Course Objectives:

The aim of the course is to explore culture through its intangible attributes that include traditions inherited from our ancestors – such as oral myths and folktales, performative practices, including theatre, music, dance, rituals and festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature, food, crafts and cultural pursuits like sports. Even though such aspects of culture are a part of our intangible heritage, they are nevertheless crucial in determining ideas that inform material aspects of our life, such as objects, monuments, artifacts and places. Both the intangible and tangible aspects collectively define culture in any given society. The aim of this course is to introduce students into an investigation of the subcontinent’s cultural traditions through its intangible components discussed over four themes that address diverse narrative traditions; multiple performances; processional displays; and sporting activities.

Course Content:

Unit 1. Tellings: Myths, tales and folklore

Unit 2. Performance as communication: Divine-play, bardic storytelling & puppetry

Unit 3. Processions as display: Yatra, barat & julus

Unit 4. Sporting: Mind, body & nation

Learning Outcome:

Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:

• Identify significant features of India’s intangible cultural heritage

• Distinguish technical forms like myth, folklore, theatrical and ritual performance, as well as patterns of sporting traditions

• Identify how culture is communicated through narrative strategies and performative acts

• Appreciate that textuality and performance are not binary opposites and are mutually interactive

• Develop analytical skills necessary for students of the social sciences

Teaching Learning Process:

The students who enroll in this course are most likely to be new to the discipline of history. Adequate emphasis, therefore, should be given to what is broadly meant by a historical approach to impress the importance of historicising various macro and micro-level phenomena examined in each theme. Interactive sessions including, group discussions or group presentations could be used to enable un-learning of prevailing misconceptions about historical developments and time periods, as well as to facilitate revision of issues outlined during class lectures. Supporting audio-visual aids like documentaries, powerpoint presentations, and an appropriate field-visit would enhance receptivity among the students.

Assessment Methods:

Students will be regularly assessed for their grasp on debates and discussions covered in class. Two written submissions; one of which could be a short project, will be used for final grading of the students. Students will be assessed on their ability to explain important historical trends and thereby engage with the historical approach.

• Internal Assessment: 25 Marks

• Written Exam: 75 Marks

• Total: 100 Marks