The Centre for Himalayan Studies (a CNRS-own research unit) hosts students enrolled at the doctoral school Milieux, cultures et sociétés du passé et du présent of Université Paris Nanterre. Every year, the CEH offers a fieldwork/travel grant to a Master’s student in anthropology for them to carry out research in the Himalayan cultural area (Nepal, India, China) and provides methodological, financial (€3,500) and logistical support for an ethnographic study, equivalent to their period of work experience for their Master’s course.
Students are encouraged to discuss in advance their choice of subject with the researchers from CEH, a research unit based on the Condorcet Campus in Aubervilliers. Note that the CEH’s Himalayan collection (societies and environments) is the largest in the world in this field.
Preference is given to topics that are in keeping with the team’s current research areas (see below). The selected candidate will of course be able to pursue discussions to fine-tune the choice of topic. After writing their dissertation, the student will write a short report about their fieldwork and will be invited to present their work to CEH members.
Suggested topics
Norms and practices in the choice of matrimonial spouses (in rural and/or urban areas)
Territories and networks in the Himalayas : perceptions and practices.
“Miissionary ethnographies", missionaries’ archives in the Himalayas and its margins.
Shamanisms, orality and modes of figuration.
Role of the courts in disputes concerning natural resource management or animal protection in South Asia.
Issues of ritual anthropology in relation to Himalayan or Tibetan milieus.
Anthropology of Buddhism : (choose one) religious scholars ; scholars, laypersons and their relationship ; institutions ; ritual life.
Museology, museography and patrimonialisation.
Anthropology of the town (Kathmandu, Leh).
Involvement of Khumbu’s Buddhist monasteries in resource management, local governance and tourism.
Life stories of Tamang and Rai porters in Solu : working in the Gulf countries or in tourism in Khumbu ?
Ethnography of the peoples of the Sino-Tibetan margins.
The return of elected officials : current mutations in local governance in Nepal.
Northeast India / Nepalese Tarai : (choose one) land clearing, fairs and markets.
Applicants should submit a 2–3 page proposal about their scientific objectives by 30 June 2022, and should include some practical indications : place(s) envisaged for fieldwork, period of the year and duration of the fieldwork, estimated budget and information on any funding they have already obtained. Projects that started prior to the 30 June deadline are eligible. The application should be sent to :
Nicolas Sihlé : nicolas.sihle@cnrs.fr
Philippe Ramirez : philippe.ramirez@cnrs.fr
Download the "Corneille Jest grant" document :