India: National Identity and the Arts

Explore the living legacy of an ancient civilization through its arts.

This program studies the visual and performing arts of India — its architecture, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, film, dance, music, and drama — in historic and contemporary contexts. Students are challenged to consider the relationship between religion, art, and identity.

Taking advantage of Delhi’s rich artistic heritage and lively contemporary arts scene, the program includes time at:

Historical and cultural sites
Museums and art galleries
Concerts and recitals
Dance and drama performances

Time outside Delhi could include visiting several of the following locations:

Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Kolkata, Bhubaneshwar
South India (Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, and Madurai), Coastal India (Goa), or Jaipur for small group workshops

Intensive Hindi language instruction, interdisciplinary lectures, and an independent research project complete the study of art history as a window through which to view this complex nation.

The program’s lecturers are drawn from institutions such as:

School of Arts and Aesthetics at Jawaharlal Nehru University
Jamia Millia Islamia
Delhi University
Benares Hindu University

Listen to a diverse anthology of Indian music covering many genres: classical, devotional, Bollywood, folk, Jazz, and even Indo-Western collaboration. The collection reveals many of the rich and complex traditions of Indian music students will experience on this program.

Note to Prospective Students: India is a challenging environment, and the program is academically rigorous. Successful students are robust, mature, and academically curious and eager. We encourage students to prepare for India by building stamina, flexibility, and strength in order to be able to adjust to a new climate. This includes developing a balanced diet and physical self-awareness. Patience, flexibility, humor, and compassion will pay off in a rewarding experience in India!

Fall 2010 Students Produce Cookbook of Delectable Indian Dishes
Students have the chance to complete a practicum in pottery, painting, heritage walks, bhajan singing, or cooking as part of the program’s National Identity and the Arts Seminar. After receiving eight lessons in the chosen discipline, students demonstrate their new skills to fellow students and teachers.

View Recipes (PDF)

Browse this program's Independent Study Projects/Undergraduate Research

Credits: 16

Duration: 15 weeks

Program Base: New Delhi

Language Study: Hindi

Prerequisites: None, although previous coursework in Asian history, Asian art history, or Asian religions is recommended. Read more...

View Student Evaluations for this program:

About the Evaluations (PDF)

Fall 2012 Evaluations (PDF)
Spring 2012 Evaluations (PDF)
Fall 2011 Evaluations (PDF)

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Brattleboro, VT 05302 USA

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