Call for Papers Courtesans as Agents of Resistance: Unveiling Marginalized Voices in India (Tentative Title)
Call for Papers
Courtesans as Agents of Resistance: Unveiling Marginalized Voices in India (Tentative Title)
Courtesans have held a profound and intricate position within the tapestry of Indian society and culture, their presence marked by a fascinating blend of marginalization and influence. Historically, these enigmatic figures have resided at the crossroads of art, culture, and politics, shaping narratives and challenging conventions. Despite enduring societal marginalization, courtesans have emerged as formidable agents of resistance, wielding their artistry, intellect, and agency to disrupt entrenched norms and hierarchies. This edited volume endeavors to delve into the nuanced portrayal of courtesans as voices of resistance in the rich tapestry of Indian society and culture.
Expanding upon the existing scholarship, which deftly navigates the intersections of gender, sexuality, and literature in India, this volume seeks to offer a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted roles played by courtesans throughout history. In essence, this edited volume endeavors to complement the already existing groundbreaking scholarship and a testament to the enduring relevance of the prevelant insights in understanding the complex dynamics of gender, sexuality, and power in Indian society. Through rigorous analysis and thoughtful engagement, this volume seeks to contribute to ongoing conversations about the representation and agency of marginalized voices, offering fresh perspectives on the enduring legacy of courtesans as catalysts for social transformation and resistance.
Themes and Topics:
We invite scholars from various disciplines, including but not limited to literature, history, cultural studies, gender studies, and sociology, to contribute original research papers that delve into the following themes:
Historical Perspectives: Analyzing the historical roles and contributions of courtesans in Indian society, including their patronage, artistic endeavors, and socio-political influence.
Literary Representations: Examining the portrayal of courtesans in Indian literature, including poetry, novels, and drama, as embodiments of resistance against societal norms and patriarchal structures.
Artistic Expressions: Exploring the representation of courtesans in visual arts, music, dance, and performing arts as agents of defiance and subversion.
Agency and Empowerment: Investigating instances of courtesans exercising agency and reclaiming their narratives, challenging stereotypes, and asserting their autonomy.
Intersectionality and Identity: Examining the intersectional identities of courtesans, including caste, class, and gender, and the ways in which these intersecting identities shape their experiences of resistance.
Cultural Politics: Analyzing the socio-political dynamics surrounding the portrayal of courtesans in popular culture, including cinema, television, and digital media, and their implications for gender, sexuality, and power dynamics.
Submission Guidelines:
Abstracts should be submitted by November 30, 2024 and should not exceed 300-350 words.
Authors will be notified of acceptance by December 30, 2024.
Full papers should be between 6,000 to 8,000 words (including references) and should adhere to academic standards and conventions.
All submissions must be original and not under consideration for publication elsewhere.
Submission Process:
Please submit your abstracts and inquiries to Srija Sanyal at srija.sanyal@gmail.com. Upon acceptance, full papers should be submitted via email by June 30, 2025.
Publication Details:
Selected papers will be compiled into an edited volume to be published by a reputable academic publisher. Intending for an interdisciplinary scholarship, the volume aims to contribute to the existing scholarship on gender, sexuality, and cultural studies in India, offering new insights into the portrayal of courtesans as agents of resistance.
Contact Information:
For further information or inquiries, please contact Srija Sanyal at srija.sanyal@gmail.com.
We look forward to receiving your contributions and engaging in meaningful discussions on this compelling and significant theme.
Edited by: Srija Sanyal, Research Scholar, Ronin Institute for Independent Research, NJ, USA
Editor’s Bio:
Srija Sanyal (ORCID id 0000-0002-0121-7944), a Research Scholar at the Ronin Institute, Montclair, USA, explores the intersection of literature with gender studies, particularly focusing on Indian and South Asian contexts. Holding dual Masters’ degrees in English Literature from the University of Delhi and IGNOU, Sanyal has a Certificate in Feminist Dissent from the University of Warwick. A prolific researcher, she has published in reputable journals, curated Gender, Sexuality, and Indian Cinema: Queer Visuals (2023), and serves as a respected Reviewer for esteemed journals of international repute. Sanyal has received grants and scholarships from esteemed institutions. She recently joined the Editorial Board of the Critical Gender Studies journal and is currently collaborating on projects examining queer representation in Bengali cinema and Feminism in Bengal.
ResearchGate Profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Srija-Sanyal
Srija Sanyal