This course is based on the “Devadasi Tradition” of Odisha and the states of southern India. This course is structured around the temple rituals, and dance traditions practised by the devadasis. It will also shed light on the roles and the status of the devadasis in the pre-colonial era. This course is an intersection between theory and practice and will be studied based on archaeological, historical and pictorial evidence. It will delve deep into the cultural practices and goes beyond and discusses the influence of Devadasis in the present art and culture scenario with special reference to Bharatnatyam and Odissi dance styles. It will develop arguments on Devadasis’s performance and the daily rituals as an offering or seva based on different scholarly works. This course is curated to create awareness about the rich cultural past.

This course is interdisciplinary and curated especially to give a first-hand experience by interacting with community practitioners. Students will also learn about a few significant dance temple sculptures. This course will discuss the decline of the Devadasi tradition during colonial rule and its present influence on Indian classical dances. This discourse will provide an introduction to the tradition of Devadasi from the indigenous knowledge systems approach.

Important note: This will be a live course where the students have to attend the classes regularly conducted by the instructor. However, we will provide recorded videos of the sessions later on, in case the student misses his/her classes.

Course Information

Enrollment Last Date: 31st January 2023
Course Start Date: 2nd February 2023

What You’ll Learn

• The origin of ancient Indian temple rituals, will provide an introduction to the Devadasi tradition.
• The historical significance and origins of the devadasi tradition in Odisha and South Indian states.
• The roles and status of Devadasis in society and in the temple.
• The impact of the dancing tradition of devadasis in the present classical dances of India.
• The influence of Devadasi traditions in the temple sculptures.
• Recognising different dancing sculptures of different temples in India.
• Identifying the different names of the stone-carved postures of the dancers in the temples.
• About the Anti-Nautch Act and the decline of the Devadasi status in the Colonial period.
• A brief account of the present dancing style of the Devadasis.

What You’ll Get

• Special guest interactions with subject-matter experts and community practitioners, interviewed by Sriradha Paul.
• Special insights into the fieldwork of Sriradha Paul through photos and video clips of interaction with community practitioners and temple sculptures, which formed the basis of this work.
• Somatic practice experience taking inspiration from the temple sculptures.
• Powerpoint presentations which will make you learn faster and more thoroughly.
• Indus University certificate to certify that you have gone through and passed this course.
• Reference materials such as online links and books for further study.
• Interactive sessions with the instructor from time to time.

Refund Policy: Since these courses are available at subsidised rates, there is no provision for refund once you have enrolled for a course. In case you are not able to attend the course due to any unforeseen circumstances, we can accommodate you in a different course in lieu of the course you originally enrolled for.