The PG Santali syllabus encompasses a variety of key topics that provide a comprehensive understanding of the Santali language, literature, and culture…

Santali Literature and Genres

This is a major component and typically involves a detailed study of:

• History of Santali Literature: Tracing the development of the literature through different phases—Ancient (pre-1845), Medieval (1845-1947, often focusing on missionary contributions), and Modern/Contemporary (Post-1947).

• Literary Theory: Concepts of Indian and Western literary theories as applied to Santali literature.

• Study of Genres (Texts): In-depth study of specific literary forms, including:

  • Poetry (Santali Anorhe)

  • Prose (Essays, Literary Criticism)

  • Fiction (Novels/Gamaam and Short Stories/Hudiq Kahni)

  • Drama (Short Drama/Long Drama/Gayan)

• Prominent Writers and their Contributions: Detailed study of major literary figures like Pt. Raghunath Murmu and Sadhu Ramchand Murmu.

• Literary Magazines and Journals: The role of Santali magazines in the development of literature.

Santali Language and Linguistics

This section focuses on the scientific study of the language itself:

• General Linguistics: Introduction to the definition, scope, and branches of general linguistics.

• Santali Linguistics:

  • Origin and Characteristics of the Santali language.

  • Study of the Austric Language Family and the Munda group, and the position of Santali within it.

  • Grammatical Structure: Detailed study of Santali grammar, including Phonology (sound system), Morphology (word structure), Syntax (sentence structure), and Semantics (meaning).

  • The Ol Chiki script and its evolution.

Culture, Ethnology, and Folk Literature

These papers delve into the cultural and societal context that forms the backdrop of the literature:

• Ethnology: The study of the culture and social structure of the Santals and related tribes (Munda, Ho, Birhor, etc.).

  • Topics often include social organization (clan, kinship), religious system, and traditional administrative systems.

• Santal Culture: Detailed study of Santal cultural practices, including:

  • Myths and Origin Stories (Santals’ Myths).

  • Festivals (Sahray, Baha, Karam, etc.) and Rituals.

  • Santal Arts and traditional social systems.

• Santali Folk Literature (Hor Sanwhet):

  • Classification and characteristics of Folk Literature.

  • Folksongs (Dansai, Sahray, Dong, Langre, Pata, etc.) and their cultural significance.

  • Folktales, Proverbs, and Riddles.

📝 Research and Skills

Practical and methodological papers are also key components:

• Research Methodology: Introduction to research principles, methods of study, and dissertation writing.

• Translation: The theory and practice of translation, often involving translation exercises from Santali to other languages (like English or Bengali) and vice-versa.

• Dissertation/Field Work: A compulsory research project or field work in the final semester, allowing students to conduct original research on a topic of interest.

The specific names of the papers and their grouping may vary slightly between universities, but these core areas form the foundation of the PG Santali curriculum.