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PHD in Manipuri Dance at Visva-Bharati
Birbhum, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Manipuri Dance at Visva-Bharati Birbhum?
This Manipuri Dance PhD program at Visva-Bharati University focuses on advanced scholarly inquiry into the rich heritage and contemporary practices of Manipuri dance. Rooted in India''''s classical dance traditions, the program emphasizes critical research, theoretical frameworks, and artistic exploration. It addresses the evolving landscape of Indian performing arts, fostering a deeper understanding of this unique art form''''s cultural, historical, and aesthetic dimensions.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for accomplished Manipuri dancers, academicians, and researchers holding a Master''''s degree in Dance or Performing Arts, seeking to contribute original knowledge to the field. It caters to those passionate about ethnochoreology, dance history, pedagogy, and performance studies. Professionals in cultural organizations, arts administration, or higher education aiming for advanced research and leadership roles would find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to become leading scholars, university professors, cultural theorists, or independent researchers in Manipuri dance and performing arts. Career paths in India include positions in public universities, national cultural academies like Sangeet Natak Akademi, and prominent arts institutions. Doctoral research enhances academic credibility, offering opportunities for significant impact on cultural policy and artistic preservation within the Indian context.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immersive Research Methodology Application- (Initial 6-12 months of coursework)
Actively apply theoretical research methodologies learned in coursework to initial exploratory studies within Manipuri dance. Conduct preliminary literature reviews, identify potential research gaps, and formulate specific research questions. Engage with supervisors for early feedback on research direction and methodological soundness.
Tools & Resources
University library databases, JSTOR, Google Scholar, Specific dance research journals, Zotero/Mendeley for citation management
Career Connection
Develops foundational skills in academic inquiry, critical thinking, and structured research design, essential for a successful thesis and future scholarly pursuits.
Engage with Gurus and Practitioners- (Ongoing throughout coursework and early research, especially in field visits)
Beyond academic texts, seek direct interaction with senior Manipuri dance gurus, performers, and cultural custodians. Conduct interviews, observe performances and teaching methodologies, and participate in workshops. This provides invaluable primary data and contextual understanding that academic literature alone cannot offer.
Tools & Resources
Contacts within the dance community, Cultural institutions like Manipuri Nartanalaya, Workshops, Festivals
Career Connection
Builds an essential network within the Manipuri dance ecosystem, enhancing research authenticity and opening avenues for collaborations, teaching, and performance opportunities post-PhD.
Regular Seminar and Presentation Practice- (Throughout the coursework phase, leading to the pre-PhD seminar)
Actively participate in departmental seminars, research colloquia, and student presentations. Practice articulating research ideas, presenting preliminary findings, and engaging in constructive academic discussions. Seek opportunities to present at internal university forums before external conferences.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar series, University research symposiums, Peer review groups
Career Connection
Refines public speaking and academic presentation skills, crucial for conference participation, thesis defense, and effective teaching roles in academia.
Intermediate Stage
Focused Fieldwork and Archival Research- (Dedicated blocks of time during the middle phase of PhD)
Systematically plan and execute fieldwork in Manipuri dance centers (e.g., Manipur, Bishnupur) and conduct archival research in cultural institutions. Document observations, interviews, and archival materials meticulously. This involves long-term engagement with primary sources to gather rich, empirical data.
Tools & Resources
Fieldwork kits (recorder, camera, notebook), Institutional archives, Cultural centers, Local interpreters/collaborators
Career Connection
Establishes expertise in data collection specific to performing arts research, positioning the scholar as an authority in their niche, leading to publications and research grants.
Publish Early and Consistently- (Starting from the end of coursework and continuing throughout research)
Convert literature reviews, seminar papers, or initial fieldwork observations into publishable articles for peer-reviewed journals. Start with national journals focused on dance or cultural studies, then aim for international publications. This demonstrates research productivity early in the PhD journey.
Tools & Resources
UGC-CARE listed journals, Academic writing centers, Supervisor guidance on manuscript preparation, Publishing workshops
Career Connection
Boosts academic CV significantly, making the scholar competitive for post-doctoral positions, faculty roles, and research grants in India and abroad.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Dialogue- (Ongoing throughout the research phase)
Seek out scholars from related disciplines like Anthropology, Sociology, History, or Performance Studies, both within Visva-Bharati and other institutions. Participate in interdisciplinary workshops, seminars, and reading groups to broaden perspectives and enrich the theoretical framing of Manipuri dance research.
Tools & Resources
University research clusters, Inter-departmental seminars, National academic conferences
Career Connection
Fosters a holistic research outlook, makes the scholar versatile, and capable of collaborating on diverse projects, which is highly valued in modern academia and cultural policy-making.
Advanced Stage
Strategic Thesis Writing and Review- (The final 1-3 years leading to submission)
Develop a rigorous writing schedule, ensuring consistent progress on thesis chapters. Focus on structuring arguments, refining analysis, and maintaining academic rigor. Engage in regular, critical review sessions with the supervisor, incorporating feedback systematically.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing software, Grammar checkers, University thesis guidelines, Supervisor''''s expertise
Career Connection
Ensures timely completion of a high-quality thesis, which is the primary deliverable for the PhD, opening doors to advanced academic and research roles.
Prepare for Viva Voce and Dissemination- (The final 6-12 months before and immediately after thesis submission)
Rehearse for the viva voce examination by presenting the full thesis summary and defending key arguments to a mock panel. Prepare for potential questions and develop concise answers. Simultaneously, plan for wider dissemination of research findings through conference presentations, public lectures, or digital platforms.
Tools & Resources
Mock viva sessions with peers/mentors, University public relations/communication office
Career Connection
Equips the scholar with the confidence and communication skills necessary to successfully defend their doctoral work and effectively share their expertise with broader academic and public audiences.
Explore Post-Doctoral and Faculty Opportunities- (The last year of PhD and immediately after submission/award)
Actively research post-doctoral fellowships, visiting scholar positions, and faculty openings in universities and research institutions in India and globally. Tailor applications to specific opportunities, highlighting research expertise and future academic plans. Network with potential collaborators for future projects.
Tools & Resources
Academic job boards (e.g., University Grants Commission website, individual university portals), Professional networking events, Mentorship from established scholars
Career Connection
Proactively positions the graduating PhD scholar for immediate career progression in academia, ensuring a smooth transition from doctoral research to professional scholarly engagement.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree (or equivalent) in relevant discipline (e.g., Dance, Performing Arts, Indology) with minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD). UGC-NET/JRF/SLET/GATE qualified or M.Phil. degree preferred. Admission through Visva-Bharati University Research Eligibility Test (VBU-RET) or exemption.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, maximum 6 years
Credits: 12-16 credits (for coursework component) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
