Indian Folklore Research Articles

Bhutan in Indian Folklore: A Case Study of Bodo Folk-Narratives.

Bhutan in Indian Folklore: A Case Study of Bodo Folk-Narratives.

Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.): Exploring the wonders of Indian folklore and the miracles of traditional healing

Herbal medicines have been used for centuries to treat various ailments and have now gained global importance for their therapeutic and economic implications. One such plant is Averrhoa carambola commonly known as star fruit, a tropical plant belonging to the Oxalidaceae family. With a rich history of traditional medicinal uses in India and Southeast Asia, it has been employed to treat various ailments, including urinary infections, hypertension, diabetes, and gastrointestinal issues. The fruit is popular for its sweet and sour taste and finds culinary use in salads, beverages, and garnishing. The therapeutic potential of A. carambola is attributed to its abundance of natural antioxidants and phenolic compounds such as gallic acid in gallotannin form, catechins, and epicatechins. These bioactive constituents contribute to its medicinal properties and health benefits. However, scientific investigations have revealed potential health risks associated with A. carambola consumption. High oxalic acid content in the fruit poses a risk of toxicity, particularly for individuals with renal impairments who consume excessive fruit juices. Additionally, the presence of caramboxin, a neurotoxin, can interfere with the GABAergic system, leading to neurotoxic effects. This review offers a comprehensive and well-organized examination of the current progress regarding the benefits, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of A. carambola. The insights presented in this review have the potential to drive advancements and novel treatments involving star fruit in modern times. As interest in herbal medicines continues to rise, further research on A. carambola holds promise for exploring new therapeutic applications in the realm of natural remedies.

KAIKEYI: BEYOND MYTH AND MODERNITY IN AMISH TRIPATHI'S RAMCHANDRA SERIES

The present research paper focuses on one of the most controversial figures in Hindu mythology: Kaikeyi. Traditionally depicted as a naïve and notorious mother in Indian folklore, this study re-examines her character through a postmodern lens, aiming to establish her as a truly powerful woman. Kaikeyi emerges as an unconquerable and dignified figure of her time. One key concept in postmodernism is the idea of the metanarrative. Metanarratives offer a fascinating lens for literary analysis. Rooted in postmodern philosophy, this concept challenges definitive absolutes—such as Truth—suggesting they are either highly elusive or non-existent. Consequently, postmodernism it resists clear definitions, embracing ambiguity and complexity. This paper attempts to re-envision the myth of Kaikeyi through the lens of Amish Tripathi’s Ram Chandra Series. By doing so, it sheds new light on her character, presenting Kaikeyi not as a villain but as a figure of immense strength and dignity. This reinterpretation challenges traditional narratives and offers a fresh perspective on her role in Hindu mythology.

INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE FOR SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES: REFLECTIONS ON THE FOLKLORIC FORMS OF TEYYAM AND TOLU BOMMALATA

The inclusion of culture as the fourth dimension of the sustainable development model projected by UCLG (2010) affirmed that heritage, knowledge, creativity, and aesthetics are essential grounds for developing a holistic vision towards sustainability. Folklore as a significant aspect of human cognition, way of life and world view not only demonstrates the complex layers of human existence through generations but also paves the way for a sustainable future through its cultural dimensions, social functions, and ecological lessons. The current research examines how two unrelated folkloric forms from distinct geographic regions emerge as exemplars of sustainable values embedded within the community. Focusing on the ritualistic performance of Teyyam from Kolathunadu and the folk-art form called Tolu Bommalata from Nimmalakunta region, it argues on the inextricable association of indigenous knowledge systems with its natural and cultural landscape thereby demonstrating the case of a sustainable model. A cultic practice prevalent in the cultural region of Kolathunadu, Teyyam advocates a strong association with the tribal culture of the land in terms of its environmental, social, and cultural values. Tolu Bommalata of Nimmalakunta region, renowned for its distinct cultural expression of storytelling and entertainment is a living folk tradition of shadow puppetry that combines the elements of performing as well as visual arts. The research through a qualitative perspective focuses on ethnographic methods backed by the documentation and analysis of the tangible aspects of folklore. Apart from the reflections on the cultural plurality of Indian folklore and crafts, the study reveals its co-existence with the landscape embodying the environmental, social, and cultural values thereby demonstrating a sustainable model in Indian folklore.

Philosophy of Life in Indian Epics Ramayana and Mahabharata

In the treasure of Indian folklore, there are two world-famous epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, with two-four thousand stanzas each. If the Ramayana is a story about love and family, the Mahabharata tells about the fierce kingship battles. The Ramayana written in Sanskrit is sacred pride and is one of the works imbued with the spirit of Dharma teachings, following the Indian mind, aspirations and psychology, and national character. Mahabharata is one of the works containing the entire reason for life, the way of life of people following the thoughts, aspirations and psychology, and personality of the Indian people. The two epics not only reflect the Indian culture in particular but also the world culture in general. This also reflects the immense importance of both works and should be likened to Asia's greatest works of fantasy. Therefore, Ramayana and Mahabharata always contain a profound moral philosophy of life embodied in the conception of man and society, of good and evil of the ancient Indians, so studying this issue is both scientific value and profound practical significance.

Is Commodification, Extinction or an Evolution to Folklores?

In the era of Globalization, every aspect of human life is being influenced by technology which creates a gap between local sub-cultures following traditions and popular culture, that is backed by technologies. Most of the researchers believed that the influence of technology would slowly degrade and eventually endanger many of the local cultures existing in the middle and margin of the society. Nevertheless, is this true? The answer for the question is discussed in this paper. This paper focuses on analyzing how Indian folklore through the influence of technology and through Commodification opens the door for preserving and transmission of folklore across the generations or for the extinction. Keywords: Commodification, Evolution, Extinction, Folklore

A Scientific Evidence-based Review of Tamarind usage in Indian Folklore Medicine

Currently, the paradigm shift of folklore medicine is obvious among the public and researchers. Study based on traditional medicine around the world has become prominent with the addition of pharmacological studies to scientifically prove the effectiveness of the concerned medicine. Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L. of family Fabaceae) alone or with a combination of other herbs has been proved to be effective for treating many ailments such as arthritis, dysuria, dental diseases, ulcer, sexual dysfunction, etc. It also exhibits pharmacological actions such as antimicrobial, anti-dysentery, anti-coagulant, hepatoprotective, anti-asthmatic, and anti-diabetic. The pharmacological effect of the fruit or the pulp, leaves, flowers, kernel, and inner bark has been studied. Furthermore, different species of tamarind have also been studied. Numerous studies such as chemical, analytical and biological were conducted to confirm the same. The clinical studies of tamarind match with folklore practices with respect to pharmacological actions, still some are yet to be explored. This study focuses on reviewing the chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and nutritional effects of tamarind. Hence it can be concluded that the folklore practice and modern medicinal practice interact with each other. Thus, the folklore practices without being neglected can be extended for the support of scientific evidence through detailed researches.

Toxicological Analysis by Computational Assessment Tools of Herbal Medicine Compounds Urushiol II and Bhilawanol-B from Semecarpus Anacardium

Background: Semecarpus anacardium used in many Indian folklore medicine as ‘Ballataka’ or ‘Bhilwa’. They are alsoknown to cause pathological conditions by the presence of toxic principles in nut and roots of plants and possiblepharmacokinetic and toxicological profiling of known toxic principles are explored by computational tools.Aims & Objectives: The aims of the study were to study toxicological active principle Urushiol II and Bhilawanol-Bby computational analysis and prediction tools.Materials & Methods: This study was investigated on web-based tools PubChem to extract the chemical structure,followed by authentication and validation with the chemical formula. The two-dimensional structures are furtherconverted to three-dimensional (3D) structure with ChemSketch software; the derived 3D structures are thenscreened for molecular properties followed by absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicitythrough admetSAR software. The reports are analyzed and predicted for pharmacokinetic and toxicity charactersof Urushiol II and Bhilawanol-B from S. anacardium.Results: The compounds screened Urushiol II and Bhilawanol-B from S. anacardium both had drug likeness scoreof MLOGP>4.15, the LD 50 values of urushiol II is comparatively more 4000 mg/kg/d than bhilawanol 2700mg/kg/d for rat oral route testing and positive predictive results for skin irritation and allergic dermatitis. Thegenotoxicity battery assay was negative for both Urushiol II and Bhilawanol-B.Conclusion: The computational analysis predicts the uroshiol II and bhilawanol-B present in S. anacardium belongsto class II Toxic hazard classification.

An Insufficient Canon: The Popol Wuj, Book of Mormon, and Other Scriptures

An Insufficient Canon: The Popol Wuj, Book of Mormon, and Other Scriptures

Abstract 707: Mahanine, a carbazole alkaloid attenuates lung cancer progression

Abstract Lung cancer continues to be a major cause of cancer mortality. Emerging evidence suggests that cancer likely involves multiple mutations. Therefore, compounds targeting multiple signal transduction pathways would be ideal for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Mahanine, a carbazole alkaloid isolated from an Indian folklore medicinal plant Murraya koenigii (known as Curry Patta), widely consumed in traditional dishes, have been shown to possess anticancer activities and confound many oncogenic signaling events in breast, colon, and prostate cancers. In the current study, we determined the anticancer potential of mahanine against drug-sensitive and drug-resistant lung cancer cells and postulate the possible mechanism of action. Mahanine was isolated from the dried leaves of Murraya koenigii by hydro alcoholic extraction and fractionation with ethyl acetate, followed by preparative UPLC to isolate pure (>95%) compound and its identity was confirmed by LC-MS/MS and NMR spectroscopy. Antiproliferative activity of mahanine was determined against drug- sensitive (A549 and H1299) and taxol-resistant (A549-TR) human lung cancer cells. Mahanine showed a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant lung cancer cell growth. Interestingly, the IC50 values of mahanine were essentially the same for drug sensitive (A549) (12.5 µM) and drug- resistant (12.5 µM) lung cancer cells; the IC50 value was somewhat lower (10 µM) against highly metastatic H1299 lung cancer cells. Mahanine attenuated the colony formation and reduced the wound healing of lung cancer cells. Mechanistically, mahanine dose dependently impeded the oncogenic markers such as KRAS, MET, AKT, mTOR and cMYC. Together, mahanine demonstrate ability to inhibit both drug- sensitive and drug-resistant lung cancer cells and modulate distinct oncogenic molecular targets providing potential to be developed for the treatment of drug-resistant and metastatic NSCLC (Supported from Duggan Endowment funds). Keywords: Mahanine, Lung cancer, Oncogenes, Plant therapeutics. Citation Format: Raghuram Kandimalla, Farrukh Aqil, Disha N. Moholkar, Suman K. Samanta, Ramesh C. Gupta. Mahanine, a carbazole alkaloid attenuates lung cancer progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 707.

Tales Across Time: Understanding Hybridity in Children’s Fantasy Fictions from the Bengal Renaissance

This review article discusses the book Fantasy Fictions from the Bengal Renaissance: Abanindranath Tagore, The Make-Believe Prince – Gaganendranath Tagore, Toddy-Cat the Bold, translated and annotated by Sanjay Sincar (2018). The author of the paper situates the Tagore brothers’ stories in the context of Indian folklore and literary traditions, highlighting Sircar’s research skills as expressed in his meticulous commentaries and analytical thoroughness. She also notes that the work combines translation with comparative studies and elaborates on these issues in a detailed discussion of the monograph’s contents. In her opinion, the reviewed book confirms the validity of the study of vernacular works for children and may provide an impetus for further research focused on Indian works beyond the traditional literary canon.

Safety and influence of a novel extract of fenugreek on healthy young women: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study

BackgroundFenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed is a popular kitchen spice and medicinal herb with wide applications in Indian folklore. Earlier studies have shown that the hydro-ethanolic extracts of fenugreek are efficient in the management of a number of hormone related disorders in women, including post and peri-menopausal discomforts, sexual dysfunctions, lactation and even in amenorrhea. However, systematic informations on their safety and influence on hormonal balance are limited.ResultsForty-eight healthy menstruating women aged 20 to 48 were randomized either to FHE (n = 24) or placebo (n = 24) and supplemented with 250 mg × 2/day for 42 days. FHE did not produce any side effects or adverse events. It offered significant (P < 0.05) beneficial effects to sexual problems (41.6%) and irritability (40%) among the participants who had higher sexual dysfunctions scores (> 1) when monitored by the validated Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS) scale. Further, hormone analysis indicated an enhancement in estradiol (P = 0.040), free testosterone (P = 0.025), and total testosterone (P = 0.012) in FHE group in comparison to placebo. There were no significant changes in progesterone (P = 0.174) and FSH (P = 0.879) upon FHE supplementation. The hematological and biochemical safety parameters were also at par with the safety of the extract.ConclusionThus, the supplementation of FHE may be considered as a natural alternative for sexual issues in women.Trial registrationCTRI/2018/09/015614 dated 05/09/2018.

Assessment of the Role of Environmental factors and Associated Plants for the Mass Cultivation of Santalum album L in Nepal and India

Sandalwood (White Sandal) is the fragrant heartwood of some species of genus Santalum. The widely distributed and economically important Santalum genus belongs to the family Santalaceae which includes 30 genera with about 400 species, many of which being completely or partially parasitic (John, 1947). The word Sandal has been derived from Chandana (Sanskrit), Chandan (Persian), Savtador (Greek) and Santal (French). There are references of Sandalwood in Indian mythology, folklore and ancient scripts. ‘Chandana’ the Sanskrit name ascribed to Santalum album L. was known and used in India from the earliest historic times and is frequently mentioned in the ancient Sanskrit writings, some of which dated before Christian era. Kautilya’s Arthashastra (320 B.C.) considered Sandal as one of the important forest products to increase royal revenue. Charaka Sanhitha, the major text book of internal medicine in Ayurveda (300 B.C.) quotes uses of Sandal over 160 time in the entire text. In treatment of major diseases like fever, piles, hemorrhagic conditions, diabetes, dropsy, mental disorders, management of poisons &amp; skin disorders wide spread uses of sandal is seen. Susrutha Samhita (150 B.C.) a great text on Indian wisdom on surgical procedures, equally preferred sandal for the management of wounds. Sandal fumigation is indicated in warding off evils and organisms, which contaminate the wounds. Such fumigations hasten the wound healing &amp; surgical wards remain aseptic. Dusting of wounds with sandal for early healing is common. In the Amarkosha (Lexicon 3rd or 4th Century A.D.) sandal is mentioned and it is said that ‘Vina-malayam anyathra chandanam vivarditha’

KEBERKESANAN ANIMASI CERITA RAKYAT INDIA TERHADAP MOTIVASI DALAM KALANGAN MURID TAHUN LIMA DI SJK(T) DAERAH KULIM

The article discusses a study to measure the effectiveness of Indian Folklore Animation among Year Five SJK(T) pupils in the Kulim district. The study uses qualitative data for exploring twelve principles of animation and quantitative data for the research methodology approach. For qualitative data, ten animators were selected to analyse the twelve principles of animation in three series of selected Indian Folklore Animation using an animation principles checklist. For quantitative data, a pre-test post-test experimental design was used to measure the effectiveness of Indian Folklore Animation using a questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of four scales of Keller’s ARCS Model of Motivation. A total of 108 pupils from three schools was selected as respondents and were assigned into two groups (treatment and control group) consisted of 54 pupils each. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inference statistics to answer the listed research objectives. Findings show that there are significant differences in mean scores for pre-test and post-test to show that the Indian Folklore gave motivational effects to the pupils. This implies that Indian Folklore Animation could be developed for Indian Folklore appreciations and for fostering good moral values through animation.

Gender Based Injustice in Mahesh Dattani’s Tara

The paper is an endeavour to inspect the sex based unfairness in Tara by Mahesh Dattani. Mahesh Dattani, the well-known dramatist had tested the development of India exhibited in the advanced English Theatre. Tara manages the muddle elements of present day urban family in India of Gender separation. This present paper is a humble endeavours of underestimation of ladies. As the play courses through the conjoined twins of Tara and Chandan and lights up the male inclination over the female one. The play portrays the inescapability and profound rootedness of the general public. The ladies go about as device for the mistreatment and helpless against separation of these qualities disguised. Bharathi's (the mother) support over the male kid, made the other one injured and she experiences the blame all through. Both being distinctively abled Tara was going to confront the twofold underestimation in the general public of concentrated disposition individuals. Abuse of science and innovation has been appeared through the character Dr.Thakkar. Through his plays, Dattani utilizes Indian folklore, ceremonies, convention and contemporary issues. The plays of Dattani have a general intrigue. They could be stayed anyplace on earth, they would draw the complete consideration of the group. Striking topic and strange style has been pulled in the peruses. Tara tends to the subject of sexual orientation, however not really cliché generalizations of predisposition against young lady youngster, despite the fact that that is commonly acknowledged translation of the play in India.

ACUTE TOXICITY STUDIES AND EVALUATION OF ANALGESIC PROPERTY OF TECTONA GRANDIS METHANOLIC SEED EXTRACT IN SWISS ALBINO MICE

Objective: Tectona grandis which is well known as teak possesses a wide range of applications in Indian and African folklore medicine. All the plant parts are having diverse bioactivities, especially the seeds, having hair growth-promoting activity, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity. Xanthones, proteins, amino acids, and fatty acids have been isolated from the oil and seeds of T. grandis.&#x0D; Methods: The present study was to explore the antinociceptive properties of methanolic seed extract of T. grandis. Dried seeds of the plant were defatted with non-polar solvents such as petroleum ether and extracted with methanol. Acetic acid-induced writhing test, tail flick test, and tail immersion test were employed for the extract using Swiss albino mice.&#x0D; Results: From the results, it is clear that the methanolic teak seed extract is safe at 1000 mg/kg and having a potent analgesic property (at a dose of 200–250 mg/kg body weight) by inhibiting pain response time.&#x0D; Conclusion: It can be concluded that the methanolic seed extract of T. grandis is analgesic in nature. It is considered as safe and the activity may be due to the presence of various bioactive chemicals such as flavonoids, xanthones, and glycosides.

To Study Analgesic, Hypoglycemic and Hepatoprotective Activity of Moringa olefera Leaf Extract in Albino Wistar Rats

Introduction: Moringa oleifera is widely found in Asian subcontinent and it has been used as an Analgesic, Hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective in Indian folklore medicine. In this study we compared the Analgesic, Hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective effects of Moringa oleifera ethanolic extracts with other standard drug in Albino Wistar Rats. Methods: Male Wistar albino rats were divided into 5 groups and administered placebo (saline), diclofenac and 3 groups of Moringa Oleifera using 100mg/Kg, 200mg/Kg and 400mg/kg doses for Analgesic Activity. On the other hand, 30 Albino Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups of six each and administered placebo (saline), Liv-52 (standard) and 3 groups of Moringa Oleifera using 100mg/Kg, 200mg/Kg and 400mg/kg doses for hepatoprotective activity. In addition, the test leaf extracts preparations of Moringa oleifera [100, 200 and 400 mg], were administered for 21 days orally to the rats of respective groups by using oral feeding tube for Hypoglycemic activity. Results: The highest Tail flick latency period was observed in Group 2 and Group 5 at 120 min. At all-time of point, the tail-flick latency period differed significantly between the extract and Aspirin treated Groups being greater in the Group 2. Comparing different doses of the extract revealed that there is positive relationship between reaction time and increase dose of the extract in which, protection against heat application with 400 mg /kg was significant compared to all doses of the extract. Whereas, Rats treated with ethanolic Leaf extract of Moringa Oleifera (100/200/400 mg/kg, orally once daily) for 21days, the SGOT values (242.66 ± 11.63 IU/L, 242.66 ± 11.63 IU/L, 242.66 ± 11.63 IU/L) were significantly lower (P&lt;0.05), (P&lt;0.05), (P&lt;0.01) when compared to SGOT levels in control rats (265 ± 4.75 IU/dl). Rats treated with ethanolic Leaf extract of Moringa Oleifera (100/200/400 mg/kg, orally once daily) for 21days, Conclusion: Ethanolic extracts of Moringa Oleifera leaves exhibits significant Analgesic, Hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective activity in a dose dependent manner. Keywords: Analgesic, Hypoglycemic, Hepatoprotective, Moringa oleifera

A review on pharmacological actions of Ferula asafoetida oleo-gum-resin (hingu) in the management of abdominal pain

Albeit the fact that Hingu (the oleo gum resin) is a popular kitchen spice and Indian folklore medicine for gut disorders, it’s a role in abdominal pain is greatly challenged in the shade of contemporary science researches. Being the easy availability even in your kitchen, it can be the best option to treat abdominal pain even in acute conditions. Several analytical

AN INVESTIGATION ON ANTIDIABETIC AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF EXTRACT OF LEAVES OF AMARANTHUS POLYGAMUS IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

The aim of the present study was to assess the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activites of the methanol extracts of Amaranthus polygamus (MEAP). Indian folklore suggests the plant as good liver tonic and is recommended as vegetable for diabetic and anemic patients. MEAP was evaluated for antidiabetic activity by using streptozotocin (STZ)- induced diabetic rats. The administration of MEAP and glibenclamide (GLB) to diabetic rats for 21 days showed marked fall in serum glucose (SG) levels compared to basal values i.e. at 1st day. MEAP (400 mg/kg) and GLB (0.5 mg/kg) showed significant reduction(P&lt;0.0001) in SG level (37.2% and 52.9%, respectively). MEAP (400 mg/kg) and GLB showed significant improvement in oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and slight elevation in SG level, but after 60 min it showed marked downfall over the period of 120 min in comparison with 30 min. MEAP also possesses some antioxidant activity IC50 = 47.80 μg/ml in DPPH assay.

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

Reviewed by: Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi Kate Quealy-Gainer Chokshi, RoshaniAru Shah and the End of Time. Rick Riordan Presents/Disney Hyperion, 2018 ISBN 978-1-368-01235-5 $16.99 Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 4-7 Seventh-grader Aru Shah enjoys living above the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture, where her mother is the curator, but she may have exaggerated some of the exhibits' supposedly magical elements when talking to classmates. Now they've showed up to call her bluff, and out of panic, she lights the cursed Lamp of Bharata, thinking she'll pretend to be ensorcelled until the kids leave. It turns out, though, the curse is real, and she's unleashed a hellish demon and started a chain of events that could lead to world destruction. Joined by Mini, her friend, and Boo, a snarky bird/possibly fallen god as a guide, Aru must collect three celestial weapons and travel to the Kingdom of Death to destroy the Sleeper. Much as in her YA books The Star-Touched Queen (BCCB 4/16) and A Crown of Wishes (BCCB 2/17), Chokshi weaves together elements of Hindu religion and Indian folklore to create an engrossing fantasy. This time she focuses on a younger audience and a theme of sisterhood, leavened with plenty of humor, as Aru and Mini face down a beauty-obsessed flesh-eating demon, bargain with the rivaling Seasons, and get help from a feminist god. Pair this with DasGupta's The Serpent's Secret (BCCB 2/18) for an engaging romp through South Asian mythology. KQG Copyright © 2017 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois