ABOUT THE COURSE:This course aims at discussing the role of performative gender and religions in the South Asian context. It focuses on the philosophical and cultural premises of Bhakti and Sufi traditions, and studies the literary works produced by select Bhakti and Sufi poets. Through a reference to Sanskrit dramaturgy, the initial classes are devoted to understanding how spectacle, rituals and social philosophy are interspersed in the South Asian religions. As well, the course studies the cinematic adaptation and romanticization of Bhakti and Sufi codes in South Asia.
Performative Gender and Religions in South Asia
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee and NPTEL via Swayam
Overview
Syllabus
Week 1: Introducing Performance and its Characteristics in the South Asian Context: Mahākāvyā, oral tradition and ithāsa, performance-based rituals; Human agency and intervention in conceiving the Divine Week 2:Sanskrit dramaturgy and Rasa theory: Studying select dramatic text through the lens of Bharat Muni’s Nātyasāstra; Nine Aesthetic Emotions – Rasas and Bhāvas; Concepts of Nāyaka and Nāyika; Role of Vidushaka Week 3:Bhakti Tradition: Studying the history of the Bhakti movement; the performances, philosophy, and worldview of the Bhakti cult; Alwars and Nayanārs; Nirguna and Saguna; Vaishnavism and its ramificationsWeek 4:Sufi Tradition: Studying the history of the Sufi movement; the philosophy and worldview of the Sufi cult; Sufi devotional performances and practices; Explaining Sufi codes, cosmology, and metaphysicsWeek 5:Bhakti mysticism and poetics: Through select poets, studying the body-centric interpretation of gods and alternative meanings of religion; love, divinity, and spirituality; Bhakti poetry and the relevance of its ideas in contemporary worldWeek 6:Gender and Performance in Bhakti movement: Reading unconventional reflections on the gendered social practices; subversion of gender; divine and devotee as lover and beloved; Bhakti, gender, and egalitarianismWeek 7:Sufi mysticism and poetics: Through select poets and Sufi mystics, exploring the role of the body and transcendental mysticism; Qawwali tradition, gender play and performance – feminized/ androgynous male artists and gender fluidityWeek 8:Gender and Performance in Sufi movement: Murshid and Mureed as lover and beloved; spiritual receptivity and inversion of exoteric gender categories; Sufi embodiment, ecstasy, and the Self; Madness, irrationality, and bodily excessWeek 9:Folk Traditions and Performances: Folk theatre forms (Nautanki, Theiyyam, Ramlila and Krishnalila, Tamasha, Jatra, Chhau, Therukoothu, Ghoomar); Folk Theatre and Shift of Space/MediumWeek 10:Classical Traditions and Performances: Classical dance and theatre forms (Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattom, Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Yakshagana, Kutiyattam, Manipuri, Kathak); Classical Theatre and Shift of Space/Medium Week 11:Tribal Traditions and Performances: Tribal culture and religious worldview; Rituals and practices; body, performance, nature, and deities; Tribal Performance and Shift of Space/MediumWeek 12:Bhakti, Sufi, and Cinema: Reading the Influence, Adaptation and Reception of Bhakti and Sufi codes in select South Asian films; Dilution, Hybridization and Romanticization for Marketing and Re-Emergence in Contemporary Times, Reading cross-cultural nature of South Asian music
Taught by
Prof. Sarbani Banerjee
