical debates.
  • Think and argue with clarity and logic.
  • Recognise and avoid critical errors in speech and reasoning.
  • Engage in courteous yet persuasive discussions.
  • Identify flaws in an opponent’s arguments with confidence.

What are the materials/support you get? 

  • Expert-Curated Content - Comprehensive and well-structured course content, carefully reviewed by scholars and subject experts to ensure authentic learning.
  • Live, Interactive Sessions - High-quality learning through live online classes that encourage questions, discussions, and curiosity.
  • Unlimited Access to Recordings - Missed a class or want to revise? Access all session recordings and course content anytime, at your own pace.

What are the prerequisites to get the best out of this course? (Eligibility)

  • Learners must be able to understand and speak in Sanskrit.
  • Learner those who have already passed the Final Assessment of Understanding the Pramanas of Nyayasastra OR Tarka Siddhanta Sangraha (Part 1), you DO NOT NEED to take the entrance test, but you need to fill the registration form.
  • If any learner has NOT ATTENDED the above course or NOT COMPLETED THE FINAL ASSESSMENT, they need to pass an Entrance Test to gain admission to Live Classes of this course. To attend the entrance test, they must have a good grounding in Sanskrit.

Entrance Test Details

What is the effort required to complete this course?

This is a 1-credit course, with a total expected student effort of 35 - 40 hours.
Effort Breakup
  • Lectures - 10 hours
  • Self-Study - 20 hours
  • Assessments - 5 hours

1 Credit - 35 hours (approx.) of learner-effort comprising all learning activities which is inclusive of attending live sessions, listening to the recorded class material and completing the assessments prescribed for the course.

Visual Design Nigrahasthanas: Understanding the Foundations of Bharatiya Debating Techniques

About the Teacher

Know More about the Course

A detailed introduction to all the twenty-two Nigrahasthana-s as laid out in the sutra-s is provided in this course. These include:

  1. प्रतिज्ञाहानिः (Pratijnaahani)
  2. प्रतिज्ञान्तरम् (Pratijnaantaram)
  3. प्रतिज्ञाविरोधः (Pratijnaavirodhah)
  4. प्रतिज्ञासन्न्यासः (Pratijnaasannyasah)
  5. हेत्वन्तरम् (Hetvantaram)
  6. अर्थान्तरम् (Arthaantaram)
  7. निरर्थकम् (Nirarthakam)
  8. अविज्ञातार्थकम् (Avijnaataarthakam)
  9. अपार्थकम् (Apaarthakam)
  10. अप्राप्तकालम् (Apraaptakalam)
  11. न्यूनम् (Nyoonam)
  12. अधिकम् (Adhikam)
  13. पुनरुक्तम् (Punaruktam)
  14. अननुभाषणम् (Ananubhaashanam)
  15. अज्ञानम् (Ajnaanam)
  16. अप्रतिभा (Apratibhaa)
  17. विक्षेपः (Vikshepah)
  18. मतानुज्ञा (Mataanugna)
  19. पर्यनुयोज्योपेक्षणम् (Paryanuyojyopekshanam)
  20. निरनुयोज्यानुयोगः (Niranuyojyaanuyogah)
  21. अपसिद्धान्तः (Apasiddhaantah)
  22. हेत्वाभासः (Hetvaabhaasah)

Each of these is thoroughly explained in the course with examples and context from classical debate

Yes. Participants who complete the final assessment and score 60% or higher will receive an e-certificate from Vyoma Labs.

Kindly follow the below steps to access the class recordings and study materials.

  1. To join the course, you are required to register for the Entrance Test.
  2. Those who qualify will be notified via email and granted access to the Live Sessions.
  3. After this, you will be able to attend the Live Classes and access all materials from your learning dashboard.
  4. For any issues/questions, please check our FAQ page / Help Video.
  5. Please reach out to our Customer Care at +91 94808 65623 or [email protected]

Course Content

To access the content please enrol to the course and go to ‘My Account’/ Learning page.
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