Music is often considered a synthesis of numerous disciplines, encompassing science and acoustics, anthropology, technology, engineering, history, sociology, and more, making it inherently interdisciplinary. This is distinctly reflected in the work of Shilpa Pandit, Associate Professor at Ahmedabad University's School of Arts and Sciences. As a professor of psychology, her passion for blending philosophy and psychology to explore the mysteries of Indian music exemplifies the University's commitment to interdisciplinarity. Her innovative research earned her the Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship from the United States-India Educational Foundation.
Professor Pandit’s research encompasses three main areas. First is studying philosophical and musical texts, along with other writings on musical meaning. Her focus includes fragmented concepts such as the deep connection between Svara and Prāna, as well as definitions of terms like svara, gāna, and nāda. Currently, she is examining texts like the Abhinaya Darpana and chapters 6, 7, and 28-33 of the Nātya Shastra. “Additionally, I attend a weekly course on creativity taught by a philosopher colleague. He draws on the works of Husserl and Deleuze, while I contribute insights from psychology, referencing thinkers like Simonton, Csikszentmihalyi, and Amabile. These interdisciplinary discussions are both engaging and intellectually enriching,” said Professor Pandit.
The second aspect of her research involves meeting with music groups and conducting in-depth interviews with teachers and performers. “This helps me understand the cultural differences in teaching methods for students from diverse backgrounds,” she says. “These interviews also provide insights into what evolves and what remains constant in the lived experience of musical meaning.” The third component of her research is a broad survey of music appreciation, primarily targeting listeners and students.
Reflecting on her achievement, Professor Pandit shares, “My proposal on the philosophy and psychology of Indian music was deeply interdisciplinary. While the application process was rigorous, it surprised the panellists, as it is uncommon for a psychologist to delve into this area. My familiarity with texts like the Brahhadesi, comfort with Sanskrit, and understanding of contemporary neuroscience research on auditory perception and musical creativity were central to the discussion that ultimately led to this fellowship.”
She adds, “The intellectually stimulating environment at Ahmedabad University played a significant role in this accomplishment. The seminars, discussions, and the opportunity to teach a new generation of engaged and curious students broadened my perspective. At Ahmedabad University, I teach psychology, a field increasingly in demand as it reflects both the achievements and anxieties of our times. Students pursuing this discipline are driven by a desire to understand the world and make it a better place. As a teacher, it’s heartening to see their dedication to effecting meaningful change.”