Courses

Post Graduate Diploma in JanjatiIdentity, Cultural Traditions and Development(PGDJICTD)(Credit Points:40 (8×5)

About the Course

India has the largest population of Janjati, or tribal groups, in the world, showcasing incredible diversity. According to the 2011 Census, they make up 8.6 percent of the total population, which totals about 104.3 million people. When studying these communities living in forests, hills, and plains, two main perspectives emerge: the Western view and the Indian view. Western social scientists have often described these groups as savages, then barbaric, primitive, tribal, and now as indigenous people. These labels are rooted in colonial history, with invasions and oppressive policies shaping their understanding. In India, Janjati people hold a special place in the country’s history and culture. Ancient texts like the Vedas, Puranas, and Upanishads show that hill and forest communities share a common worldview, history, faith, and culture with those in the plains. There is no record of invasions, segregation, or forced subjugation of forest and hill communities by neighbouring rulers or emperors.

The Janjati people have always been the true rulers of their own lands. Often, regional kings sought their approval to legitimize their rule. These communities maintained their own identity, culture, and traditions. They possessed rich cultural heritage and were skilled in arts and crafts. These groups never stayed outside the main flow of Indian history and politics. Instead, they remained active and equal partners in shaping Indian civilisation. The ongoing presence of Indian societies is shown through the ideas of Vanvasi, Gramvasi, and Nagarvasi. These terms highlight that each community forms part of a continuous chain, not separate or isolated. Even during colonial rule, these communities resisted and fought bravely in many parts of India. Their struggles were an important part of the country’s fight for independence. Since ancient times, Janjati communities living in forests and hills have shared their ideas, knowledge, and wisdom with those in the plains. These exchanges have been ongoing for centuries. The idea that these communities are tribes mainly comes from colonial missionaries. Their labels have shaped how society views these groups today.

It is in this context, the current course Janjati identity, cultural traditions, and development is a significant need for Indian intellectuals to engage thoughtfully with the realities of tribal communities. Many of these communities, residing in the hills and forests, hold rich cultural heritages that are often overlooked or misunderstood. The influence of colonial anthropologists persists in academic discussions, often framing tribal communities through a lens of “otherness” that marginalizes their diverse cultures. This perspective perpetuates stereotypes and hinders genuine understanding.By fostering a deeper understanding this course encourage a revival of Indian narratives that honor the unique lifestyles and contributions of these groups. This understanding is crucial not only for preserving their traditions but also for integrating their perspectives into broader development policies that respect their way of life. This course emphasizes on the importance of Janjati history and civilization, delving into their origin stories, folklore, oral traditions, spiritual beliefs, worldviews, lifestyles, and the continuity of their rich cultural heritage. By examining these elements, the course aims to provide a holistic understanding of the diverse identities within these communities. Recognizing their unique contributions and experiences values their presence in contemporary society, moving beyond the shadows of colonial perceptions toward a recognition of their integral place in India’s cultural heritage.

Course Objectives

Upon completing this course, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the intricate lives of tribal communities. They will explore the social history, economic dynamics, and political structures that shape these societies, gaining insights into their unique value systems, beliefs, and philosophical approaches to livelihood. The course will also delve into the rich tapestry of tribal culture, traditions, and diverse art forms, emphasizing the importance of preserving tribal languages and fostering their conservation. Additionally, students will examine the distortions imposed on tribal traditions by external influences and learn about the critical need to protect tribal identities. The curriculum promotes awareness of the continuity of tribal existence, encouraging a tribal perspective on growth and development, as well as an appreciation for the knowledge systems inherent within tribal societies. Overall, this course aims to empower students with an appropriate perspective, thereby revitalizing the Indian narratives of Janjati (tribe) from a civilizational viewpoint to safeguard tribal identity, existence, traditions, rights, and the preservation of cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world.

First Semester

Paper Title & Topics
Paper I Janjatis (Tribes) of India: An Introduction
1.1 Definitions and Scope (Terminologies: Adivasi, Janjati, Vanvasi etc)
1.2 Conceptualizing Tribal Studies (Anthropological, Sociological, Historical & Ethnological)
1.3 Constitutional Category (Scheduled Tribe, PVTGs, De-notified Tribe, and Indigenous People)
1.4 Concepts and Categories (Colonial Origin, Academic perspective, Search for Alternative Term)
1.5 Tribal Art: Origin & Development, Functions & Classification
Paper II Janjati Identity & Socio-Economic Life
2.1 Historical Formation of Tribal Identities (Ancient, Mughal and Colonial Era)
2.2 Dialects and Languages (Script, dictionaries, and Literature)
2.3 Social organization (Kinship, Marriage and Family)
2.4 Political Organization (Traditional Leadership and Customary Law)
2.5 Economic Organization (Livelihood: Cultivation, Foraging, and Pastoralism)
2.6 Religion and Cosmology (Belief System, rituals, Spiritual Practices & myths)
2.7 Traditional Knowledge System (Agriculture, Healthcare, Forests, Architecture)
2.8 Tribal Philosophy (Worldview and Man Nature Relationship)
2.9 Youth Dormitories (Gothul, Morung, Gitiora, Dhoomkuriya etc)
Paper III Janjati Cultural Traditions and Heritage
3.1 Tribal Arts: Forms, Features & Meaning
3.2 Diversity of Tribal Cultural traditions and Heritage
3.3 Tribal Arts and Crafts: Content, Technique & Medium of Expression
3.4 Folklore and Oral Traditions
3.5 Performing Arts (Music, Dance and Drama etc.)
3.6 Visual Arts
3.7 Fairs & Festivals
3.8 Tribal Games and Sports
3.9 Textiles, Ornaments and Tattoo Making
3.10 Challenges and Preservation of Tribal Cultural Heritage
3.11 Intellectual Property Rights related to Cultural Expressions
Paper IV Legal, Constitutional Framework and Development
4.1 Development Policies, Administration, Legal Frameworks and Tribal Welfare
4.2 Constitutional Provisions and Safeguards for the Tribal Heritage and Culture
4.3 National and State Commission for Scheduled Tribes, Tribal Research Institutes, Autonomous bodies
4.4 Fifth and Sixth Schedule, PESA, FRA
4.5 Development Projects and Displacement

Second Semester

Paper Title & Topics
Paper V Ecological Knowledge, Material Culture and Tribal Art
5.1 Housing Patterns
5.2 Bamboo and Basketry
5.3 Agriculture and horticulture implement
5.4 Musical Instruments
5.5 Wooden Art and Crafts
5.6 Fishing and Hunting tools
5.7 Stone, Clay, and Metal Art
5.8 Costumes Dress and Weaving
5.9 Pigments and Natural Colors
Paper VI Skill Development and Visit to IGNCA Archives/Tribal Museums, Art and Crafts Institutions
6.1 Visit IGNCA Archives or tribal museums and prepare a report on Tribal Art and Craft materials
6.2 Report on documentaries by IGNCA related to tribal cultural traditions and heritage
Paper VII Management and Marketing of Tribal Art and Crafts
7.1 Concept of marketing
7.2 Haat-Bazaar System
7.3 Tribal crafts and marketing (TRIFED, NABARD etc)
7.4 Digital Marketing and E-commerce
7.5 Role of Government and NGOs in promotion of Tribal Art & Craft
7.6 Challenges faced by tribal artisans
Paper VIII Dissertation based on Field Work
Students must complete a Dissertation as part of their requirements. The topic will be chosen in collaboration with faculty.
The Dissertation includes: Introduction, Objectives, Literature Review, Research Design/Methodology, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, Recommendations.
Presentation and Viva-Voce will be before department faculty. A typed copy of the analyzed data must be submitted.

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Methodology of Marks

Paper Code Semester Title External Marks Internal Marks Total Marks No. of Credits
PGDJICTD-101 1st Semester Janjatis (Tribes) of India: An Introduction 60 40 100 5
PGDJICTD-102 1st Semester Janjati Identity & Socio-Economic Life 60 40 100 5
PGDJICTD-103 1st Semester Janjati Cultural Traditions and Heritage 60 40 100 5
PGDJICTD-104 1st Semester Legal, Constitutional Framework and Development 60 40 100 5
PGDJICTD-105 2nd Semester Ecological Knowledge, Material Culture and Tribal Art 60 40 100 5
PGDJICTD-106 2nd Semester Practical Paper titled “Skill Development and visit to IGNCA Archives/Tribal Museums, Art and Crafts Institutions 60 40 100 5
PGDJICTD-107 2nd Semester Management and Marketing of Tribal art and crafts 60 40 100 5
PGDJICTD-108 2nd Semester Dissertation based on field work: Data collection – Analysis – Report submission 60 40 100 5
Total 40
Grand Total Marks 800

RULES & REGULATION

1. Post Graduate Diploma in Janjati Identity, Cultural Traditions and Development program consists of Two semester
2. Eight papers will have to be covered in One year i.e., in two semesters.
3. Each paper will be of 05 credits.
4. Each theory paper will be of 100 Marks. Out of which, internal will be of 40 marks and external will be of 60 marks. (External 60+ Internal 40 Total 100 Marks)
5. Minimum passing marks will be 40.
6. Internal marks (40) in theory papers will be based on submission of one assignment on paper related topic, book review related topic and its class presentation/seminar.
7. The duration of external written examination of each paper will be three hours.
8. Each written examination paper of 60 marks will have long & short questions from the paper, each question having 20 & 10 marks.

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