1. Statement of the problem Rationale of the study Research Questions Objectives of the study Methodology Acknowledgement

Migration of Indians has been taking place along 3 broad patterns. (1). Emigration to British, French & Dutch colonies. (2). Emigration to Industrially developed countries. (3). Recent migration to west Asia. Persons of Indian Diaspora perpetuate and maintain Indian cultural values based on memories from Indian subcontinent. This indianess is maintained,preserved and represented through : 1. Religion 2. Language 3.Culture 3

Language has been a distinct ethnic marker and an effective tool for communication. However A gradual loss is being observed in the subsequent generations. Immigrants show disinterest in learning the language but show immense interest in learning other aspects like customs, traditions, art forms. 4

Indian Classical dance is one of the most important cultural practices and deeply rooted in Indian philosophy and an effective medium to communicate Indian culture. Parents find it the most acceptable way of exposing their children to the culture & heritage of India Preliminary literature Review reveals that such a phenomenon is recurrent in most of the Indian Diaspora. It is against this background that this study is taken up. 5

This study is important: 1. To understand how the various parameters of identity are changing. 2. To understand how dance acts as an identity marker and how it is adapting & changing itself in a digital world. 6

3. To contribute in the corpus of research in understanding Indian Diasporic behaviour and in understanding the evolution of classical dance in Indian Diaspora. 7

1. What is the relevance of Indian Classical dance forms in Indian Diasporic countries? 2. How Indian classical dances evolve in Mauritius from the time of migration? 3. What are the prospects of Indian Classical Dance in Mauritius in the future? 8

The objectives of the study are: 1. To study the patterns of movement of various dance forms from the mainland to the Indian Diasporic countries. 2. To study the prevalence of Indian classical dance in Indian Diasporic countries. 3. To examine the evolution of the Indian classical dance forms ever since migration of Indians to Mauritius. 9

4. To evaluate the various roles of the Indian classical dance in Mauritius. 5.To find out the adaptation and development of the Indian classical dance forms in Mauritius. 6.To study the prospects of the Indian classical dance in Mauritius. 10

 Present research will mainly be based upon quantitative methods, making use of: Articles from newspaper, magazines Cultural & analytical history materials Media Records Relics Artistic materials, charts, maps. Historical Data obtained through observation & direct communication with respondents. Ethnographic Administration of questionnaires & interviews. Survey Methods 11

1. My Supervisor :Dr J. Chemen (Senior Lecturer, Department of Languages, Mahatma Gandhi Institute). 2. Tertiary Education Commission. 12