Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Delhi
The Department of African Studies is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Delhi.It was established in December 1954 at the personal initiative of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. He inaugurated it formally on August 6, 1955 with a mandate to promoting awareness about Africa. The Department undertakes inter-disciplinary teaching and research studies leading to Ph.D. Degrees of the University of Delhi along with Certificate and Diploma in Swahili Language. The Department provides a forum for fostering mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation between peoples of India and Africa. Thus, the mandate ot the Department extends beyond its primary function of acquisition and dissemination of knowledge to promotion of India-Africa relations.
There is a flourishing library section in the department with more than 3,200 books, hundreds of dissertations, and other important study materials on Africa. The department also produces the Indian Journal of African Studies, a biannual scholarly publication that looks at a range of African-related topics.
Today, the Department is led by devoted academics who use their extensive experiences and knowledge to guide students. All the faculty members have made multiple contributions to the department's academic success. The faculty's dedication to researching and teaching in multiple specialized areas has established the Department as a major center for African studies in India. Notable former and current faculty members have helped define and develop the department's vision over time, making it a friendly environment for students and scholars from all over the world.
In 2023, the Department also signed a collaboration agreement with the National Council for Handloom and Handicraft Development (NCHHD) to encourage research in trade, textiles, and commerce between India and African countries. This relationship is part of the department's ongoing efforts to meaningfully contribute to India-Africa relations.
The Department has established itself as India's premier voice in African studies through its courses, research, and collaborations. It is a community where students and researchers may explore, learn about, and participate in Africa's various and vibrant cultures. Its legacy, created over decades, continues to inspire new generations of students who want to enhance their awareness of Africa.