Anil Kumar Boro Head of the Department
MA (Gauhati) PhD (Gauhati)
Folk Literature, Bodo Literature, Post Modernism
anilboro[at]gauhati[dot]ac[dot]in
The Folklore Research Department is one of the premier and earliest folklore departments in the country, which was established in the university with a view to study oral literature, customs, art forms and performing arts of the communities of Assam and the North-east. The department had its inception in a scheme for a Folklore Archive initiated by Professor Birinchi Kumar Barua in 1955 and for some time it was kept attached to the Department of Anthropology but its affairs were handled by Professor Barua himself till his death in 1964. After his demise Dr PrafulladattaGoswami took the charge of the department. In January 1972, the department was given an independent status and renamed as Folklore Research Department and Dr Goswami was appointed its Professor and Head.
The department offers courses in folklore theory and methods by experts in the field. Along with its focus on the literary and artistic study of folklore, the department stresses upon the need for studying indigenous knowledge system and folk science in M. Phil and Ph. D research. The department also notes the struggle for survival of the people and how the cultural and intellectual rights of the people could be upheld against the forces which are levelling cultures and destroying traditions.
Research Programmes in Folklore:
· The M Phil and Ph. D. Programmes in Folklore empower students with a research experience in the area of Folklore providing knowledge in culture, environment and society and the tradition of folklore and their impact on society. The research programmes enable the students to identify the issues of contemporary relevance of folklore and engage themselves in research of applied aspects of traditional knowledge. The programmes prepare the students for broader research in areas of vast folklore materials, especially of the Northeast India, which is incredibly rich in ethnic and cultural diversity.
1. M.Phil. in Folklore: Intake Capacity: 12
Duration: 1 Year
Admission Process: Through GU-RET
Syllabus: Available on https://www.gauhati.ac.in/
2. Ph. D. in Folklore:
Intake Capacity: 10
Duration: Minimum 3 and maximum 5 years
Admission Process: Through GU-RET
Syllabus: Available on https://www.gauhati.ac.in/
Department of Folklore Research Gauhati University, Guwahati 781014, Assam Email : folklore@gauhati.ac.in Web : gauhati.ac.in/fine-arts/folklore-research
The Department has Organized a National seminar on Interpreting Folklore and Culutre of Northeast from 29 -30 March, 2019 where more than 200 hundred scholars and students across all disciplines are taking part . The seminar has covered diverse issues related to the folklore and culture of Northeast India .
The twoday seminar has sub themes like :Colonial collection and their Deconstruction , Religious processes in Northeast, Gender issues in Folklore ,Identity movements and folklore in NORTHEAST ,Ethnograpahy of the communities of Northeast, Culture community and orality , Folklore and orality , Performing arts of Northeast , folklore and popular culture, Folklore and tangible culutral heritage Folklore and tribal lore of Northeast
WORLD FOLKLORE DAY was celebrated on 25 August 2018( 22 August being a festival day on account of ID uz zaha ) in the Department with a day long programme of Book release ,lecture programme ,felicitation and cultural show
DOCUMENTARY FILM SHOW
A Documentary film (on women weavers of Tezpur Assam ) produced by Aparna Sarma from University of CALIFORNIA ,BERKELEY
WAS Screened on 27 July2018 at 2 p.m in the Seminar Hall of the Department . The film on the weaving and textle traditons and the life of the artisans was of immense educative value for the researchers .
NATIONAL SEMINAR ON URBANIZATION AND FOLKLORE
A two-day national seminar on ‘Urbanisation and folklore: Emerging issues and perspectives’ was organised by the Department of Folklore Research, Gauhati University, in collaboration with the Indian Council for Social Science Research (NERC)-Shillong and the Centre for South East Asian Studies, GU,on 23rd and 24th March, 2018. The seminar was inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor of the University Dr Mridul Hazarika, who highlighted the value of folklore research and stressed that as one of the oldest folklore departments in the country, the Folklore Research Department of Gauhati University has a legacy and responsibility to confront the challenges in an age of overwhelming technological penetration.
Dr Anil Boro, Head of the Department, in his welcome address emphasised the relevance of the topic and gave an outline of the theme of the seminar.
Prof Kishore Bhattacharjee, in his speech, shed light on the study of urbanisation and folklore and how the process of shifting rural areas into urban ones has impacted the folk life.
The chief guest of the session, Dr Sujay Mandal of the University of Kalyani, West Bengal, called for extending deliberations on the topic and for utilising the innumerable scope for further development in the field of folklore research.
Dr Pallabi Borah offered the vote of thanks.
Altogether 103 research papers, with topics ranging from the impact of urbanisation on folklore, commodification of folklore, Assamese folklore among the young users of social media, use of new media technology in the promotion of folk materials, use of folk culture as an instrument of political campaign with special reference to electronic media of Assam, portrayal of folklore in digital world, folk speech, jokes, urban legends, graffiti, urbanization and changing world-view of folklore, commodification of folklore and urban folk festivals and ceremonies, were presented at the seminar by scholars from different parts of the country.
Established as well as budding folklorists aired their views at the seminar on the myriad dynamics and relationships between urbanization and folklore and discussed about the potential ways for retention of folklore, the press release added.
The seminar concluded with a valedictory function, which was graced by the Registrar of the University, Dr Suresh Kumar Nath, as the chief guest.
Shallow Parsai Tools in Indian Languages (Bodo): sponsored by the Ministry of Information and Technology, Govt. Of India, 2014-2017
Musical Instruments of the Communities of the Northeast: sponsored by UGC, 2007-2009
Marai Gaan: sponsored by NFSC, Chennai, 2006-2008
Community Intellectual Property Rights: sponsored by Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt. of India, 2004
Dr. Anil Boro of the Department delivered two lectures “Ethnic Identity Movements and Folklore in the Context of Northeast India” and “Indigenous Religion of the Bodos of Assam” in the University of Tartu, Estonia on 13th and 14th of March, 2018 under the faculty exchange programme with the University of Tartu, Estonia, Europe
Dr Margaret Lyngdoh, from the Department of Estonian and Comparative Folklore, University of Tartu, delivered two lectures, “How to Understand the Legend Genre” on 30th January and “Examining Perspectives in the Context of the Northeast India Indigenous Ontologies ”on 2nd February, 2018 under the faculty exchange programme with the University of Tartu, Estonia, Europe
Students sent to the Department of Estonian and Comparative Folklore, University of Tartu, Estonia under Dora Fellowship Programme:
1. Kailash Dutta(2009-10)
2. Faguna Baramahalia(2012-13)
3. Pallavi Dutta (2013-14)
4. Giturani Kalita(2014-2015)
5. Debajit Sharma(2014-2015)
6. Bijay Shankar Barman(2014-2015)
7. Prayasee Dutta (2017)
8. Anamika Mahanta (2017)
9. Haripriya Sharma(2018)
10. Abha Bharali(2018)
The Centre for Performing Arts aims to provide training and adequate knowledge in different areas of performing arts. In preparation of the courses, elements of interdisciplinary nature is kept in view and embedded in the courses. The centre holds the provision for inclusion of new courses and modification of presented ones during a given academic year. The centre currently offers the following programme:
One Year Diploma Course in Indian Classical Music (Vocal):
The programme aims to create competent students for higher course in music where the objective would be to create musicians and musicologists, who would excel in near future in the knowledge orientation and practice of music with high musical standards and social relevance. The programme would address the learning about musical functioning and activities at individual and social level. It would facilitate acquiring specialized knowledge inculcating multidimensional values of music and global view point of performance.
Objectives of the programme:
1. To train the students in classical music in consonance with recent advances in the discipline of music and to offer them certificate
2. To enable the students to take creative and analytical approach that combines conceptual repertoire, research practices and excellences in performance whilst keeping in view the traditional values and modern trends of the discipline.
3. To provide an opportunity to extend the knowledge based on practical and theoretical advancement so as to have healthy interactions at the national/international level.
Programme structure:
1st Semester:
Theory (1 paper) : 80 marks
Practical (1 paper) : 100 marks
Internal Assessment : 20 marks
2nd Semester:
Theory (1 paper) : 80 marks
Practical (1 paper) : 100 marks
Internal Assessment : 20 marks
The newly introduced P. G.Diploma Course in Classical Music (Vocal) was formally inaugurated on 17th May, 2018 at the Seminar Hall of the Department.
Alumni Association: Folklore Research Department
Advisers: Dr Prabin Chandra Das,
Dr. Kishore Bhattacharjee
President: Dr. Anil Boro
Vice President: Dr. Dilip Kalita
General Secretary: Dr. Mrinal Medhi
Asst. General Secretary: Dr. Minakshi Bairagi
Treasurer: Dr. Pallabi Borah
Executive Members: Dr. H K Nath
Dr. Mrinal Borah
Dr. S. P. Saikia
Dr. Susmita Chakrabarty (Bangladesh)
Dr. Mridusmita Mahanta
Dr. Prabalika Sharma
Dr, Gaganjyoti Borah
Dr. Sushil Roy
Dr. Kamalakanta Bori
Dr. Binita Devi
Ms. Latika Das
Ms. Utpala Das
Ms. Anamika Mahanta
Sl no name title of the thesis guide year
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Birendranath Datta.. A study of the folk culture of Goalpara Prof. P.Goswami 1974
District of Assam
2. Suijt Choudhury A study of the folk cults of the Bengalis Prof P.Goswami 1981
of Cachar District
3. Nanda Talukdar Anandaram Dhekiyal Phukan and early Prof. P.Goswami 1981
nineteenth century Ranasanc ein Assam
4. Soumen Sen Folklore of the Khasi jayantia Hills : A study Prof.P.Goswami 1983
of the social and political contexts
5 .Prabin Ch Das Hajo: A socio cultural study Prof. P.Goswami 1984
6. S.Gunadhar singh Growing up in a Meitei Village Prof B,Datta. 1984
7. Lalruanga A Study of Mizo Folk literature Prof B Datta. 1985
8 . N. H Chandra singh The theme of Khamba thoibi Prof PGoswami 1986
and its significance in Manipuri culture
9. Bhrigumohan Goswami A Study of the Ojapali art form of Assam Prof NC Sarma 1986
10.H. Behari singh A Study of MANIPURI (meitei) Folklore Prof. B.Datta 1986
11. Sunada Ghosh A study of the Baromasi sings of Assam Prof. P.Goswami 1986
and Bengal
12. Pradipjyoti mahanta The role of Assam Vaishnavism in the Prof .B Datta. 1987
making of Assamese life and culture
13. Basanta Kumar D.Goswami A Critical study of the Ramayan Prof.NC Sarma 1987
Tradition
14.Kameswar Brahma A Study of the socio religious beliefs, pratices, Prof B.Datta 1989
ceremonies of the Bodos of North Goalapara
15..Manisha Behel Neo Vaishnavism of Assam and its relation to Folk religion Prof P.Goswami ----
16.Jogeswar Bora Folk elements in Ram Saraswati Prof. NC Sarma 1990
17 Manoj K Chakavorty The elephant in The life and lore of Assam and adjoining areas.Prof BDatta. 1990
18 Bijoy Kr Sarma Festivals of the disctrict of Prof NC Sarma 1990
19. Nivedita Das Kalita Ram Saraswati and his works Prof. NC Sarma 1990
20 Rabin SARMA A study of the major Quasi dramatic Prof. NC Sarma 1991
performing art forms of Undiivided Kamrup
21. R.N.Chioudhury Folk deities of lower Assam with special reference Prof B.Datta 1991
to Goalprara district
22. Uday Nath Barpeta as a centre of Assamese cullure : Prof. B Datta. 1992
a study intradition and change
23.Ganesh Pegu The Misings of the Brahamputra valley and theirmfolk songs Prof NC Sarma 1992
24. Dwipendra K Barua Barpeta Sattra : A Study of inter relation between the Prof NC sarma /DN 1993
sacred complex and urban environment Majumadar
25.Jivan Ch Pathak Descrptive analysis of the dialiect of Darrang district Prof .NC Sarma 1993
26.Dilip Kr Kalita A Study of the magical beliefs and pratices : with special Prof B.Datta. 1993
reference to magic lore of Mayang
27.Suchita Chaliha Life and cukutre of the Nishis (with special Prof B.Datta 1993
reference to material cutture )
28 Ananata Kr Sarma Asamar Manasha pujar eti loka Dr. PC Das 1994
sanskrtitk adhayan
29.Bijaya Baruah Madhab kandalir Ramayanat lokayaata jivanar samal Prof NC Sarma 1994
30.Durgeswar Sarma Raghunath Mahanta aru teor racahnavalir adhyayan Prof NCSarma 1994
31.Umesh Ch Deka A study of Folklore and folk life in Rajnikanta Dr PC Das 1995
Bordoloi's literary works
32.KasimAli Ahmed A study of the Culture of the Muslims of west Assam Prof.B.Datta 1995
with spcecial reference to Muslims of Habraghat area
33 Dhirendra Singha Folklore and folklife of the Meities of Barak valley Dr PC Das 1995
:tradition and change
34. Archana Bora Asamiya carit puthi : eti loka sankritk adhyayan Dr PCDas 1995
35. Devjani khanikar The impact of urbanization on traditional Prof. BDatta 1996
life and culture of tribal people in Guwahati
36. Basanta kr Bhattacharya Bholanath dasor Rachanavalit asamiya sankritik Prof NC Sarma 1996
paramparar chitra
37.Bhabendra kr Deka Asamar Chah banuar samaj aru sanskritir Prof NC Sarma 1996
ek samikshatmak adhyayan
38.Jagadish Patgiri Folklore and folklife as reflected through modern Dr PC Das. 1997
Assamese drama
39 Promod Haloi Paschim Nalbarir sthaniya upabhashar adhyayan Dr PC Das
40. Amiya Bharali mahanta Ram Saraswatir rachavalir bhasa tatvik adhyayan Prof NC Sarma 1997
41 Mrinal Kr Borah Folklore and folklife of the Pati Rabhas Prof NC Sarma 1998
42. Anima Choudhury Temples and shrines in and around Guwahati : Prof.B.Datta 1999
a sociological and folkloristic exploration
The Journal of Folkloristics, published annually, provides space for research articles covering the fresh and fertile field of folklore and cultural studies still unexplored and unharvested. The journal was earlied published as Bulletin of the Department of Folklore Research, Gauhati University.
The museum of the Department of Folklore Research was established in 1986 with an objective to collect and exhibit important folklore items of the region. Presently the museum has 329 items connected with the traditional life of the region. Most of the items have been collected from various parts of the region, representing different groups of population, depicting their traditional folk life.
FOLKLORE SEMINAR : DEPARTMENT OF FOLKLORE RESEARCH WILL HOST A NATIONAL SEMAINR ON
INTERPRETING FOLKLORE AND CULTURE OF THE NORTHEAST
FROM 29-30 MARCH , 2019.
SUB THEMES : 1. COLONIAL COLLECTION AND THEIR DECONSTRUCTION
2. RELIGIOUS PROCESSES IN NORTHEAST
3.IDENTITY MOVEMENTS IN NORTHEAST AND FOLKLORE
4.ETHNOGRAPHY OF THE COMMUNITIES OF NORTHEAST
5.CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND ORALITY
6. FOLKLORE AND TRIBAL LORE
7. TRADITION OF PERFORMING ARTS
8. THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES IN FOLKLORE AND TRIBAL STUDIES
9. FOLKLORE ,FOLKLIFE AND TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBEL CULTURAL HERITAGE
10. FOLKLORE AND POPULAR CULTURE
11. TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM OF THE NORTHEAST
12. GENDER ISSUES IN FOLKLORE
FOR DETAILS CONTACT :anilboro@gmail.com .
folkloreseminar.gu2019@gmail.com
phone 9435349784
FOLKLORE RESEARCH DEPARMENT IN COLLABORATION WITH IGNCA ,NEW DELHI is going to organiize a WORKSHOP/EXHIBITION ON PUPPETRY MAKING OF ASSAM from September , 27-29, 2018. SUB THEMES :
1. CULTURAL PRACTICES REVOLVING ROUND PUPPETRY TRADITION
2.RITUALS ASSOCIATED WITH PUPPETRY MAKING
3. FORMS OF PUPPPETRY AND PERFORMANCE
4.FOLKLORE THROUGH THE MEDIUM OF PUPPETRY
Interested students and scholars may contact
8472054128 email id : nerignca@gmail.com
World Folklore Day
The World Folklore Day will be observed in the Department on 25th March 2018 with a day long programme of Workshop on Art, Book release , Cultural Programmes and an Invited Lecture to be delivered by Dr Sunil Kumar Dutta, retired professor of Cultural Studies, Tezpur University. A renowened folklore activist of the state, Murulidhar Das will also be felicitated in the programme.
MA (Gauhati) PhD (Gauhati)
Folk Literature, Bodo Literature, Post Modernism
anilboro[at]gauhati[dot]ac[dot]in
MA (Calcutta) PhD (Gauhati)
Folklore Theory, Folk Narratives, Urban Folklore, Socio-cultural Anthropology
kishorebhatta[at]gauhati[dot]ac[dot]in
MSc (Gauhati) MCJ (Gauhati) PhD (Gauhati)
Folklore and Mass Communication, Folk Literature, Film Studies
meghnachoudhury[at]gauhati[dot]ac[dot]in
MSc (Gauhati) PhD (Gauhati)
Folk Narratives, Social and Cultural Geography
pallabiborah[at]gauhati[dot]ac[dot]in