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Six Months Certificate Course in Tai Ahom Language and Medieval Manuscriptology (As per NEP 2020)

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Duration: 6 Months (One Semester)

 

Total Credits: 5

Paper I: Introduction to Tai Ahom Language: 3 Credits

Paper II: Introduction to Medieval Manuscriptology: 2 Credits

 

Eligibility:

10+2 or equivalent (with interest in history, language, or heritage studies)

 

Programme Objectives

The course aims to:

  • Introduce learners to the Tai Ahom language and its script

  • Develop basic reading, interpretative, and communication skills in Tai Ahom texts

  • Provide foundational knowledge of medieval manuscriptology with special reference to Tai Ahom manuscripts

  • Promote awareness of indigenous knowledge systems and cultural heritage of Assam as a part of greater Indian Knowledge System

  • Align with NEP 2020 by encouraging multidisciplinary learning, skill orientation, and heritage conservation

 

Programme Outcomes (POs)

After completing the course, learners will be able to:

  • Read and write basic Tai Ahom script

  • Understand elementary Tai Ahom vocabulary and grammar

  • Identify and classify medieval manuscripts

  • Interpret Tai Ahom manuscripts in historical and cultural contexts

  • Apply basic techniques of manuscript preservation and documentation

 

Course Structure

Paper I: Tai Ahom Language

Credits: 3

Contact Hours: 45 (Lecture: 30, Tutorial/Practical: 15)

 

Course Outcomes (COs)

Students will be able to:

  • Recognize Tai Ahom script and phonetics

  • Enrich competence in grammatical structures and basic communication skills

  • Read and decipher Tai Ahom and Old Assamese texts

  • Understand cultural and historical references embedded in the language

 

Unit-wise Syllabus

 

Unit I: Introduction to Tai Ahom Language (10 Hours)

  • Origin and classification of Tai languages

  • Historical development of Tai Ahom language

  • Importance of Tai Ahom in medieval Assamese history and culture

Unit II: Tai Ahom Script and Phonology (10 Hours)

  • Alphabets, vowels, consonants, and Tai tonal system

  • Pronunciation and transliteration

  • Writing and Speaking practice (with comparative studies on the Old Assamese language and other Tai languages)

Unit III: Basic Grammar and Vocabulary (10 Hours)

  • Nouns, pronouns, verbs, particles

  • Sentence structure

  • Common phrases and vocabulary

Unit IV: Reading and Interpretation of Texts (15 Hours)

  • Reading simple Tai Ahom manuscripts

  • Translation exercises (Tai Ahom to Assamese/English)

  • Cultural themes in Tai Ahom texts

 

Teaching–Learning Methods

  • Lectures and demonstrations

  • Script-writing practice

  • Guided reading sessions

  • Guided Speaking Sessions

  • Audio-visual materials

 

Assessment Pattern

  • Internal Assessment: 40%

    • Class tests, assignments, script-writing, and speaking practice

  • End Semester Examination: 60%

    • Written and practical components

 

Paper II: Medieval Manuscriptology

Credits: 2

Contact Hours: 30 (Lecture: 20, Practical: 10)

 

Course Outcomes (COs)

Students will be able to:

  • Understand the concept and scope of manuscriptology

  • Identify materials and scripts used in medieval manuscripts

  • Analyze Tai Ahom and Old Assamese manuscripts historically and culturally

  • Apply basic preservation techniques

 

 

 

Unit-wise Syllabus

 

Unit I: Introduction to Manuscriptology (8 Hours)

  • Definition, scope, and significance

  • History of manuscript tradition in India

  • Overview of medieval Tai Ahom and Old Assamese manuscripts

 

Unit II: Materials and Scripts (7 Hours)

  • Writing materials: bark, palm leaf, paper

  • Inks and tools

  • Scripts used in medieval Assam with special reference to Tai Ahom and Old Assamese language

 

Unit III: Tai Ahom and Old Assamese Manuscripts (7 Hours)

  • Types of Tai Ahom and Old Assamese manuscripts (Buranjis, religious, medical, astronomical texts)

  • Historical and cultural significance

  • Case studies of selected manuscripts (Textual Criticism/Palaeography)

 

Unit IV: Preservation and Documentation (8 Hours)

  • Causes of manuscript deterioration

  • Traditional and modern preservation techniques

  • Cataloguing and digitization basics

 

Teaching–Learning Methods

  • Lectures and discussions

  • Manuscript images and facsimiles

  • Practical exposure (where available)

  • Field visit to archives/museums (optional)

 

Assessment Pattern

  • Internal Assessment: 40%

  • Assignments, presentations, practical records

  • End Semester Examination: 60%

 

Pedagogical Approach (NEP 2020 Aligned)

  • Multidisciplinary approach (language, history, heritage studies)

  • Experiential learning through manuscript handling and interpretation

  • Skill-based learning for heritage conservation

  • Use of local knowledge systems and indigenous traditions

 

Certification

Students who successfully complete the course and pass all assessments shall be awarded a Certificate in Tai Ahom Language and Medieval Manuscriptology.

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