Indian Culture Research Articles

India’s emerging trends and meanings in healthy human-nature relationships: Indian outdoor education practitioner perspectives

ABSTRACT Using a descriptive, exploratory study of recent developments in outdoor adventure education (OAE) fields in India, the authors report on the significant contributions of Indian OAE practitioners in promoting healthy human-nature relationships. Semi-structured interviews with Indian OAE practitioners revealed an underlying interconnectedness between OAE, environmental education, and experiential education. Findings show that OAE practitioners in India represent new genres of practice diversifying into nature-based sports, therapeutic adventure, experiential activities, and more to help individuals develop positive relationships with nature, emphasising reciprocity and mutual respect. Drawing from the historical, spiritual, and cultural aspects of nature-relatedness in Indian culture, OAE practitioners bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary practices to foster deeper connections with the natural worlds. This study postulates that Indian OAE practitioners, with their understanding of nature’s therapeutic effects, play vital roles in guiding people towards a holistic and sustainable relationship with nature that contributes to individual well-being and environmental preservation.

Performers and Sites of the Ashwamedha Yagya in Medieval India

India has a very rich cultural history. The Ashwamedh Yagya, an important ritual and experiment from Vedic times, aimed to refine consciousness. Since the Vedic era, many Ashwamedha Yagyas have been performed. In light of scriptural texts and archaeological findings, the present study aimed to retrospectively analyze the performers and sites of the Ashwamedha Yagya in medieval India. The study found that 27 kings from 18 dynasties had performed a total of 81 documented Ashwamedha Yagyas from the 1st century BCE to the 18th century CE. Although the study tried to comprehensively identify all instances of Ashwamedha performed in medieval India, there may be more awaiting further study. The study observed that these findings were based on archaeological evidence, including copper plate inscriptions, stone inscriptions, brick and pillar inscriptions, yagya kunds, and coins. Ashwamedha sites were present throughout present-day India. An interdisciplinary approach combining archaeological, inscriptional, scriptural, and sociological findings, along with expertise from ritualistic scholars, could unveil new research directions on the rich history of Ashwamedha Yagya in Indian culture.

Ashwamedha Yagya in Puran

The Ashwamedha yagya is one of the most important ritualistic practices in Indian culture and society. It was performed to uplift human consciousness and refine mass consciousness. The Puranas serve as excellent sources for understanding the history of Indian society, containing information about lineages, dynasties, and their actions. The present study aims to provide an overview of instances where accounts of the Ashwamedha yagya were performed in history. Instances of Ashwamedh yagya are ample in the Puranas. Ashwamedha Yagya in the Chandravanshi (Lunar Dynasty) (Mahabharat era), Ikshvaku Dynasty (Ramayan era), Ashwamedha Yagya in Other Great Dynasties including beyond Ramayan era, and Ashwamedha Yagya by the Great Sages are noted in the present perspective review. Furthermore, stories of the performance of the Ashwamedha Yagya abound in the Puranas, indicating that these rituals were among the most sacred and highly revered events in ancient Indian culture.

Freedom Inc.: Gendered Capitalism in New Indian Literature and Culture: A Response

Abstract This essay is a response to Mukti Mangharam’s book Freedom Inc: Gendered Capitalism in New Indian Literature and Culture. The essay commends Mangharam’s intervention in reading the gender, caste, and class implications of neoliberalism embraced by the Indian government and people. Drawing upon Mangharam’s main arguments, this essay extends her analysis to examining the role of the Indian diaspora in promoting Freedom Inc’s narrative, the increased marginalization and precarity faced by Muslims within this new India, and the insidious ways in which Freedom Inc coopts narratives that critique it.

Editorial : Ashwamedh Yagya

Ashwamedha holds a very special place in the extensive history of Yagya in the Divine culture (Dev Sanskriti) of India. From Vedic times to the modern era, the performance of Yagya has been central to the journey of Indian civilization and culture. Among them, Ashwamedha Yagya is considered the king of Yagyas due to its purpose and vastness. Ashwamedha Yagyas are, in essence, spiritual experiments for the upliftment of mass consciousness, which is only possible when a united mass is involved in a specific ritual and lifestyle. A special edition is being released on the auspicious occasion of the Ashwamedha Yagya being performed in Mumbai, the economic capital of India, from February 21-25, 2024 CE. In the present modern era, All World Gayatri Pariwar has conducted 46 Ashwamedha Yagyas, and the Mumbai Ashwamedha Yagya will be the 47th. The special edition of the Dev Sanskriti Interdisciplinary International Journal introduces unique research pertaining to Ashwamedha Yagya.

Foremost in the series of nation-building rituals - the Ashvamedha Mahayagya

In the comprehensive development of India, which has remained active from the past to the present as a leading role, the processes which are considered as symbols of Indian philosophy include Yagya and the birth-giver of Vedic spirituality, Mother Gayatri. One is hailed as the mother of Indian culture and the other as the father of Indian religion. They are also considered complementary to each other. According to Maharishi Hari, through Yagya, we are relieved from all problems like sin and sorrow and also attain a place in the realm of the Supreme Being. Living a life of Yagya, a life of actions performed, is indeed the best life. According to Acharya, the Bali-Vaishya Yagya is to maintain happiness, prosperity, faith, spirituality, and purity in family life; the Bajpeya Yagya is to awaken the dormant spiritual, intellectual, and moral consciousness of the community; the Rajasuya Yagya is to solve the entrenched and budding problems in the governance system; and the Ashvamedha Yagya was performed for the resolution of national and international level issues. According to the Shatapatha Brahmana, prosperity is the nation. The nation itself is Ashvamedha. Perform nationally-oriented Ashvamedha. According to Acharya, Yagya is the highest pursuit for the ultimate purpose. If the essence of righteousness is included in national sentiments, then this is the real Yagya in reality.

Purification of the subtle realm through yagya

Most of the problems of the present times may be attributed to the vitiated thought process and emotions of human beings. Be it the occurrence of physical or mental disorders at the individual level, or the problems in family, society, and the world, the root cause may be attributed to various kinds of vicious human tendencies like jealousy, ego, greed, discontentment, selfishness, etc. Although modern science now realizes the role of vicious human tendencies in the occurrence worldwide problems, yet, as of now, it doesn’t seem to have effective methods for the resolution of these vicious tendencies. Ancient Indian culture provides various methods for the resolution of vicious human tendencies, and yagya is one of the prime methodologies in this regard. Various aspects of Yagya deal with the development of righteous values and virtuous tendencies in human beings, through the cleansing of the subtle realms of consciousness (thoughts and emotions), as well as the subtle environment. The present article described various dimensions of the philosophical principles of yagya associated with the purification of the subtle realms, as well as their implications. The basic principle of yagya represents and develops altruistic feelings and actions. The development of altruistic attitude leads to growth of benevolent sentiments and compassion, which can prevent the arousal of criminal tendencies. An outlook based on the philosophy of yagya can resolve war-like tensions prevalent in the modern world; it can promote sincere discussion on issues faced by humanity and their resolution. The philosophical principles associated with the fire ritual of yagya promote cooperation, sharing and benevolence. Fire of yagya imparts six philosophical teachings through it physical and subtle conduct; adoption of these teachings in one's nature can awaken righteous tendencies, leading to all-round peace and well-being. Various other components of the fire ritual like the herbal mixture, mantras, prayers, etc. contribute in cleansing the subtle realm. Thus, the philosophical principles of yagya, associated with the purification of subtle realm, can be effective in the development of righteous values and virtuous tendencies in human beings, which in turn can lead to the resolution of various problems faced by humanity today.

The process of harnessing solar power through the Ashwamedha Yagya.

The first Ashwamedha Yagya under the Dev Sanskriti Digvijay Abhiyan of the All World Gayatri Family took place in Jaipur, Rajasthan from November 7th to 10th, 1992. During the same period, the entire issue of the Akhand Jyoti magazine for the month of November 1992 was dedicated to the 'Ashwamedha Yagya'. This special edition is in itself a treatise, elucidating the true purpose and objective of the Ashwamedha based on scriptures, while resolving misconceptions from the past ages. Worship of the Sun has been fundamental to Indian culture, with the Gayatri mantra being the chant for the adoration of Surya (the Sun God). Understanding the connection between the Ashwamedha Yagya and Surya-Savitri is essential to grasp the purpose of the Ashwamedha ritual. There is a deep connection between the Ashwamedha process and Gayatri along with the Sun. According to the Ashwamedha section of the Shatapatha Brahmana (13/4/2/6), there is a provision for offering oblations to Savitri after reciting the Gayatri Mahamantra. The oblations offered through the worship of Gayatri Mahamantra fulfill the scientific aspect of the Yagya, purifying the societal consciousness. The scientific process of purifying the unconscious mind of the societal group through the Ashwamedha Yagya is elaborately explained in the November 1992 Akhand Jyoti special edition article titled 'The Process of Harnessing Solar Power through the Ashwamedha Yagya'. Therefore, this article is being reprinted here for the readers of 'Dev Sanskriti: An Interdisciplinary International Journal'.

Spoils of War among the Art Treasures: Exhibiting Empire in Mid-Nineteenth Century Britain

ABSTRACT This essay investigates the assemblage, curation and reception of ‘oriental’ material culture at the Exhibition of Art Treasures of the United Kingdom held in Manchester in 1857. It does so to examine the relationship between exhibitions and empire in the mid-nineteenth century. Going ‘behind the scenes’ of the exhibition, interrogating the provenance of the objects and the actors involved in the assemblage, the essay reveals how some of the objects were infamous spoils of war, a detail omitted from the exhibition narrative as they were recast as ‘art treasures’, generously donated by their British owners for the benefit of the public. In analysing this dynamic, the essay builds on the current scholarship on imperial exhibitions by demonstrating an alternative, more subtle, way in which empire was ‘domesticated’ to British audiences. In addition, the essay challenges our current understanding of imperial exhibitions as masculine endeavours by revealing that Annette Royle played a key role in the curation of ‘oriental’ objects in Manchester, as well as at the other major exhibitions of Indian material culture in this period.

Sustainable Marketing and its Integration with Indian Culture: A Focus on Hinduism and Buddhism

Sustainable Marketing and its Integration with Indian Culture: A Focus on Hinduism and Buddhism

Family dynamics towards heritage language maintenance

This article investigates Family Language Policy and grassroots-level practices of the heritage language speakers who are first-generation migrants of Indian background in Northern Ireland. Having been settled since the 1920s, Indians are one of the longest-established ethnic minorities in the region, representing around 0.5% of the total non-white residents. Whilst languages of migrant communities brought further complexity to the existing linguistic diversity of Northern Ireland, discussions around language policy in this geopolitical domain focus primarily on its two indigenous languages: Irish and Ulster-Scots. There is no particular policy to promote the languages of migrant communities. Drawing on ethnographic observations and two focus groups, the article analyses the language dynamics of eight Belfast-based families. It further demonstrates how these parents become policy intermediaries by monitoring their children’s heritage language learning through explicit teaching, creating a favourable literacy atmosphere at home, ensuring its use in the family through continuous policing and developing identity through constant dialogue with children about Indian culture. Although the under-the-radar participation of these parents may appear intermittently in the policy discourse, their actions can be interpreted as bottom-up language planning to contest the monopoly of the dominant language and culture in the broader community.

Cultural Continuity and Change: A Study of the Sixteen Samskaras in Modern Hindu Society

This paper explores the cultural continuity and changes surrounding the sixteen samskaras within modern Hindu society. Drawing from a synthesis of scholarly works and classical texts, the study examines the historical significance and contemporary relevance of these rituals. Ramaswami Aiyer, Pandey, and Shelat provide foundational insights into the cultural heritage of India, emphasizing the enduring nature of the samskaras and their role in shaping Hindu identity. Shrutiprakashdas, Dave, Shukla, Vivekpriyadas, and Gnaneshwardas offer philosophical, sociological, and cultural perspectives, elucidating the spiritual dimensions and adaptive qualities of these ceremonies in response to societal shifts. Through an analysis of these sources, this paper seeks to understand how the sixteen samskaras continue to uphold tradition while accommodating changes in modern Hindu society. The Sixteen Samskaras, deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy and tradition, represent a series of sacred rites of passage that mark significant milestones in an individual’s life journey. These rituals, spanning from conception to cremation, play a vital role in shaping the spiritual and cultural identity of Hindus across different regions and communities. Each samskara is imbued with profound meaning and symbolism, reflecting the rich tapestry of beliefs and practices that define Hinduism.

ANALYZING RAGHU RAI'S PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPEDITION AND CULTURAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION IN INDIA

For many years, famous photographer Raghu Rai has used his camera to capture the spirit of India. His work has received widespread acclaim for its artistry, originality, and capacity to convey the nation's rich, varied cultural past. The goal of this analysis is to shed light on Raghu Rai's photographic journey and examine the major topics and motifs that characterize his distinctive aesthetic. In the study, Raghu Rai's efforts to safeguard India's cultural heritage for future generations are also emphasized. The study consults a variety of sources, such as the photographer's interviews, reviews of his work, and pertinent academic literature. This review highlights Raghu Rai's contributions to the field of photography as well as his work to protect and advance India's cultural heritage for future generations. Raghu Rai's distinctive aesthetic is marked by his keen eye for capturing the essence of Indian culture and traditions. His photographs often depict the vibrancy and diversity of the country, showcasing its rich heritage and timeless beauty. Through his work, Rai not only documents India's cultural legacy but also plays a crucial role in preserving it for future generations to appreciate and cherish. By highlighting Rai's significant contributions to photography and the preservation of India's cultural heritage, this study honors his tireless efforts to protect the country's cultural heritage.

Investigating Role of Intangible Cultural Heritage in constructing the phenomenon of Narmada River Parikrama

The traces of earliest human settlements are found on the bank of rivers which are one the natural forms of drinking water which are considered as a lifeline of the settlements. Since ancient time, Indian Culture assigned motherly values to rivers because of their significance in respective regional settings. Through-out the Indian Subcontinent, traditions and rituals evolved from ages around the rivers have shaped up some commonly followed cultural aspects along with some specific rituals to the rivers. Circumambulation of River Narmada, Shri Krishna Poojan on Yamuna River Banks at Vrindavan are examples of some of these specific cultural aspects. Out of the most sacred seven rivers (Ganga, Yamuna, Godawari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu, and Kaweri); River Narmada has special cultural significance with its strategic geographical location dividing Indian subcontinent in Northern and Southern parts. This research is aimed to investigate the role of intangible Heritage in constructing the phenomenon of Narmada River Parikrama based on the parameters like historical importance, poetic references, mentions in Puraans, folk culture, religious importance, TapoBhumi Narmada (रेवा तीरे तप: कुर्यात!) with the very unique cultural aspect of Parikrama (Circumambulation) of a river as a deity. Parameters to understand cultural footprints were delineated to these aspects with the focus of completing one stage of research in stipulated time schedule. The religious aspect includes Tirthsthana (Sacredscapes) on the Parikrama Path on North and South banks, rituals, and activities followed by the devotees, and the connectivity of Lord Shiva with River Narmada. A famous verse says नर्मदा का हर कंकर है शंकर! (Means, each gravel of River Narmada depicts Lord Shiva.) Hence the religious thread in cultural heritage studies is very strong and needs to be established with the Parikrama perspective. The analytical methodology for conducting research included study of various literature references about River Narmada written by historians, poets, Saints, and ancient scriptures like Puraan, Mahatmya etc. available in the form of books, doctoral research thesis, research papers and scholarly articles. These literature sources refer River Narmada focusing on various perspectives. They are critically analysed and inferences regarding role of intangible cultural footprints around Narmada River banks in forming the Phenomenon of Parikrama are summarized in this paper. Next stage of the research or a way-forwards of this research study can be continued further to establish manifestation of Parikrama Concept in the tangible cultural heritage with respect to spatial planning and built forms.

Wanderlust Chronicles- The Road Explorer Tourism Platform

This platform is a dynamic and immersive tourism portal designed exclusively for foreigners seeking to explore the rich and diverse tapestry of India. With a primary focus on showcasing the vibrant Indian culture, offering updated news, and highlighting must-visit destinations, this platform aims to provide an authentic and comprehensive experience to travellers. The website will serve as a digital gateway, offering an extensive exploration of India's cultural heritage, including its traditions, festivals, art, music, and cuisine. Engaging multimedia content such as videos and captivating images will be strategically incorporated to offer a visually stimulating and informative experience for visitors

Rural Tourism In India - Scope And Perspectives

Rural India is a personification of indian culture.About 70% of indian population resides in villages. Indian villages showcase true image of indian custom and traditions which are diverse from one region to another spreading from mountainous region of north to the desert region of west stretching to the hot humid climate of south to the coastal region adjacent to Arabian sea. Tourism in such rural countryside present live demonstration of study indian culture but also act as an open gallery of indian ancient historic past. Each region has their own costume, folk song, folk dances and religious ceremonies which are largely promoted by Tourism Dept to boast national income and development of rural infrastructure. Beside infrastructure development there few challenges also to cope with like environmental degradation, destruction of fragile Ecosystem, flora and fauna a of the place,over carrying capacity, the emphasis should be lead on sustainable tourism with preservation of environment and cultural value and ethos of the places as well. The biggest challenges today is environmental pollution where heap of garbages leftover by visitors which not only mar the beauty of the place but also bring havoc to native flora and fauna which goes on the brink of extinction, like in Uttrakhand and other mountainous tourist destinations where govt. banned plastic to make it plastic free places.Smilarly there is dire need to preserve dwindling culture and tradition of the places which also struggling to thrive due to the negative impact of western culture brought by foreign tourists.

TENDENCY TO WATCH INDIAN TV SERIALS OF STUDENTS: A STUDY ON KHULNA UNIVERSITY

This study investigates the influence of Indian TV serials on the lifestyles of female students of Khulna University. This study was executed by using qualitative method of research. It targeted 100 female respondents aged 18-25 years from Khulna university students who were selected through purposive sampling method. Researcher used the Uses and gratifications theory, cultivation theory and social learning theory. This study also recorded the respondent's favorite Indian TV channels, preferred serials and category, favorite watching time, communication pattern and understanding level, level of viewing etc. The general findings reveal that, Indian TV serials have significant influence on the lifestyles of the female students. Alongside, these Indian TV serials impose the indigenous culture, fashion, art, tradition, rituals, language and customs in every sphere of life due to heavy dependency on Indian TV serials. They are constantly becoming more and more addicted to Indian TV serials and giving less importance to other educational or entertainment programs whereas they are giving more priority to these serials. In fact, the analysis shows that majority of female students are jeopardized in their studies due to watching Indian TV serials. Today’s young generation is instinctively influencing by Indian norms culture and tradition which is a big threat for Bangladeshi culture as well. This research study demonstrates how Indian TV serials are influencing female’s lifestyles.

Exploring the Keys to Successful Cross-cultural Partnerships: Uncovering the Essential Components that Enhance or Hinder Fruitful Joint Ventures and Collaborations Between Entrepreneurs from the Uk and India

In the past few years, there has been a big rise in the number of relationships and agreements between businesses in India and the UK. But the results of these cross-cultural projects are very different. Some are huge successes, while others have a hard time. The purpose of this study paper is to find the cultural factors that affect the behaviour and productivity of business ties between the UK and India in a good or bad way. The first part of the paper sheds light on well-known cultural aspects theories, like Hofstede's model, to look at and compare the core values of Indian and UK cultures. It is made clear how the two countries' cultural values are very different. A qualitative exploratory research methodology was employed. Secondary research was conducted analysing scholarly literature on cross-cultural management, cultural dimensions theories, and case studies of real-life UK-India partnerships. What should be done is suggested based on the results. To have long-lasting partnerships with people from other countries, they need to learn about each other's cultures by getting to know each other, being open and flexible, and always learning. The study's result is that companies can do well in different countries by overcoming the challenges that come with their differences and working to be culturally competent.

From the Bamiyan Grottoes to the Yungang Grottoes in China:An Exploration of historical traces and reasons of cultural blending

The Bamiyan Grottoes in Afghanistan are the epitome of cultural integration , integrating Greek , Persian , Indian , White Huns and other cultures . The Yungang Grottoes in China , which were influenced by the Bamiyan Grottoes , not only have many characteristics of the combination of Chinese and foreign cultures , There is also the imprint of the cultural integration of the Chinese nation . There are three reasons for cultural integration : first , the grottoes have a superior geographical location ; second, the superior geographical location makes the area where the grottoes are located not only a transportation hub , but also a place full of political and cultural disputes and friction, thus cultural exchanges are extremely frequent ; Third , local rulers implemented proper cultural decisions and treated different cultures with an inclusive attitude .

A View of Social Justice and Exploitation by Mulk Raj Anand in the Light of Gandhian Thought

Indian author of English literature Mulk Raj Anand (12 December 1905 – 28 September 2004) was known for his portrayal of the lower castes in traditional Indian culture. Along with R. K. Narayan, Ahmad Ali, and Raja Rao, he was one of the first India-based authors in English to attain a global audience, making him a pioneer of Indo-Anglian fiction. Anand's books and short tales are considered contemporary Indian English literary classics due to their insightful depiction of downtrodden people and thoughtful examination of poverty, exploitation, and disaster.