Indian Literature Research Articles

Flow, Stagnation, and Renewal: Understanding the Symbolic Dimensions of Water in Anuradha Roy’s ‘An Atlas of Impossible Longing’

Water is one of nature's gifts to the earth, carrying a multitude of meanings and interpretations based on its context. Water in literature is studied from a variety of theoretical perspectives due to its rich symbolism and different narrative roles. This paper aims to explore Indian writer Anuradha Roy’s novel, "An Atlas of Impossible Longing," through Gaston Bachelad’s water symbolism theory and investigates how numerous types of water bodies, including rivers, ponds, and rain, each with its own meanings and thematic importance, with the river playing a central part in the novel. This study explores the symbolism of water through three key themes: "Flow and Transformation," "Stagnation and Reflection," and "Renewal and Destruction." It examines how water functions as both a healing and destructive force in human life. Using a qualitative approach, the study combines textual analysis with theoretical interpretation based on Gaston Bachelard’s symbolism theory from Water and Dreams: An Essay on the Imagination of Matter. Through a close reading of the novel, it highlights how water serves as a metaphorical device, reflecting characters’ emotional states, personal growth, and existential challenges. This research stands out by providing a comprehensive analysis of how Anuradha Roy integrates water symbolism in contemporary Indian Literature through her narrative structure and highlights its multidimensional role in the story. The novelty lies in its comparative analysis of Roy’s water imagery with broader literary traditions, creating new insights into how water symbolism functions both as an ecological signifier and a transformative metaphor in the human experience.

Parallel Horizons: A Comparative Voyage through Modernist and Postmodernist Waves in Australian and Indian Writing

This paper undertakes a comparative exploration of modernist and postmodernist movements in Australian and Indian literature, examining their transformative influence on the global literary landscape of the 20th century. Modernists introduced subjective expressions and disruptive narrative techniques, exploring psychic fragmentation, while postmodernists playfully challenged conventional literary representations. In Australian modernism, Patrick White's "Voss" (1957) critiques imperialism through surreal characterization, and Christina Stead's "The Man Who Loved Children" (1940) employs expressionistic symbolism to highlight marital oppression. Indian modernists, including Tagore and Anand, fused indigenous and Western influences in socially-conscious works addressing colonialism. Transitioning to postmodernism, Peter Carey's "Bliss" (1981) and Salman Rushdie's "Midnight's Children" (1981) utilize intertextual pastiche to interrogate post-Independence national identities. Modernists disrupt narrative continuity to unveil alienation, while postmodernists expose storytelling's artifice through self-referentiality. The paper argues that narrative shifts between movements reflect changing assumptions about identity and power relations during anti/post-colonial transitions. Australian postmodernists, like Carey, reframe national myths from marginalized perspectives. In Indian postmodernism, Rushdie's carnivalesque narration destabilizes post-Independence identity constructions. In conclusion, modern and postmodern literature document the reconstitution of identity amidst profound societal change. Cross-cultural analysis enriches understanding of how global aesthetic movements intersect with localized interpretations. This study contributes to the discourse on evolving identity in literature, underscoring the significance of narrative transformations across distinct cultural and historical contexts.

Pulmonary manifestations in hyper IgE syndrome: A case series and review of Indian literature.

Recurrent pulmonary infections starting from childhood often prompt evaluation for primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDs). Hyper IgE syndrome (HIES) is a less common PID characterised by recurrent skin and pulmonary infections associated with elevated IgE levels. Staphylococcal infections are more commonly seen in these individuals, resulting in structural lung abnormalities such as pneumatoceles and bronchiectasis. The associated non-immunologic features (characteristic facies, retained primary dentition, scoliosis, osteopenia, and hyperextensible joints) should raise suspicion of this syndrome. We present four cases of HIES and review the pulmonary manifestations in this disease as reported in the Indian literature.

Vedavyasa’s Vision: Shaping Indian literature, spirituality, and cultural heritage

Vedavyasa’s Vision: Shaping Indian literature, spirituality, and cultural heritage

A study to assess the level of stress, domestic violence and coping strategies among spouse of patients with alcohol dependence admitted at DIMHANS, Dharwad

Background of the study: Alcoholism is one of the major health and social problems all over the world. Alcoholism is a significant problem in India. There is a vast body of literature in India and in the West devoted to understanding the marital dynamics involved in alcoholism and ascertaining the deleterious impact that alcoholism could have on the personality and function of spouse. Aim : Assess the levels of Stress, Domestic violence and coping strategies among the wives of patients with alcoholic dependence.. Methodology: A descriptive survey design is used to assess level of stress, domestic violence and coping strategies among wives of patients with alcohol dependence admitted at DIMHANS, DHARWAD. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was adopted for data collection from 100 wives of alcoholics admitted in wards of the DIMHANS. Results : Data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics, majority of the participants had moderate level of stress(61%).Assessment of the overall level of domestic violence revealed that 54% wives of alcoholics had average domestic violence. Assessment of the overall level of coping strategies revealed that 63% wives of alcoholics had average coping. There was a partial association between the level of stress, domestic violence and coping strategies of the wives of patients with alcohol dependence with demographic variable only religion (χ2=6.9170, p=02), had significant relationship with level of stress. The result found non-significant negative correlation(r= -0.1810 p= 0.0720) was observed between stress and domestic violence scores and non significant positive correlation(r=0.0793 p=0.4330) was observed between stress and coping strategies scores. But significant and negative correlation (r= -0.2407 p=0.0160*) (*p<0.05) was observed between domestic violence and coping strategies scores. It means that domestic violence and coping strategies scores are dependent on each other. Conclusion: Research needs to focus on the impact of stress, domestic violence and coping on health, a nurse plays a pivotal role both in hospital and community setting in improving the health of the Individual. Innovative approaches in this field have to be initiated in nursing.

Tulsi's Ayurvedic Medical Importance

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is an omnipresent, multipurpose plant and regarded as holy plant in Hindu religion finds place in front of every Hindu household. This herb is a member of Lamiaceae family, well known for its spiritual, religious and medicinal importance in India. Scientific investigations of traditional belief of medicinal properties of Tulsi have got impetus mostly in the later part of the 20th century. Characteristically, the plant imparts a pungent, bitter, hot, light and dry effect indicating the presence of curative value. It is extensively famous and has been used since centuries in Ayurveda and Greek medicines owing to its beneficially diverse properties. For the treatment of bronchitis, illness, and pyrexia, tulsi leaf extracts are described in Indian medical literature. It is thought to be a widespread plant in India.

Global Community in James Welch’s The Heartsong of Charging Elk

Human beings have had beautiful dreams for a harmonious world since centuries ago; this can be termed cosmopolitanism, shijie datong, or global community. Based on theories expounded by Confucius, Tönnies, Anderson, Bauman, Derrida, and Appiah, we closely examine the concept of “global cultural community” or “international community”, that is, the community involving individuals or groups of two or more countries by way of textual analysis, with James Welch’s The Heartsong of Charging Elk as an example. Through an analysis of the plot in the novel, we find that the American Indian protagonist Charging Elk integrates into the local French culture, while retaining his indigenous cultural identity, and thus negotiates a global community. This finding is also evaluated in the context of all five novels by Welch and in a broader scope of American Indian literature with inter-continental themes. The studies on cosmopolitanism or global community in American Indian literature can play an important role in exploring the construction of a global community for humanity for a shared future.

Echoes of Empathy: Analyzing the Ethical Dimensions of Animal Sacrifice in Tagore's 'Sacrifice'

Rabindranath Tagore, a distinguished Bengali poet and social reformer, is celebrated for his significant contributions to Indian literature and his incisive critiques of societal norms. One of his notable concerns was the practice of animal sacrifice, particularly in the context of worshiping the goddess Kali. This essay delves into how Tagore's literary creations and philosophical perspectives challenged this ritualistic tradition. By closely analyzing his play "Sacrifice" along with other narratives, novels, and dramas, we can uncover his opposition to animal sacrifice and his broader vision for a more ethical and compassionate spirituality.

Breast Cancer and Depression: A Scoping Review of Indian Literature.

Breast Cancer and Depression: A Scoping Review of Indian Literature.

Cholangiocarcinoma – A Detailed Review on Indian Literature

Cholangiocarcinoma, the predominant malignancy of the biliary tract, is associated with a dismal prognosis, typically yielding a median survival of 7–10 months post-diagnosis. The disease predominantly manifests as obstructive jaundice, and most patients are treated with palliative care due to the advanced stage at presentation. Although a wealth of international literature exists on this topic, detailed review from Indian literature is sparse. This review aims to fill this gap by aggregating and analyzing available Indian data from the past few decade regarding cholangiocarcinoma. We comprehensively explore clinical presentations, pathological features, diagnostic approaches, and management protocols specific to the Indian context. Emphasis is placed on unique aspects of intervention for alleviating obstructive jaundice and intraluminal therapies as documented in Indian studies. To our knowledge, this is the only available review article in detail and comprehensively about cholangiocarcinoma solely based on Indian publications.

Marginalisation and Portrayal of Women Characters in Indian Diasporic Writings: A Study of Jhumpa Lahiri and Bharati Mukherjee

Most authors of post-colonial diasporic origin tend to write in a formulaic fashion. Inviting readers from all over the world, they use methods as varied as stream of consciousness, immigration, magic realism, alienation, and the capacity to adjust to a new area and culture. The literary world has taken notice of Indian literature in English because of the depth and relevance of its subject matter. The contemporary trend in Indian writing in English is unparalleled, despite the fact that outstanding literary works written in English were discovered a century ago. Numerous authors have gained widespread recognition on both a national and international scale. Some of the most well-known Indian authors of the modern era did not even grow up in India. Modern Indian English literature found a strong ally in India's female authors. They have shed light on many of the ongoing problems that women have had to deal with for centuries. Women who have stepped out to demonstrate their efficacy in numerous fields have been met with resistance from patriarchal culture. An identity crisis does not arise from one specific event or cause. A person's identity crisis may have been brought on by a number of different things.

Pluralistic Approach of Snake Worship in Indian Literature

Ophiolatry, or snake worship, is a pluralistic practice that demonstrates geographical variances, religious syncretism, cultural significance, various ceremonies and offerings, as well as local beliefs and folk traditions in India (Saha, 2020). This highlights the coexistence of various cultures and traditions that add to the diverse range of religious practices in the nation, reflecting the inclusive aspect of Indian society. Indian literature vividly portrays the complex relationship between humans and snakes. This essay explores the intricate bond between snakes and deities, sages, demons, and ancestors, unraveling the essence of this relationship.Through their symbolism, these serpents represent the various cycles of life, death, and rebirth. By delving into the myths, tales, and folklore surrounding snake cults, the ecological, social, and spiritual dimensions of human-snake interactions are revealed. However, this exploration goes beyond surface-level analysis as it delves deep into the ethical and environmental concerns surrounding snake conservation in India.

Digital Transformation of Indian Healthcare: A Bibliometric Analysis Based on Telemedicine

India's healthcare system faces challenges due to a shortage of hospitals, doctors, and facilities. The integration of telemedicine into healthcare makes it possible to spread medical expertise to remote areas and improve access to health services. Thus, this study's objective is to ascertain and assess the scientific literature on telemedicine in the Indian context by conducting a bibliometric analysis to identify the publication's trends, important and trending keywords, authors, sources, and most cited publications. Another goal is to determine the conceptual, intellectual, and social structure of the relevant literature. This research conducts a bibliometric analysis of telemedicine literature in India using Scopus data from 2013 to 2022. Among the findings, Kumar A. stands out as the most prolific author, and the “All-India Institute of Medical Science” is the leading institution. The “Journal of Medical Systems” is the most influential source. Trending keywords in 2022 include psychiatry, technology, and attitude. Collaboratively, India and the USA published the highest number of articles. Our study provides a detailed overview of telemedicine advancements in India's healthcare sector, offering valuable insights for academics, policymakers, and practitioners. The findings validate telemedicine's progress in India's healthcare and suggest future studies expand to other countries.

A pragmatic comprehension of scientific and classical aspects of Rachana Sharir—A systematic review

Ayurveda, a flourishing traditional medical system renowned for its extensive knowledge, includes Rachana Sharir as a fundamental subject. Rachana Sharir Vigyan explores the anatomical aspects (Rachna) of the human body. The immense knowledge of the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda is not comprehensively described yet. The Samhitas and Vedas of Indian literature by different acharyas elaborate on how the human body evolved from a combination of Panchamahabhutas and Atma (Chetana). This review aims to elucidate the classical aspects of Rachana Sharir from Ayurvedic texts and establish correlations with contemporary scientific knowledge. Classical texts such as the Samhitas authored by various acharyas were systematically reviewed to gather insights into the origin, anatomical positions, numerical compositions, and classifications of human body parts, organs, tissues, and systems. The review reveals detailed principles and concepts from Ayurvedic literature, emphasizing contributions from Acharya Sushruta in the Sharir Sthana, particularly his meticulous descriptions of cadaveric studies and preservation techniques. Classical books explained the origins of human bodily parts, their anatomical placements, organs, tissues, systems, and more. These fall under human anatomy (Rachana Sharir), and this article explains its classical aspect with scientific and modern science linkages. In Sharir Sthana, one of Ayurveda’s main principles, cadaveric research and preservation, is beautifully illustrated by Acharya Sushruta. Ayurveda has scientific principles, logic, and subtle knowledge that we must explore to apply its gifts to humanity. This essay shows that Samhitas contains pragmatic and scientific knowledge. Ayurveda combines science and philosophy. Ayurvedic knowledge’s pragmatic and scientific usefulness beyond textual content must be explored and validated to maximize its benefits for humanity.

Anaesthetic management in neonate with rare finding of absent ribs as a part of Jacho Levin syndrome posted for thoracolumbar meningomyelocele repair: A case report

The congenital absence of ribs is a very rare finding. It can manifest as a standalone anomaly or as part of the syndrome. We came across a case in which the absence of ribs was associated with a neural tube defect. These findings were in favor of Jarcho Levin syndrome. Jarcho Levin syndrome, also known as spondylocostal dysostosis, is an uncommon genetic disorder with a global incidence of 1/40000 births. Very few case reports of it are in the Indian literature. It is characterized by vertebral malformations and the congenital absence of ribs, resulting in a crab-like appearance in the chest. It is linked to a wide range of non-skeletal abnormalities, including hydrocephalus, neural tube defects, tracheal anomalies, and abnormalities in the cardiac, renal, gastrointestinal, and urinary systems. The preoperative evaluation should be thoroughly done with a detailed systemic examination for the multisystem affliction of this syndrome. The anesthetic challenges in neonates with Jarcho Levin syndrome includes challenging airways due to defects in skeletal growth and hydrocephalus, proper positioning to avoid sac rupture, prone position ventilation, temperature control and fluid management. The prone position ventilation can be complicated by the absence of ribs and decreased respiratory reserve due to associated scoliosis and kyphosis. This case report highlights the anesthetic management of a three-day-old neonate with Jarcho Levin syndrome posted for thoracolumbar meningomyelocele repair.

Book review: M.K. Raghavendra, The Writing of the Nation by Its Elite: The Politics of Anglophone Indian Literature in the Global Age

M.K. Raghavendra, The Writing of the Nation by Its Elite: The Politics of Anglophone Indian Literature in the Global Age (London and New York: Routledge, 2022), vii + 221 pp.

Assessment of Stress and Anxiety in Parents of Neonates Admitted in a Tertiary Care Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Background A newborn's admission into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is one unexpected event capable of causing much stress and anxiety amongparents. The current study aims to evaluate and compare parental stress and anxiety levels between mothers and fathers. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted in the NICU of a tertiary care center, in Uttarakhand where a total of 306 mothers and fathers were enrolled. Data was compiled using a questionnaire consisting of demographic details of parents and infants' clinical profiles,Parental Stressor Scale (PSS) NICU, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scales were used to evaluate stress and anxiety, respectively. Results Mothersmean stress levels were greater and statistically significant. The most affected subscale in both parents was the change in parental role (M: 4.4/F: 3.3; p < 0.001). Parents with high trait anxiety also had high state anxiety (M: 51.3/F: 45.5; p < 0.001). Mothers were found to have higher trait and state anxiety than fathers. Conclusion Parents of newborns admitted in the NICU experience significant stress and anxiety. Mothers had higher levels of stress and anxiety; similar findings have been recorded previously in Indian and western literature.

Self-Medication Practice and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Residing in Kattankulathur Block of Chengalpattu District in Tamil Nadu, India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Self-medication is a prevalent phenomenon worldwide. The self-medication practiced by pregnant women, particularly during the first trimester, can have significant adverse consequences for both the developing fetus and the mother. Although self-medication during pregnancy has the potential to cause adverse effects, there is less information regarding the consequences among pregnant women in low-middle-income countries, such as India. Multiple factors influence the self-treatment pattern and exhibit variation across different societies. This study assessed the self-medication practices (SMPs) of pregnant women living in the Kattankulathur block of Tamil Nadu and identified the socio-demographic factors that are associated with this practice. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among 403 pregnant women living in Kattankulathur block of Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu, India. The pregnant women who accessed antenatal care in the health center under Kattankulathur block were included in the study. The data were gathered via in-person interviews with specifically chosen pregnant women via a semi-structured questionnaire administered by the main researcher. The interview schedule comprised three components. The first section encompasses demographic details, the second part includes parity and stage of the current pregnancy, and the third part covers SMPs. Results The study encompassed 403 participants, with a mean age of 27.34 years. Self-medication was reported by 216 participants, which accounted for 53.6% of the sample. Out of the 216 individuals who reported SMPs, 52.8% (114 participants) were primiparous and 47.2% (102 participants) were multiparous, depending on the distribution based on parity. Approximately 32.9% of the participants(71 individuals) were in the first trimester. The second trimester accounted for 35.6% of the participants(77 individuals).Out of the total participants, the largest category comprises professionals, with 167 individuals, accounting for 41.4% of the total. Based on the modified BG Prasad scale, the middle class was the most common group, accounting for 46.4% (187 participants). Approximately 30.6% of the respondents (66 participants) indicated that the rates charged for doctor consultations were huge. Approximately 34.7% of the respondents(75 participants) cited the convenient accessibility of drugs as a contributing factor. The most prevalent problem addressed was headaches, which made up 36.57% (79 participants). Allopathic medicines were chosen by the majority, including 69.0% (149 participants), whereas Ayurvedic medicines were chosen by 22.2% (48 people). The primary sources of medications were expired prescriptions from physicians (32.4%, 70 participants) and suggestions provided by pharmacists (31.0%, 67 participants). Pregnant women who have a higher socioeconomic status, higher academic achievement, and a greater number of family members are engaging in self-medication more frequently. Conclusion The prevalence of self-medication among pregnant women in this study was significantly higher compared to the other literature in India. This issue poses a public health concern that has the potential to negatively impact the well-being of both mothers and their unborn children. It is imperative to establish stringent regulations and oversight to ensure responsible SMPs, with the active participation of healthcare professionals and lawmakers.

Exploring Self-Reflexivity in Selected Dalit Literatures

Dalit literature, which emerged prominently in the 1970s and 1980s, represents a significant shift in Indian literary and cultural discourse. It is deeply connected to the Dalit Panther Movement in Maharashtra, which sought to confront and challenge entrenched caste hierarchies and social injustices. Historically, Indian literature has been dominated by upper-caste perspectives, which marginalized lower-caste voices and reinforced existing social structures. Dalit literature disrupts this hegemony by foregrounding the experiences of those historically marginalized, challenging traditional literary canons that glorify upper-caste perspectives and advocating for a redefined cultural legitimacy. Self-reflexivity, a process of critical self-examination within social contexts, plays a crucial role in Dalit writings. It involves reflecting on one’s identity and its formation within oppressive socio-cultural frameworks. Dalit literature often explores the interplay between spatial identity and caste discrimination, emphasizing how physical and social spaces are laden with historical and cultural meanings. This reflexivity enables Dalit writers to question and reconfigure their identities in response to systemic inequalities. Historically, Dalit writings can trace their roots back to Vedic traditions that justified caste hierarchies. Figures like Sharankumar Limbale and Eleanor Zelliot highlight how Dalit literature is a counter-narrative to these oppressive traditions. Early Dalit writers, influenced by social reformers like B.R. Ambedkar and movements such as Bhakti, used their works to critique caste-based injustices and advocate for social change. Education has been a transformative force in Dalit autobiographies, serving as a means for personal and societal advancement. Despite historical resistance to the education of untouchables, British colonial reforms and missionary schools played a pivotal role in improving educational access. Figures like Jyotiba Phule further advanced educational opportunities for marginalized communities, challenging entrenched social norms and promoting empowerment through learning.

INTRODUCTION TO VEDANGAS AND THEIR INTERPRETATION IN AYURVEDA

Ancient Indian literature has a large body of religious texts composed in various languages; among them, some of the Vedic literature is written in Sanskrit, ‘Devanagari Lipi’. An introduction to' Vedangas' has been made to help readers understand and correct the interpretation of Vedic literature. Vedangas are composed of two words: Veda means ‘Knowledge’, and Angas means ‘Limbs’, collectively known as ‘The Limbs of Knowledge’. Among the four Vedas, ‘Ayurveda’ is Upaveda of ‘Atharvaveda’. Ayurveda not only deals with Pranirogaharam but also helps to attain Purushartha. Samhita of Ayurveda is also composed in verse format, describing the vastness of Sanskrit literature. For Arthaprapati of these verses effortlessly and trace out the exact meaning of verses, these six fields of studies mentioned by Maharshis, known as ‘Vedangas’, i.e., Shiksha, Vyarkarana, Chhandas, Nirukti, Kalpa, Jyotisha have been used. For a deeper understanding of these Vedangas, they are co-related with six parts of the human body, i.e., nose, face, legs, ear, hand and eyes, respectively, termed as ‘Veda Purusha’, have been explained by ‘Paniniya Shiksha’. Shiksha, Vyarkarana, Chhandas, and Nirukti in Ayurveda give clarity on Swara Uccharana, Patha or Akshara Suddhi, grammatical analysis of verses, clarity in understanding Pada, Paada, etc., their origin and meaning and lastly memorizing it effortlessly. The importance of Kalpa and Jyotisha can be apricated throughout the Shastras of Ayurveda. Hence, an effort has been put forth to determine the applicability of these Vedangas in Ayurveda.