Call For Papers
Panchakot Mahavidyalaya, Purulia, is organizing a two-day seminar on 'Tales of Timelessness: Understanding the Heritage of West Bengal' from 21st and 22nd March 2024. On this occasion, we are pleased to announce a call for papers, inviting research students and independent scholars to submit their original research (300-400 words abstract) along with their bio-note to suvajit.halder@panchakotmv.ac.in.
Last Date of Abstract Submission: 1st March 2024.
Concept Note
Understanding/conserving heritage is more than creating museums or collecting artifacts, stories, and songs. Heritage is a living experience that weaves together the threads of our past, present, and future. It goes beyond the surface, delving into the stories, values, and legacies that shape our identities as individuals and communities.
At its core, heritage encapsulates tangible and intangible expressions of human creativity and achievement. It encompasses historical sites, cultural practices, languages, folklore, and collective memories that bind a society. Heritage is a repository of knowledge, a bridge between generations, and a testament to the diversity of human experiences.
Heritage is dynamic, evolving with time while retaining its intrinsic essence. It reflects the continuous interplay between tradition and modernity, adaptation, and preservation. Recognizing and safeguarding heritage becomes a collective responsibility as it contributes to a sense of belonging and shared identity within communities.
Moreover, understanding heritage fosters an appreciation and respect for cultural diversity. It encourages cross-cultural dialogue, allowing individuals to embrace the richness of traditions different from their own. Heritage becomes a source of inspiration, a reservoir of creativity that sparks innovation while grounding societies in their roots.
In essence, understanding heritage is an invitation to explore the roots of our existence, to appreciate the cultural mosaic that defines us. It prompts us to preserve, celebrate, and transmit our heritage to future generations, ensuring that the stories of our past continue to resonate in the present and echo into the future. Heritage is not merely a static snapshot of history; it is a vibrant, ever-unfolding narrative that invites us to connect, learn, and carry forward the legacy of our shared human experience.
Nestled in the eastern part of India, Bengal is a state that exudes cultural richness and historical significance. Many of its treasures are still unexplored but significant in understanding the richness of Bengali culture. For instance, Garh Panchakot of Purulia district, which holds immense significance in the history of this region, remains historically unexplored. Another example is Telkupi village, containing the finest and largest number of temples in one place in the Chota Nagpur circle of Bengal, unknown to many Bengalis. Moreover, the opulent tradition of handicrafts, paintings, dance, and plays in these regions remains unheard of by many scholars and the common masses. Therefore, to explore and understand the heritage of Bengal more thoroughly, we invite scholars and professionals to present their research in the seminar entitled 'Tales of Timelessness: Understanding the Heritage of West Bengal.'
Objective:
The primary objective of this seminar is to provide a comprehensive exploration of West Bengal's heritage, shedding light on its historical, cultural, and architectural significance. Participants will gain insights into the evolution of the state's heritage and its impact on contemporary society.
Themes
Historical Narratives:
- Historical events, chronology of lesser-known dynasties, epigraphic, and numismatic studies.
Cultural Narrative:
- Exploring the vibrant festivals and traditions that define the cultural ethos of West Bengal.
- Analyzing the role of literature, music, and performing arts in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
Architectural Marvels:
- Investigating the architectural heritage of West Bengal, including iconic structures, temples, and palaces.
- Discussing the fusion of indigenous and foreign architectural styles that characterize the region.
Food/Dress/Residence:
- Delving into the unique culinary traditions of West Bengal, including the world-famous Bengali cuisine.
- Understanding the historical and cultural significance of traditional dishes and culinary practices.
- Exploring diverse traditions of dresses of Bengal.
- Different styles of houses and their ornamentation.
Craftsmanship and Handicrafts:
- Showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and traditional handicrafts passed down through generations.
- Discussing the role of artisans in preserving and promoting West Bengal's artistic heritage.
Socio-economic study of different heritage sites.
Exploring the possibility and making a plan to make lesser-known Heritage sites a tourist attraction.
Exploring the Heritage sites of Purulia with special reference to Garh Panchakot and its surrounding areas.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased awareness and appreciation of West Bengal's rich heritage.
- Creation of a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration.
- Generation of research and documentation to contribute to the preservation of West Bengal's cultural legacy.
Free accommodation may be offered at the college hostel, subject to availability. The seminar committee can also arrange accommodation at resorts (Panchet Hill) for participants on payment. No TA will be provided to the participants.
Registration fees:
For offline presentation: INR 1500/-
For online Presentation: INR 500/-
Selected papers will be published in a special issue of PANCHAKOTesSAYS: Multidisciplinary, Refereed, International Journal, ISSN: 0976-4968.
https://journal.panchakotmv.ac.in
For any queries, please feel free to write to us at suvajit.halder@panchakotmv.ac.in.
N.B.: A guided tour of Garh Panchakot will be organised for the Participants after the Seminar.
For any queries, please feel free to write to us at suvajit.halder@panchakotmv.ac.in.
