The Indian diaspora has now more than ever before exported the inhabitants of the sub-continent to very many countries in the world. They are presently to be found settled in far-off places like Alaska, Norway, Denmark, New Zealand, the Unites States of America, England, Canada and elsewhere. By far the largest group that had emigrated under the tri-partite patronage of South Africa, India and Britain between 1860 and 1911 to South Africa were a mixture of Hindus, Christians and Muslims representing the four major Indian language groups of Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Gujarati. The indentured, in no small measure, played a significant part in drastically uplifting the economy of Natal as efficient and hardworking labourers in the sugarcane farms, the coalfields of Northern Natal and in the wattle farms of the mist belt of the Midlands of Natal. No doubt in some cases their working conditions were extremely trying and painfully difficult; but they triumphed. They were not willing to remain in their immigrant servitude. After their contract, as is now, patently well known that in about 140 years they have reached against all odds. They are world recognized in nearly all fields where human endeavour calls for the best. They have produced renounced academics and artisans and are visible wherever excellence is the benchmark. After 1994 they have integrated with ease within the South African plural society without abandoning their language, culture, traditions, belief systems, dietary habits and the distinct dress of the women in particular and the men in general. Undoubtedly their inborn patience and tolerance and the ability to change and adapt within a multi-religious and multi-ethical milieu is a humble credit to their forbearance. / Thesis (M. A.)-University of Durban-Westville, 2003.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Durban-Westville, 1994.

This dissertation is accompanied by a video recording of the performance of the yajna and an audio recording of the mantras (sacred verses) recited during the performance. This thesis endeavors to illustrate how oral style elements are used to accentuate the mantras during the performance of the yajna. The mantras and the yajna itself, have its roots in the Vedic scriptures which have been transmitted orally from generation to generation. In chapter one, "Introduction", a brief description of the concept of Hinduism which forms the basis of my investigation is presented. An individual's life, according to Hinduism, is divided into four stages and the performance of yajna features prominently in the sixteen Vedic sanskaras. In chapter two, the term yajna is defined and the origin of yajna as reflected in the Purusa Sukta is discussed. The five main daily duties or Panca Mahayajna, presented for the welfare and progress of the individual and society are explained. It must be noted that the Panca Mahayajna are not necessarily all rituals or rites but rather social or human commitments, which are a part of the Vedic code of ethics. However, the Deva Yajna or Agni-hotra or yajna as it is very commonly known to Hindus, is a ritual that is performed. The Devayajna forms an integral part of the Panca Mahayajna. The third chapter outlines some of Marcel Jousse's thoughts, views and ideas about oral style expressions relevant to the yajna. The universal anthropological laws of Formulism, Bilateralism, Mimism and Rhythmism as propounded by Marcel Jousse are highlighted. Key concepts like gesture, memory, rhythm and oral expression, used as facilitators for the transmission of knowledge are explained. this chapter forms part of the conceptional framework of the study. Chapter four focusses on the definition of oral tradition The Vedas, an example of Hindu literature reflecting oral tradition, are discussed. Some interesting comments tracing the authenticity of the Vedas and facts declaring the Vedas as the source head of all knowledge about human behaviour also feature in this chapter. In the fifth chapter, the procedure, explanation and analysis of the gestural and oral expressions as reflected in the performance of the yajna are examined. The anthropological laws of Marcel Jousse are applied in the recitation of the mantras and the actual performance of the yajna. Mnemotechnical devices that facilitate memorisation, featuring in the mantras are discussed. The conclusion emphasises the role of oral style elements that are evident in the yajna and explores the possibility for further research in Vedic literature. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban,1999.

This study seeks to explore the relationship between religious ritual and theatre through an examination of the manner in which the Hindu religion functions. In the Introduction to this thesis, the nature of both religious rituals and theatre, and the similarities that exist between ' these forms of performance, are explored. At the heart of any performance is the desire to communicate. Religious rituals are primarily a means of communicating the philosophy of a particular religion. In this thesis, the basic beliefs and philosophy of the Hindu religion are described; the imagery, symbols and mythology, that have evolved with the religion, are analysed as extensions of the basic philosophy of the religion; and the manner in which these symbols and images function in Hindu religious practices is examined. This is followed by a detailed documentation of two Hindu rituals. The first, the Havan is a home based ritual, while the second, the Fire-Walking Festival, is temple based. The historical evolution of these rituals, based on essentially scriptural evidence, is also examined. An overview of the impact of the Hindu religion on Indian theatre concludes this dissertation. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1991.