Armeno-Indica: Four Centuries of Togetherness and Familiarity

308 Charles E Young Drive North,Los Angeles CA 90024

19 March, 2022

Description

Day 2 of a conference of interdisciplinary scholars who will explore the Indo-Armenian saga in South Asia from the 17th to 21st centuries. This two-day conference celebrates the bicentenary of the founding of Kolkata's famed Armenian College, one of three centers of Armenian higher learning in the diaspora and the only one that has survived and is thriving today. Beginning in the early modern period and continuing to this day, Armenians have traveled to India to make its distant shores and cultures their own. India looms large in the Armenian social imaginary. It was not only the place where the first Armenian constitution for an "imagined" nation-republic was published, but also the cradle of the first Armenian newspaper, the first modern Armenian play, arguably the place where the first eastern Armenian novel appeared, and where the first Armenian "feminist" tract was published. Join us at the Fowler Museum for Day 2 of the conference. It will feature an interdisciplinary group of scholars who will explore the Indo-Armenian saga in South Asia from the 17th to the 21st centuries. Themes to be discussed will include the connected economic, literary, legal, and political histories of Armenians and Indians in South Asia and beyond, across the waters of the Indian Ocean. Professor Sanjay Subrahmanyam will deliver the keynote for the conference. A reception will follow. This program is organized by the Richard Hovannisian Chair of Modern Armenian History. It is co-presented by the Fowler Museum at UCLA, Armenian Studies Center at the Promise Armenian Institute, and the Gustave Von Grunebaum Center for Near Eastern Studies, UCLA Fowler Talks: The Fowler is honored to be a convening place for conversations, lectures, and readings that explore the many ways art creates meaning and defines purpose for people across the globe. IMAGE: “Red Taj Mahal,” ca.1800, Agra, India. Photo by Sebouh Aslanian, 2019 The Fowler Museum at UCLA explores global arts and cultures with an emphasis on Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas—past and present. The Fowler enhances understanding and appreciation of the diverse peoples, cultures, and religions of the world through dynamic exhibitions, publications, and public programs, informed by interdisciplinary approaches and the perspectives of the cultures represented. Also featured is the work of international contemporary artists presented within the complex frameworks of politics, culture and social action. The Fowler provides exciting, informative and thought-provoking exhibitions and events for the UCLA community and the people of greater Los Angeles and beyond.