IIAS hosts seminar on feminist perspectives in Indian theatre

The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla, inaugurated a two-day international seminar titled “Heroine Archetypes in Indian Theatre: Modern Perspectives on Feminist Discourse” today.

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Mehar Chand Negi, Secretary of IIAS, delivered the inaugural address and welcomed the participants. Dr Shaminaj Khan, Fellow at IIAS and seminar convener, introduced the theme by emphasizing the relevance of Nayika Bheda—classical heroine classifications in Indian dramaturgy—as a lens for feminist analysis in contemporary theatre.

In the keynote address delivered online, renowned Sanskrit scholar Professor Radhavallabha Tripathi, Former Vice Chancellor of Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, discussed how Nayika archetypes serve as cultural constructs. He highlighted their evolving representations through feminist interpretations in modern performances.

The day featured three academic sessions chaired by Professors O P Sharma, Uma Anantani, and RC Shinha. Scholars presented papers exploring reinterpretations of Nayikas in classical Sanskrit plays, feminist theory, regional literature, and performance arts. Participants from across India attended both in person and virtually.

The seminar will conclude tomorrow with a valedictory session led by Professor Sachidananda Mohanty and other eminent scholars.