Courses
Post Graduate Diploma in South-East (Agneya) Asian Studies (PGDSEAS)
India and Southeast Asia share a common cultural heritage that has intertwined the Indic culture with local insights. This fusion has given rise to a distinctive identity that remains rooted in a fundamental essence representing various aspects of existence, such as trade, art and architecture, Indian knowledge system, philosophy, socio-cultural norms, and life’s purposes.
The objective of this curriculum is to educate students about the interconnectedness and magnificence of the Common Cultural Heritage of both India and Southeast Asia. The foundational narratives of the Indic epics — the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas — that continue to shape the unified purpose of life in this region.
Semester – I (Credit – 20)
| Paper | Title & Content | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-1 |
Overview of Southeast Asia 1.1 Geographical Features and Historical Mapping of Southeast Asia 1.2 Understanding the Sources of Study 1.3 Ethnological Insights: Understanding the Region’s Diverse Ethnic Groups 1.4 Prehistoric Context: Exploring Early History 1.5 Sino-Indian Cultural Influences: Tracing Civilizational Connections 1.6 Tracing the Beginnings of Cultural Exchange 1.7 Indianization Theories: Causes and Explanations |
3 |
| Paper-2 |
Political Evolution of Southeast Asia (Early Period to 1600 A.D.) 2.1 Historiographical Mapping of Southeast Asia 2.2 The Funan and Chen-la Kingdom: Rise and Legacy 2.3 Angkor Civilization: Achievements and Influence 2.4 Champa: The State Formation 2.5 Dvarawati: Tracing its Political Significance 2.6 Sukhothai: Emergence of a Thai Kingdom 2.7 Pagan Empire and its Political Heights 2.8 Sri-Vijaya Empire and Sailendra Dynasty: Contributions and Legacy 2.9 Kedah (Kedaram) State 2.10 Influence of Indian Political System on Southeast Asia: Dynamics of Kingship and Polity |
4 |
| Paper-3 |
Language and Literary Traditions in Southeast Asia 3.1 Influence of Indian Languages and Linguistics on Southeast Asian Countries 3.2 Indo-Javanese Literature: Cultural Fusion and Expression 3.3 Influence of Indian Epics on Southeast Asian Culture, Literature and Society |
4 |
| Paper-4 |
Religious Fusion and Expression 4.1 Saivism in Cambodia (Kambuj desh) Saivite Kings: Chandravarma, Kaundinya Jayvarma, Bhavavarma, Rudravarma, Mahendravarma, Ishanvarma, Indravarma, Yashovarma, Suryavarma, Ankorthom, Beyan. Saivism in Champa (Vietnam), Saivism in Siam (Thailand) 4.2 Vaishnavism in Southeast Asia: Various gods of Vaishnavism 4.3 Buddhism: The Dawn, Dharmchakrapravartana, Buddha: The Light of Asia, Buddhist Councils, Ashoka’s Dhamma, Dissemination of Buddhism in Asia. Emissaries sent by Ashoka. Dhammavijay: Advent of Buddhism in Southeast Asia (Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia). Theravada & Mahayana: Nature, Theories & Practices. Buddhist Scholars of Southeast Asia. |
3 |
| Dissertation and Assignment | 6 | |
Semester – II (Credit – 20)
| Paper | Title & Content | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-5 |
Cultural Fusion and Expression 5.1 Dongson Culture: Early Cultural Interactions 5.2 Ancestral Veneration: Honoring Ancestors’ Legacy 5.3 Rites and Rituals: Spiritual Practices and Customs 5.4 Hindu Samskara: Life cycle Ceremonies’ Adaptation 5.5 Value System: Shared Cultural Ethics in Southeast Asia 5.6 Devaraj Cult: Reverence for Divine Rulers 5.7 Festivals: Celebratory Traditions and Their Significance 5.8 Tattoo Culture: Body Art and Symbolism 5.9 Connecting Nations through Culture and Soft-Power Diplomacy in Southeast Asia |
4 |
| Paper-6 |
Art and Architectural Marvels in Southeast Asia 6.1 Dvaravati and Sukhothai Art: Aesthetic Flourish in Thai Culture 6.2 Pagan Art and Architecture 6.3 Khmer Art: Exquisite Creations of the Khmer Civilization 6.4 Indo-Javanese Art: Cultural Fusion in Visual Form 6.5 Sculptural Elegance and Mural Paintings: Narratives on Walls 6.6 Architectural Styles of Significant Structures: a) Borobudur Stupa: Elegance in Stone b) Prambanan Temple: Elegance in Stone c) My Son Temple: Ancient Marvels d) Angkor Wat: Majestic Khmer Architecture e) Dieng Temple: Historical and Artistic Significance |
4 |
| Paper-7 |
Society and Economy in Southeast Asia 7.1 Social Structure: Understanding the Societal Organization 7.2 Kinship Systems: Family Ties and Relationships 7.3 Attire and Adornments: Cultural Significance 7.4 Textile Traditions: Crafting Cultural Fabrics 7.5 Culinary Practices: Food and Beverage Traditions 7.6 Agriculture and Irrigation: Cultivation and Water Management 7.7 The ports and towns connecting India and Southeast Asia |
3 |
| Paper-8 |
Classical Visual and Performing Arts in Southeast Asia 8.1 Musical Instruments: Harmonic Expressions of Culture 8.2 Diverse Paintings: Varied Artistic Expressions 8.3 Modern Art and Crafts of Southeast Asia: Contemporary Creative Endeavors 8.4 Wayang Kulit Purwa: Traditional Shadow Puppetry 8.5 Javanese Dance and Drama: Cultural Expressions in Motion 8.6 Karnas of Prambanan: Intricate Stone Carvings 8.7 Mask Performances: Expressive Theatrical Traditions 8.8 Indian Influence on Dance and Drama in Southeast Asia: Cultural Impact and Adaptation |
3 |
| Dissertation and Assignment | 6 | |
