142248 BA Food in Indian Politics: Cultural Studies (2025S)

The Bachelor seminar aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the role of food in Indian politics, examining how culinary practices, food distribution, and dietary regulations intersect with political ideologies, governance, and social movements. The course will analyze historical and contemporary instances where food has been used as a tool for political expression, identity formation, and even as a means of control or resistance. Through a combination of academic literature, documents related to political parties, social media and advertisements, and discussions, students will gain a deeper understanding of how food serves as both a symbol and a mechanism of power in Indian society.

Aimed at students with an interest in cultural studies, the seminar encourages critical analysis and reflection on the connection between food and politics. Through the study of literature, advertisements, articles and other sources, students will engage with the cultural, social, and political contexts that shape these representations.

Objectives:
To research and analyse narratives—including political speeches, government policies, media representations, and literature—that highlight the role of food in Indian politics.
To critically examine how food is addressed in political expressions in various historical and contemporary contexts.
To deepen the understanding of food as a symbol of identity in Indian society.
To develop interdisciplinary perspectives by integrating cultural studies and text analysis in the study of food and politics in India.

Methods:
Textual Analysis: Students will explore various representations of food in source texts, analysing them within their respective cultural contexts.
Interdisciplinary Discussion: Engaging with multiple perspectives and approaches, particularly from literary and cultural studies and South Asian studies.

Attention: Courses 142246-1 and 142248-1 can only be completed together.