HINDI 501 Winter 2026: READINGS IN CLASSICAL HINDI (Braj)
Instructor: Heidi Pauwels, Gowen Hall 233, tel. 3-4235 hpauwels@uw.edu
Prerequisites: Students should have a solid knowledge of modern standard Hindi
Aims:
The primary goal of this class is to provide an introduction to the language and literature of Braj Bhāṣā, the literary form of Classical Hindi associated with the Braj area in Western UP. This will be accomplished by a short grammar introduction and close reading of selections from representative literary works in the original language. To ease in we will start with prose sections (amusing stories and stories of saints), moving on to the devotional (bhakti) songs of Mīrābāī, Sūrdās, and Raskhān, and the dazzling court (rīti) poetry of Bihārī. We will listen to diverse renderings of the songs, and study modern popular perception in for instance Bollywood films.
Course requirements and grading:
Class participation/preparation: 40% Portfolio due F W10
Class Presentation: 30 % As assigned, preparation in portfolio
Final Presentation and Paper 40 % Presentation W10, paper M exam week