Classroom Resources
Below are some resources that have been created here at the South Asia Center or borrowed from other organizations that might be helpful to those preparing South Asia related curriculum. In addition to these resources, we also encourage you to visit our Media Library, which has documentaries and films that address many different aspects of South Asian cultures, histories, languages, and politics.
Afghanistan and Pakistan Resources
Afghanistan
The University of West Florida and the US Navy have put together a web resource that address Afghan culture, history and politics.
Homeland Afghanistan
Learn about the history and culture of Afghanistan on this website presented by the Asia Society.
Teach Afghanistan Using Primary Sources
The Asia Society has put together a companion piece to their "Homeland Afghanistan" website (listed above) to help instructors teach about Afghanistan using primary sources.
Teaching Pakistan
This website has materials used in a introductory college course on Pakistan. The instructor includes short films found for free on the internet which may be used at the middle and high school level as well.
Hinduism
Dancing Ganesha
The Art Institute of Chicago presents the story of Ganesha, the Elephant-headed Hindu deity. It also gives ideas for classroom activities.
The Ramayana
This webpage has several versions of the Ramayana story, which is a very important Hindu epic, and corresponding teaching materials.
Smith Art Collection
Click here to see photos and read information about the Smith Art Collection.
South Asian Culture
How to wrap a Sari
Have you always wanted to know how to wrap a sari? Click here for step by step illustrated instructions.
Karimpur: Slide-show
A slide show about the village of Karimpur, located in North India. This village has been the subject of anthropological inquiry since the early 20th century until today.
South Asian Folk and Visual Arts
Beneath the Banyan Tree
Click here to to see photos of the Banyan Tree art exhibit including terracotta, mithila paintings, Bengali patas, Rajasthani par and teaching materials.
Rajasthani Puppets
Click here to see information about Rajasthani puppet and how to make your own.
Ruth Reeves Art Collection
Click here to see information about the Ruth Reeves collection and photos of some of the pieces.
Smith Art Collection
Click here to see photos and read information about the Smith Art Collection.
Smith God Poster Archive
Click here to view photos of the Smith God Posters and information about the exhibit.
South Asian Language
Hindi Language
Click here to see a Hindi language teaching website complete with audio guides.
Water in South Asia
PBS Newshour, “In India's Crowded Capital, Crisis Looms Over Limited Water”