17-18 June 2024 | International symposium – Narratives of exclusion: the othering of forest-dwellers in pre-modern Indian texts

This symposium aims to explore the multifaceted portrayals of Indian forest-dwellers in pre-modern textual sources, shedding light on the complex dynamics of “othering” and its implications for understanding historical interactions between sedentary civilisations and indigenous forest communities. Drawing upon a wide array of pre-colonial texts, including religious scriptures, epic narratives, and regional historical documents, we will delve into the narratives and characterisations that have historically marginalised forest-dwellers, casting them as the “Other.”

Convenors

Daniela De Simone (Ghent University) and Ananya Vajpeyi (Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, New Delhi)

Keynote lecture

Brian Black (Lancaster University), Nāgas in the jātakas and Mahābhārata: Narratives of exclusion and inclusion

Full programme available here.

Time & venue

17th June 2024, 09:30-17:00

18th June 2024, 10:00-15:00

Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, Room 6.60, Blandijnberg 2 (Campus Boekentoren), Gent.