Overview
The VAC aims to provide participants with an understanding of the historical, cultural, artistic, and sustainable aspects of Majuli mask-making. The course will explore the relevance of indigenous crafts, traditional materials, sustainable practices, and their application in contemporary design education. Through this interdisciplinary learning experience, students and faculty members will gain insights into Indian knowledge traditions and their contribution to sustainable design and cultural preservation.
Our Trainers
Vishesh Ahirwar
Product Designer from the National Institute of Design with three years of creative field experience. Expertise spans multiple art forms, specializing in ceramic design. Alongside academic responsibilities, works as a freelance designer, delivering creative, crafted, and thoughtful design solutions. Blends artistic versatility with a strong foundation in design thinking and visual expression.
Dr Amrita Rajput
Dr. Amrita Rajput is a seasoned academician with over 27 years of experience in fashion and design education. Passionate about Indian art, crafts, handloom, and sustainable design, she promotes the integration of traditional knowledge with contemporary design practices. Through research, mentorship, and creative learning initiatives, she inspires students to preserve cultural heritage while embracing innovation and sustainability.
#ArtAndCraft #IndianCrafts #DesignEducation #SustainableDesign #CreativeLearning #VocalForLocal
Modules
|
Time |
Activity |
|
09:00 – 09:30 |
Registration & Introduction to VAC |
|
09:30 – 10:15 |
Overview of Indian Knowledge System (IKS) and Traditional Crafts |
|
10:15 – 11:00 |
History of Majuli Island, Assam and Sattriya Culture |
|
11:00 – 11:15 |
Tea Break |
|
11:15 – 12:00 |
Types of Majuli Masks (Mukha) – Cultural Significance |
|
12:00 – 12:45 |
Materials Used: Bamboo, Clay, Cow Dung, Cloth, Natural Adhesives |
|
12:45 – 01:15 |
Expert Demonstration of Complete Mask Making Process |
|
01:15 – 02:15 |
Sketching and Concept Development for Individual Masks |
|
02:15 – 02:30 |
Discussion & Reflection |
|
Time |
Activity |
|
09:00 – 09:30 |
Registration & Introduction to VAC |
|
09:30 – 10:15 |
Overview of Indian Knowledge System (IKS) and Traditional Crafts |
|
10:15 – 11:00 |
History of Majuli Island, Assam and Sattriya Culture |
|
11:00 – 11:15 |
Tea Break |
|
11:15 – 12:00 |
Types of Majuli Masks (Mukha) – Cultural Significance |
|
12:00 – 12:45 |
Materials Used: Bamboo, Clay, Cow Dung, Cloth, Natural Adhesives |
|
12:45 – 01:15 |
Expert Demonstration of Complete Mask Making Process |
|
01:15 – 02:15 |
Sketching and Concept Development for Individual Masks |
|
02:15 – 02:30 |
Discussion & Reflection |
DAY 2 – Material Preparation & Base Structure
Time Activity
09:00 – 09:30 Recap of Day 1
09:30 – 10:15 Introduction to Bamboo Framework Construction
10:15 – 11:00 Demonstration of Structural Forming
11:00 – 11:15 Tea Break
11:15 – 12:30 Hands-on: Bamboo Frame Making
12:30 – 01:15 Applying Cloth and Clay Layers
01:15 – 02:15 Student Practice
02:15 – 02:30 Review
DAY 3 – Clay Modelling & Form Development
DAY 4 – Traditional Colour Systems & Painting
DAY 5 – Ornamentation & Detailing
DAY 6 – Contemporary Design Applications
DAY 7 – Exhibition, Assessment & Certification
Outcomes
After completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Understand the importance of Indian Knowledge Systems in design and cultural education.
2. Identify traditional Indian crafts, indigenous materials, and sustainable making techniques.
3. Analyze the cultural and artistic significance of Majuli Masks (Mukha) in Indian heritage.
4. Understand the role of eco-friendly materials and sustainable craft practices in contemporary design.
5. Apply traditional Indian aesthetic principles in modern creative and interdisciplinary practices.
6. Develop awareness regarding culturally responsive and sustainable design solutions.
7. Enhance creative, practical, and collaborative learning skills through hands-on activities and workshops.
8. Encourage participation and learning among students and faculty members from multiple disciplines beyond the design domain.
FAQs
1. What is the topic of the Value Added Course (VAC)?
The VAC is on "Indian Knowledge System, Tribal Masks and Sustainable Design."
2. What are Tribal Masks?
Tribal masks are traditional handcrafted masks created by various indigenous communities of India. They are used in rituals, festivals, storytelling, performances, and cultural ceremonies, reflecting the beliefs and heritage of tribal societies.
3. Why is this course being conducted?
The course aims to introduce participants to India's indigenous knowledge systems, traditional crafts, sustainable practices, and their relevance in contemporary design.
4. Who can participate in this VAC?
The course is open to students and faculty members of all departments interested in Indian art, culture, craft, and sustainable design.
5. Is the course part of the curriculum?
Yes. The course is conducted under the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) curriculum and carries 2 credits.
6. What is the duration of the course?
The course will be conducted from 04 June 2026 to 10 June 2026.
7. What will participants learn during the course?
Participants will learn about:
- History and significance of tribal masks
- Indigenous knowledge and cultural traditions
- Materials and techniques used in mask-making
- Sustainable and eco-friendly craft practices
- Application of traditional crafts in contemporary design
8. Will there be practical sessions?
Yes. The course includes demonstrations, workshops, and hands-on activities related to tribal mask-making and design exploration.
9. Is attendance compulsory?
Yes. Regular attendance is mandatory for successful completion of the course.
10. Will participants receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants who fulfill the attendance and course requirements will receive a certificate of completion.
11. How many credits are associated with this VAC?
The VAC carries 2 credits under the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) curriculum.
12. How does this course benefit design students?
The course helps students understand indigenous crafts, cultural heritage, sustainable material practices, and the integration of traditional knowledge into contemporary design solutions.
13. What materials will be used during the workshop?
Participants will explore eco-friendly and locally available materials traditionally used in tribal mask-making.
14. Whom should participants contact for queries?
Participants may contact the Course Coordinator or the School of Architecture, Planning and Design for further information.
