Map Unavailable

Date/Time
Date(s) - 05/03/2025
12:00 am

Location
Seminar Hall

Categories


Two day International Conference on

“Heroine Archetypes in Indian Theatre: Modern Perspectives on Feminist Discourse”

at IIAS, Shimla

08-09 April 2025

Concept Note

 

This conference is designed to delve into the evolving understanding of Nāyikā Bheda, the traditional classification of heroines in Indian dramatic tradition, and its reinterpretation through contemporary feminist discourse. Nāyikā Bheda, as detailed in classical texts like the Nāṭyaśāstra, has long provided a framework for the portrayal of female characters in Indian theatre. These archetypes not only shaped the narratives of ancient and medieval Indian drama but also influenced societal perceptions of women’s roles.

However, in today’s context, the relevance and interpretation of these archetypes are subject to significant transformation. The modern era, characterized by evolving gender dynamics and the rise of feminist thought, challenges the traditional roles and expectations imposed on women. This conference aims to critically examine how the ancient archetypes of Nāyikā Bheda align with or diverge from contemporary notions of gender roles and female agency.

By bringing together scholars, theatre practitioners, and gender studies experts, this conference will explore the intersection of traditional heroine archetypes with modern feminist theory. It will assess how these classical classifications are being reinterpreted or challenged in contemporary Indian theatre, literature, and media, reflecting the broader shifts in cultural and societal attitudes towards women.

Through this exploration, the conference seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the changing dynamics of feminist thought in the Indian cultural context, offering fresh insights into the ways in which Indian theatre continues to engage with, reinterpret, and sometimes resist the narratives of female identity as outlined in its classical traditions.

Objective:

The primary objective of this conference is to create a platform for scholars, practitioners, and students of Indian theatre, gender studies, and cultural studies to engage in a multidimensional discussion on:

  1. The historical significance and evolution of Nāyikā Bheda in Indian theatre.
  2. The representation of heroines in classical and contemporary Indian drama.
  3. The intersection of traditional heroine archetypes with modern feminist theory.
  4. The implications of these archetypes in shaping contemporary perceptions of womanhood in Indian society.
  5. The role of Indian theatre in reflecting and influencing societal attitudes towards gender.

Key Themes:

 The conference will focus on the following key themes:

  1. Nāyikā Bheda in Classical Texts: A detailed exploration of the classification system as outlined in the Nāṭyaśāstra and its influence on later literary and dramatic works.
  2. Modern Interpretations: How contemporary playwrights and directors reinterpret these archetypes in light of modern feminist
  3. Cultural Continuity and Change: The persistence and transformation of heroine archetypes in different regional and cultural traditions of Indian theatre.
  4. Feminist Revisions: Examining plays that challenge or subvert traditional Nāyikā archetypes to present more complex, empowered female characters.
  5. Interdisciplinary Approaches: Integrating perspectives from gender studies, sociology, and cultural history to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
  6. The Future of Nāyikā Bheda: Speculating on the relevance and application of these archetypes in future Indian theatre and

 Call for Papers

A limited number of participants will be invited for the Seminar. Those interested in participating should send (preferably by email) an abstract (500 words) of the proposed paper in Hindi,/English only along with their C.V. (One page) directly to Dr. Shaminaj Khan, Fellow, IIAS, Shimla,  Email: shaminajkhan3@gmail.com   Mobile: 9015906557 and copy to The Academic Resource Officer, Indian institute of Advanced Study, Shimla  on his Email seminar@iias.ac.in  Tel: 0177-2831385

The last date for submission of abstract (500 words) is till 05th March 2025 05:00 PM.  The Institute intends to send Invitation letters to selected participants by the 15th March, 2025. It is the policy of the Institute to publish the papers not proceedings of the seminars it organizes. Hence, all invited participants will be expected to submit complete papers, hitherto unpublished and original, with citations in place, along with a reference section, to the Academic Resource Officer, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla– 171005 by 05th April, 2025.

The IIAS, Shimla will be glad to extend its hospitality (free hospitality is provided only to the Seminar participant) during the seminar period and is willing to reimburse, if required, rail or air travel expenses from the place of current residence in India, or the port of arrival in India, and back.

Note: Plagiarism is a serious academic offence and the Institute reserves the right to cancel the selection/participation of a candidate found guilty at any stage.

 

***