Indian Influence Research Articles

Tracing the Indian Influences on Lexical Borrowing in Malaysian Standard English

Tracing the Indian Influences on Lexical Borrowing in Malaysian Standard English

Story of Vijaya-Kuveni: An Anthropological Approach on the History of Performing Arts in Sri Lanka

The story of Prince Vijaya in Sri Lankan Chronicles has brought diverse aspects of Sri Lanka’s history and culture to the foreground. It has also evolved several arguments regarding the socio-cultural and economic divulgences of the two countries where the unique characteristics have sometimes been dissolved or diluted in order to maintain the influence and inspiration of the great tradition of the neighboring soils. However, emerges a background to analyze the existing data and evidence to revitalize the precision of the chronicler information in terms of identifying the socio-economic and cultural background of the country during the period. A detailed survey typically highlights the nature of performing arts in the island at the time of Vijaya’s arrival attenuating the established assumptions that there is an undeniable Indian influence on Sri Lanka’s dance tradition. It is a proven fact that there is a transmigration of socio-economic and cultural elements from one to another society with the migration of civilizations due to climatic, geographic, and socio-economic reasons, one might not assume that it is an influence from the great tradition or a subculture of it. The same theory can be applied to the history and evolution of performing arts in the island from a broader perspective on par with the existing theories and the evidence. Thus, the present study engaged in a qualitative content analysis of the Vijaya–Kuveni story in Mahawamsa, Wansaththappakasini, Mahawamsa Tikawa, along with the report about the Vijayapura Research Excavation by Shiran Deraniyagala (2004) to establish facts and the basis of the history of performing arts in Sri Lanka to answer the question whether dance and music evolved with the arrival of Prince Vijaya to this island. Empirical evidence revealed from the Chronicle Mahavamsa informs that Princess Kuveni was the daughter of a regional leader of the island, and she was leading one territory in the country. She was spinning under a tree (more precisely using cotton yarn) and was looked after by a female watchdog that was by her side. When Prince Vijaya arrived in the country, there was a hermit who welcomed the prince to the island and informed him that this was a peaceful island where there were no humans: also mentioned that the land was fertile and that the prince could enjoy himself there. A proper examination and analysis of the particular scenario reveals that the economy, politics, culture, and the society of the island were not a sudden establishment, but a prolonged evolution of a standard government with a well-established operational mechanism. The settlement near the riverine basins, traditional clothing industry, agriculture as the main economic gain, the governance of city-states, the village customs, marriage traditions, and the festivities reveal that the island had been endowed with rich socio-cultural and economic systems that enriched the nation by considering its welfare and wellbeing at its best. To substantiate these particular assumptions, the Vijayapura Research Excavation in Anuradhapura by Shiran Deraniyagala reveals the remains of a civilization dating back to around 900-800 BCE. Thus, the present study aims at identifying the so-called Sri Lankan demographic identity allowing the readers to re-think and re-write the nature of society, culture, and performing arts in the island, by blending the empirical evidence and existing archeological findings.

Smoke and Fire. Sign Inference in Greek and in Indian Epistemology

Abstract“Wherever there is smoke there must be fire.” In 1957, Aram M. Frenkian noticed that both ancient Greek and Indian philosophy makes use of the smoke-fire analogy as a model for inferential reasoning. He postulated that Greek use of the example reflected Indian influence on Greek philosophy which was mediated through the works of Pyrrho, the founder of Sceptisicm, who had accompanied Alexander the Great on his Indian campaign (327-5 BCE) and learnt from Indian sages (‘gymnosophists’ as the Greeks called them). More recent scholarship mainly shares his views. In the present paper, I argue that the smoke-fire example formed part of a complex theory of sign inference, and that not only the isolated analogy, but the theory as a whole which it illustrates is present in both cultures. Furthermore, the variants of this theory comprise such close and extended similarities that they must be the result of direct contact between Indian and Greek thinkers, although it is impossible to decide whether they stem from a common origin, or are the result of influence from one culture to the other.

Funerary Practices at Pyu Sites in Myanmar and the Appearance of Buddhist Artifacts from the Fifth to Sixth Century CE Period

Abstract: An ongoing research question in Myanmar (Burma) is to what extent, and in what specific part of the first millennium CE, traces of Buddhism from India can be observed in the early urban “Pyu” culture. Burial urns feature significantly in the archaeological record, but they do not have any specifically Buddhist features. Some funerary shrines feature a brick plinth at one end. If these were bases for stūpas or Buddha images, then Indian influence could be attributed as early as the second–third century CE period. No evidence has yet been found of what these plinths carried. A later burial complex, dated by radiocarbon to the sixth–seventh century period, included Buddhist “votive tablets.” In another architectural form, the reliquary stūpa, we find a Buddhist practice directly comparable to Indian practices of the early-to-mid first millennium CE. On the evidence of paleography and art history, the Pyu Buddhist stūpas may have been operational in the fifth–sixth century CE period. The earliest radiocarbon date range for a building containing Buddhist material is also the fifth–sixth century.

Pak-Afghan Relations: A Case of Taliban Regime Past and Present

In 1996, Afghanistan saw the establishment of the Taliban government, which emerged as a radical Islamist regime following a period of civil war and instability in the country. The regime received recognition from only a few countries, including Pakistan, while the rest of the international community largely rejected their rule. In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Pakistan-Afghanistan relations entered a complex and often contentious phase. The United States invasion of Afghanistan to oust the Taliban regime and dismantle Al-Qaeda had a profound impact on the region. Pakistan, which had previously supported the Taliban, had to recalibrate its policies as it joined the U.S.-led War on Terror. While Pakistan officially became a U.S. ally in the fight against terrorism, suspicions persisted on both sides. Afghanistan accused Pakistan of supporting militant elements within its territory, while Pakistan expressed concerns about Indian influence in Afghanistan. These tensions have had far-reaching consequences, contributing to instability in both countries and complicating efforts to achieve lasting peace in Afghanistan. Pak-Afghan relations during Hamid Karzai's government (2001-2014) were marked by cautious cooperation and a degree of diplomatic engagement. Pakistan officially recognized the Karzai administration, but underlying tensions persisted due to Afghan allegations of Pakistani support for insurgent groups. In contrast, during the Taliban government's rule in the 1990s and their return to power in 2021, Pakistan had recognized and provided significant support to the Taliban. This research analyzes the relations between Pak-Afghan past and present.

Zurkhāneh, Akhāṛā, Pahlavān, and Jyeṣṭhī-mallas: Cross Cultural Interaction and Social Legitimisation at the Turn of the 17th Century

The tradition of Turco-Persian wrestling, including its programme of physical education based at dedicated gyms known as zurkhāneh (literally “houses of strength”), contains elements that would appear to merge Turkish, Iranian, Central-Asian, and Indian influences within a mystical (Sufi) Islamic framework potentially affected to a certain degree by Buddhism. The chapter discusses the relations and interaction between the Turco-Persian athletic tradition and the one existing in India on the basis of a parallel reading of four key textual sources, two from each tradition. On the Indian side we will draw on the analysis of the Mallapurāṇa and of the Mānasollāsa, while the Persian documents that inform our discussion are the Tumār-e afsāneh-ye Puryā-ye Vali and the Gol-e koshti of Mir-Nejāt Qomi known as Esfahāni. The chapter will first survey the evolution of the tradition of Turco-Persian wrestling from the middle of the 13th through to the end of the 16th century, and then make a comparative analysis of the connections between Turco-Persian wrestling and the Indian tradition of the jyeṣṭhī-mallas of Gujarat. Based on these observations it will then proceed to ask how one might explain the commonalities between the two traditions. Attention will be brought to the consideration that certain physical practices gain recognition thanks to being performed at royal courts, and, in India, also at temples, due to the intellectualisation, and hence legitimisation, of these borrowed practices by learned representatives of the dominant schools of thought present at the seats of political and/or spiritual power.

CIṞṞITAḺ EṈUM MĀṞṞU ŪṬAKA VAṬIVAM UṞPATTIYAI MAIYAMĀKAK KOṆṬA PŌKKU ŌR ĀYVU [ISSUES FACED BY SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN TAKING TAMIL AS AN EXAMINATION SUBJECT: A RESEARCH

Ancient Indian influences in Malaysia dates to BC 110, when certain parts of pre-colonial Malaysia like Kadaram (Kedah) and the Malacca Sultanate (Melaka) were still part of the Greater India kingdoms. The archaeological excavations at Bujang Valley, located near present day Merbok in Kedah, have revealed a wealth of relics and ruins, including Hindu icons, stone caskets, and tablets that may date back to more than 2,535 years ago. This is a proof that Tamil is rooted in Malaysia since very long time ago. Malaysian Indians are merely proud about the history but most of them are less bothered about issues revolving around Tamil Education. This is 21st century, but until now Tamil students from vernacular schools is facing various issues when he/she is showing interest to take Tamil as one of the major examination subjects in secondary school. There are many underlying issues for this problem and this research paper is intended to find out type of issues these kids are facing in secondary school and possible solutions.

Cultural Fluctuations of Tibetan Culture in Dharamsala and Their Reception among the Tibetan Exilic Youth

Dharamsala is probably the most known settlement of Tibetans in exile. It is based in India and is a popular tourist destination, so it is subject to various foreign influences. This paper aims to provide an ethnographic account of selected cases encountered during field studies and their reception among young Tibetans. Some new examples of multiculturalism, global and contemporary Indian influence and commodification of the Tibetan community and their culture will be provided, as well as accounts of interviewees on those phenomena.

INDIAN ENGAGEMENT WITH TALIBAN-LED AFGHANISTAN AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PAKISTAN

Establishing a liberal government in post-Taliban Afghanistan allowed India to fulfil its foreign policy goal, i.e., investment in Afghanistan to acquire leverage for its anti-Pakistan agenda. However, the twenty-year war ended with the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, resulting in the Taliban’s rise to power, diminishing Indian influence and reversion of its interests. India halted its investment and diplomatic engagement with the Taliban government due to its previous position, which led India to compromise on its strategic interests outlined in the presence of US forces. To safeguard its strategic interests, India has resumed its diplomatic and economic engagement with the Taliban government at a critical time when other regional states are analysing the US’ future course of action towards the war-torn country. Therefore, this paper examines how India evaluates the newly structured regional environment while finding a new role in Afghanistan. It also analyses the implications of India-Afghanistan re-engagement for Pakistan. Bibliography Entry Farooq, Muhammad. 2022. "Indian Engagement with Taliban-Led Afghanistan and Implications for Pakistan." Margalla Papers 26 (2): 87-95.

KEMUNCULAN ISLAM DI PAKISTAN DAN PEMIKIRAN POLITIK MUHAMMAD ALI JINNAH

This research uses qualitative research methods with the type of literature study research. The data collection technique uses Library Research and the technique uses to analyze data is text content analysis. Tne emergence of Islam began to spread in Pakistan when the Umayyah Dynasty government expanded into the Sindi/Punjab area led by Mahmud Ghaznawi. As time went on, Hindus did not like the development of Islam. For this reaseon, the Indian Muslim League, which was initiated bu Muhammad Ali Jinnah, serves to establish an Islamic State that is different and free from Indian influence. The most prominent idea of renewal is in political sphere. Ali Jinnah did not like the British system of government. Finnaly, Ali Jinnah’s resolve was discussed in Lahore in 1940. Ali Jinnah has worked to fight for rights for Muslims as there is a third of the Muslim representation that exists in the League’s Federal Cabinet. He also succeeded in establishing the state of Pakistan as a result of his approach to the British constitutional council devoted to Indians who are Muslim.

Beyond Eating: Theorizing the Trinitas of Food in Southeast Asia

Since time immemorial, food has been the primary reason that family, friends, and new acquaintances are gathered. In recent years, food remains the star of the gathering and is further highlighted with the emergence of social media and heightened by the popularity of food selfies. This development requires a deeper understanding of food, especially heritage dishes of Southeast Asia, beyond eating. In past decades, several cookbooks, historical narratives, blogs, and vlogs on food were beautifully done both in the Philippines and beyond. However, there is no study yet that primarily theorizes the emergence and evolution of food in Southeast Asia. This paper, therefore, attempts to contribute to the continuing discussion of food in the region by using the Trinitas of ethnicity, environment, and experiences as framework.
 
 References 
 Agoncillo, Teodoro. History of the Filipino People. Quezon City: R.P. Garcia Publishing House, 1990.
 Boileau, Janet. A Culinary History of the Protuguese Eurasians: The Origins of Luso-Asian Cuisine in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries. Australia: University of Adelaide, 2010.
 Brissenden, Rosemary. Joys and Subtleties: South East Asian Cooking. New York: Pantheon Books, 1971.
 Charnysh, Volha. “Does Climate Influence Culture?” A Historical Perspective. May 31, 2021. https://broadstreet.blog/2021/05/31/does-climate-influence-culture-a-historical-perspective/
 Cokro Handoyo, Chrisfella, et. al. “Klappertaart: An Indonesian-Dutch influenced traditional food.” Journal of Ethnic Foods 5 (2018).
 David, Wahyudi and Daniel Kofahl. Eds. Food Culture of Southeast Asia: Perspectives of Social Science and Food Science. Germany: Kassel University Press, 2017.
 Devine, Carole, et. al. “Food Choices in Three Ethnic Groups: Interactions of Ideals, Identities and Roles.” Journal of Nutrition Education 31 (1999).
 Fernandez, Doreen. “Beyond Sans Rival: Exploring the French Influence on Philippine Gastronomy.” Philippine Studies 39, no.1 (1991).
 Funtecha, Henry. “Contemporary Philippines-Japan cultural interconnections.” The News Today, July 31, 2009. http://www.thenewstoday.info/2009/07/31/contemporary.philippines.japan.cultural.interconnections.html.
 Handoyo, Chrisfella Cokro, et. al. “Klappertaart: An Indonesian-Dutch influenced traditional food.” Journal of Ethnic Foods 5 (2018). How other countries influence Filipino food. November 19, 2016. https://foodnetphilippines.wordpress.com/2016/11/19/how-other-countries-influence-filipino-food/#:~:text=The%20use%20of%20udon%20or,Davao%20has%20a%20version%20of.
 https://en.unesco.org/silkroad/content/did-you-know-spread-islam-southeast-asia-through-trade-routeshttps://factsanddetails.com/southeast-asia/Laos/sub5_3b/entry-2958.htmlhttps://factsanddetails.com/southeast-asia/Malaysia/sub5_4a/entry-3619.html#:~:text=The%20British%20formally%20made%20Malaysia,fratricidal%20wars%20of%20the%20sultans.
 https://research.appetitesg.com/idea/portuguese-influence-in-asian-food/
 https://www.tasteatlas.com/most-popular-rice-in-southeast-asia
 Johns, Anthony. “Islamization in Southeast Asia: Reflections and Reconsiderations with Special Reference to the Role of Sufism.” Southeast Asian Studies 31, no.1 (1993).
 Lantrip, Brandon Chase. The Chinese Cultural Influence on Filipino Cuisine. (2017). https://repository.usfca.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1334&context=thes.18-19.
 Leong-Salobir, Cecilia. Food Culture in Colonial Asia: A Taste of Empire. New York: Routledge, 2011.
 Lockard, Craig. “Chinese Migration and Settlement in Southeast Asia Before 1850: Making Fields from the Sea.” History Compass 11, no.9 (2013).
 Ludovice, Nicolo Paolo. “The Ice Plant Cometh: The Insular Cold Storage and Ice Plant, Frozen Meat, and the Imperial Biodeterioration of American Manila, 1900-1935.” Global Food History 7, no.2 (2021).
 Madrid, Randy. “Ang Pariancillo ng Molo, Iloilo sa Pagtatagpo ng Hiligaynon at Hok-kien Bilang mga Wikang Pangkalakalan Noong Dantaon 18.” Saliksik e-Journal 2, no.1 (2013).
 Mandy, Apple. “Everything You Need to Know About Filipino Food: The Next Great American Cuisine.” December 5, 2020. https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/filipino-food-guide/#:~:text=From%20that%20time%20through%201946,technology%20like%20microwave%20and%20fridge.
 Marchetti, Silvia. “Curry puffs: How a Portuguese Snack Arrived in Southeast Asia in the 1500s and Became a Hit Across the Region.” South China Morning Post, January 12, 2021. https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3117240/curry-puffs-how-portuguese-snack-arrived-southeast-asia-1500s.
 McLeod, Saul. “Nature vs. Nurture in Psychology.” https://www.simplypsychology.org/naturevsnurture.html. 2018.
 Newman, Jacqueline. “Cultural Aspects of Asian Dietary Habits”. In C. Ang, K. Liu, and Y. Huang (Eds.). Asian Foods: Science & technology. Pennsylvania: Technomic Publishing Co., Inc., (1999).Ocampo, Ambeth. “Japanese origins of the Philippine ‘halo-halo.” Philippine Daily Inquirer, August 30, 2012. https://opinion.inquirer.net/35790/japanese-origins-of-the-philippine-halo-halo.
 Pew-Templeton Global Religious Futures Project, 2022. http://www.globalreligiousfutures.org/regions/asia-pacific/religious_demography#/?affiliations_religion_id=0&affiliations_year=2010
 Santarita, Joefe. Becoming Filipino. Quezon City: Vibal Publishing House, forthcoming 2023.
 Sengupta, Jayshree. “India’s Cultural and Civilizational Influence on Southeast Asia.” Observer Research Foundation, August 30, 2017. https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/indias-cultural-and-civilizational-influence-on-southeast-asia/
 Sibal, Vatika. “Food: Identity of Culture and Religion.” September 2018. https://www.wathi.org/food-identity-of-culture-and-religion-researchgate/.
 Steele, Jonathan. “Nation Building in East Timor.” World Policy Journal 19, no.2 (2002).
 Tasevski, Olivia. “The Dutch are Uncomfortable with Being History’s Villains, not Victims.” Foreign Policy, August 10, 2020. https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/08/10/dutch-colonial-history-indonesia-villains-victims/.
 Trivedi, Sonu. “Early Indian Influence in Southeast Asia: Revitalizing Partnership between India and Indonesia.” India Quarterly 66, no.1 (March 2010).
 Turrow, Eve. “Colonizers' Influence Infuses Southeast Asian Cuisine.” October 19, 2011. https://www.npr.org/2011/10/18/141465353/colonizers-influence-infuses-southeast-asian-cuisine.
 Understanding Ajinomoto. https://www.ajinomoto.com.ph/corp-blogs/ajinomoto-vetsin/
 Van Esterik, Penny. “Culinary Colonialism and Thai Cuisine: The Taste of Crypto-colonial Power.” Dublin Gastronomy Symposium (2018).
 Veneracion, Connie. “The Spanish Influence on Filipino Cuisine.” May 18, 2021. https://www.thespruceeats.com/the-spanish-influence-on-filipino-cuisine-3030287.

Understanding India and China in South Asia

India is often recognized as a powerful country, but a careful study brings to the light that China has a more favorable position vis-à-vis India in South Asia. Many reasons can be put in favor of this argument.First, South Asian countries view China as a more reliable partner in the region in the long run. China's card could always help South Asian countries to evade the overwhelming Indian influence. Second, a closer pee pinto India's South Asian policy reveals that it has improved the economic interdependence, trade and regional connectivity since 1991. But China holds the position of preeminence in political and economic affairs and has more to lure Indian neighbors away from the Indian sphere of influence. Third, South Asian countries also look at China's global position as an opportunity for their prosperity

A Study of Decimal Place Value System in Ancient Indian Mathematics

The aim of this article is to overview of ancient Indian Mathematics in respect of decimal place value system. The base ten system is not much different than other number systems. It is called the Hindu Arabic system. The digits were started to appear in India a few centuries before Christ. The decimal system emerged as we know it in 825 in a book by Arabian mathematician al-Khwarizmi. Fibonacci popularized it in Europe around 1200. The earliest evidence of decimal place value system in India and south east Asia is from the middle of the first millennium CE. The written evidence in a decimal place value notation was found on the copper plate from Gujarat, India in the date 595 CE. The decimal numerals recording have also been found in stone inscriptions in Indonesia and Cambodia in the years 683 CE, where Indian cultural influence was substantial.

Cultural Dimensions of India–Thailand Relations: A Historical Perspective

In today’s world of ‘Asianisation’ whereby the countries of Asia are reinventing their historical linkages and asserting their combined power on the world stage, an understanding of the cultures of neighbours and how reciprocal cultural linkages can contribute to enhance cooperation among the countries assumes importance. India shares a long history of cultural and commercial contacts with the region of Southeast Asia including Thailand date back to the very early centuries of the Common Era, perhaps even earlier. India’s interaction with this region in terms of history, culture and religion has been unique, deep, rich and apparently visible even today. Since time immemorial, the Bay of Bengal has been a highway of communication between the two regions bringing closer the cultures, economies and the people of both sides. Culture, along with commerce, contributed to exchange of ideas and knowledge between the two regions. The people of this land became so responsive to the Indian cultural elements that they imbibed and well adapted these to the native environmental conditions. Through contact and interaction, Indian cultural influence slowly and gradually penetrated into the local pattern of life in Southeast Asia. This peaceful penetration of Indian culture was carried out by traders, Brahmin priests, Buddhist monks, scholars and adventurers all along the maritime trade routes. The notable feature of this early interaction is that, the native people of Southeast Asia did not follow Indian cultural traits blindly. They absorbed only those Indian cultural elements into their indigenous cultural patterns which were either consisted with or could be shaped to their own beliefs and necessities. The process of Indian cultural influence never eradicated indigenous foundation of their society and culture. Moreover, it has been a mutual learning process in which both sides learned many things from each other. In order to understand and comprehend the processes responsible for such deep cultural interactions, Thailand has been chosen as a case study, owing to its geographical and historical proximity. India and Thailand located in each other’s extended neighbourhood and share a unique cultural linkage with the great Indian Emperor Ashoka, sending Buddhist missionaries to Thailand and thus making it one of the major religions in Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia. A notable feature of this time-honoured cultural interaction is that it has been entirely peaceful and having no political ambitions. In modern times, the civilisational linkages constitute a special asset for the further development of multifaceted relationship between the two countries. The shared cultural heritage helps both the countries to understand and confront contemporary challenges. This article attempts to study the cultural dimensions of India’s multifaceted interaction with Thailand in the historical context. It argues that history and culture are central to any understanding of prospective Indo-Thai relations, and therefore, should be harnessed and promoted as a foreign policy tool to take the bilateral relations to the next level.

Growing Chinese Presence in the Indian Ocean: Prospects and Challenges

The ‘String of Pearls’ strategy attributed to China for growing its relations with the states situated around the Indian Ocean (IO) in order to neutralise Indian influence. Furthermore, protecting economic and strategic interests are also the key factors that China is maintaining its presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). After the completion of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), it is predicted that Gwadar Port will be the most precious pearl of the string. With the increased Chinese influence, the United States (US) will not fall behind and will have to revise strategy to maintain its supremacy in the IO and keep Chinese influence under check. However, Chinese presence will enhance economic prospects in the IO but may also pose some challenges for regional peace and security. In this paper, an analytical study would be undertaken on such questions.

Respect for Seleukid Suzerainty: The Imitative Victory Coinage of the Sistan Ariaspi

The victory coinage bearing the name Antiochos (SC 226-228), currently attributed to the province of Drangiana during the co-regency of Seleukos and Antiochos, exhibits a progressive deterioration of iconography and epigraphy over the duration of its emission. It has the characteristics of an imitative coinage, struck over a prolonged period, rather than the 14 years of the co-regency. Die study reveals stages of iconographic deterioration, enabling the coinage to be categorized into three groups, each with its own progressively degraded iconography and epigraphy. During its emission a local artistic tradition, possibly reflecting a longstanding Indian influence appears in the iconography of the obverse, and what appears to be an early Brahmi script eventually displaces Greek on the reverse. This is interpreted to reflect contemporary Mauryan cultural and linguistic influences, the result of interaction with adjacent Arachosia. Plausibly, the coinage was struck intermittently in the period c. 281-175 BC by the Ariaspi, the semi-autonomous people of the Sistan depression in Drangiana, who acknowledged Seleukid suzerainty in the choice of coin type and legend.

Review: Translocal Lives and Religion: Connections between Asia and Europe in the Late Modern World, edited by Philippe Bornet

Review: <i>Translocal Lives and Religion: Connections between Asia and Europe in the Late Modern World</i>, edited by Philippe Bornet

Consonant Changes in Words Borrowed From Sanskrit to Thai and Patani Malay

Southeast Asia was under Indian influence for more than a thousand years so that the traces of Indian civilization can be determined from a lot of evidence. The entry of Indian civilization in this region has shown that Sanskrit has merged with Thai, the national language of Thailand, and Patani Malay, the mother tongue language of Thai Malays who live in the deep south of Thailand. Borrowing is a process of language contact and language change that can happen in all languages and is not limited to borrow in the same language family or the same type of language. All of them belong to different family trees. Sanskrit is a member of the Indo-European language family, whereas the Thai language is accepted to Tai-Kadai and Patani Malay belongs to the Austronesian language family. This study aims to study consonant changes of shared Sanskrit loanwords in Thai and Patani Malay. This research employed qualitative methodology. Data were collected from documentaries. The findings showed that changes in consonant phonemes occurred in both languages according to phonological adaptations such as deletion, insertion, voicing, devoicing, and substitution.

Geopolitical Reflections of Sino-Indian Conflict and its Implication on Nepal’s Survival Strategy

Border disputes between China and India in June 2020 almost lead South Asian countries to take a side. But, Nepal, situated between India and China, has always expressed a stern belief in neutrality and non-alignment. Even though New Delhi doubted Nepal’s neutrality and non-alignment citing China’s growing footprints in Nepal, Kathmandu reckoned such suspicion as the result of a new map row between two countries connected by open borders. While Nepal’s repeated calls to diplomatically resolve India-Nepal border problems remained unheeded by New Delhi, it provided room for the ruling communist party in Nepal to reap geopolitical benefits out of the Sino-Indian dispute. But, interestingly, such geopolitical benefits are usually targeted in tempering Indian influence in Nepal, by getting closer with China. Apprehending the same, this study aims to assess the geopolitical implication of Sino-Indian conflict on the survival strategy of Nepal. To fulfill the same objectives, the Chinese perception of Nepal-India relations, and Indian perception of Sino-Nepal ties have been critically assessed in this study. This study is methodologically based on the information collected from the secondary sources. In order to critically evaluate the geopolitical expression of Sino-Indian conflict in Nepal, this study reviews India’s perception of Nepal-China relations, and China’s perception of Nepal-India relations. Also, the reports and the press releases of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, historical facts, treaties, government reports and decisions have been studied and analyzed. Media sources are also reviewed to understand the diverse narratives produced on the geopolitical reflection of Sino-Indian conflict. The themes that emerged from the reviews are thematically analyzed and interpreted, to discover that cultivating relations with one country at the expense of the other may be counterproductive to Nepal’s survival strategies.

India-Ethiopia in the Educational Sector: It’s Cooperation in the Past and the Present

Historical linkages between India and Ethiopia go back around 2,000 years of recorded history. A sizeable Indian community consisting of merchants and artisans settled down in Ethiopia in the latter part of the 19th century. Indians are immigrants into Ethiopia and in entire East Africa. The majority have come from the Gujarati- speaking areas. There is tremendous goodwill that Indians enjoy in Ethiopia. Indian influence on education, small trade, and cuisine is as real as the influence of Bollywood in Ethiopia. The rapid expansion of higher education in Ethiopia has increased the demand for qualified academic staff and these included many Indian academicians. Now, aside from Bollywood, Ethiopians' principal contact with Indians is as teachers/lecturers in secondary schools or universities, particularly in the provinces. Teachers from India have carved a special place in Ethiopia with their open-handed efforts across generations.