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WORLD ANTHROPOLOGICAL UNION

CONGRESS 2024​

Paper

Exploring Cultural Beliefs and Practices in the Folklore of Awadh: An Anthropological Perspective on Food and Nutrition

presenters

    NEETU SINGH

    Nationality: INDIAN

    Residence: INDIAN

    University of Lucknow

    Presence:Face to Face/ On Site

Keywords:

Awadh, Folklore and food system

Abstract:

Food and nutrition occupies a central position within the realm of anthropology straddling both socio-cultural and biological dimensions. Scholars such as Mintz and Dubois (2002); Murcott (1998); Ulijaszek and Strickland (1993) have noted its antiquity within the discipline, suggesting that the study of food predates many other anthropological inquiries. This is understandable given that food is not merely sustenance; it serves as a conduit for social interaction, a marker of identity, and a reflection of cultural values. Drawing on insights from social and cultural anthropology, paper would explore how food practices within Awadhi folklore are intertwined with notions of identity, belonging, and community. Through rituals, ceremonies, and everyday consumption patterns, individuals negotiate their place within the social fabric, reinforcing bonds and hierarchies. Simultaneously, from a biological anthropology standpoint, paper would examine the nutritional aspects embedded within Awadhi culinary traditions. How do these traditional diets align with modern nutritional knowledge? What implications do they have for health and well-being? By merging insights from both socio-cultural and biological anthropology, we gain a holistic understanding of food systems within the folk society of Awadh. Moreover, our inquiry extends beyond the confines of Awadhi folklore to reflect on broader anthropological methodologies. The study of food challenges existing paradigms, prompting scholars to reconsider their approaches to hypothesis formulation, data collection, and theoretical frameworks. In essence, food serves not only as a subject of study but also as a catalyst for reimagining anthropological inquiry itself. In conclusion, this paper contributes to the growing body of literature on food and nutrition within anthropology, shedding light on the intricate interplay between culture, biology, and society in the context of Awadhi folklore.