Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences (SH&SS)

Editorial

Malati Mathur — 2024-08-27

A Historical Overview of the Human-Elephant Relationship in Assam

Bhabana Deka — 2024-08-27

Elephants have been found in abundance in north-east India with many ancient sources referring to the procurement of elephants from this area. The trend of elephants being used by royalty mostly for war purposes was carried forward to the medieval period. After the arrival of the British, the utility of elephants shifted from war to timber as carriers but their importance remained undiminished. This paper explores the relationship between humans and elephants in Assam from the ancient to the colonial periods and the humanelephant conflict that plagues many areas of Assam in contemporary times

An Indigenous History of Traditional Naga Food Resilience during British Colonial Battles

Nilanjana Chatterjee — 2024-08-27

Postcolonial Indigenous writers, according to Boehmer (2005), believe that writing back is a significant step towards ‘historical reconstruction’ that can reconcile the precolonial indigenous identity and tradition of the past with the present. However, reconstruction of such history is fraught with several layers of cultural silencing. Therefore, it needs unique methodologies because official forms of historical archives or written records do not exist. The Naga territory, according to Wouters (2018), was the victim of colonial geopolitical objectification. However, the only authoritative work on Naga history, according to Sanyü (2023) was offered by a British administrator in Naga Hills, J.H. Hutton. The Naga ‘people stories’ are potent windows to Naga lived history and indigenous Naga knowledge systems that have endured the whitewashing of dominant historical representations of the Naga people. Kire’s novels Sky is My Father: A Naga Village Remembered (2018) and A Respectable Woman (2019 a), based on ‘people stories,’ make visible the colonial food crisis projects during the Battle of Khonoma (1879) and the Battle of Kohima (1944) respectively. They also make visible the Naga food resilience systems that helped the Naga people to prevent community starvation when India was hit by anthropogenic famines due to British colonial food policies. The Naga people’s lived history of colonial
resistance and indigenous food peace has undergone several layers of invisibilization: absence of written records, cultural flattening of indigenous languages and culture. Therefore, this study reconstructs Naga indigenous historical narratives of colonial India vis-à-vis pre-colonial Naga food ways during the Battle of Khonoma (1879) and the Battle of Kohima (1944) by making a parallel reading of Kire’s novels and available historical documentations of the two war situationsWalking the Roadless Road: Exploring the Tribes of Nagaland (Kire 2019 b) and A History of Nagas and Nagaland: Dynamics of Oral Tradition in Village Formation (Sanyü 2023) – by Indigenous Naga historians. In so doing, it situates the indigenousNaga foodsovereignty systems of ‘staying alive’ (a word derived from Shiva 2010) in the present-day dystopia of food uncertainty.

Challenging Tradition and Embracing Modernity

Riyaz Mohammad — 2024-08-27

Tradition and modernity are the two essential aspects of human evolution. Although tradition and modernity are widely considered direct opposites, they are indeed interlinked and inseparable elements since modernity is possible only when traditionsare re(-) formed. The main aim of modernity is to help society develop and liberate humans from the constraints of often outdated traditions. In this context, the contribution of literature, especially Indian drama, to advancing Indian society is highly appreciable. Among the numerous Indian dramatists who deserve a special mention for their relentless endeavors to challenge and transform the traditional mindset prevailing in society, Mahesh Dattani and Vijay Tendulkar stand out due to their bold exploration of themes such as gender inequality, the dominance of patriarchy, homosexuality, child sexual abuse, and religious violence. Both Vijay Tendulkar and Mahesh Dattani are notable figures in Indian drama, recognized for highlighting the issues and challenges experienced by marginalized communities. This research paper aims to compare the works of Tendulkar and Dattani, specifically examining how they portray the conflict between tradition and modernity in their selected plays. The methodology adopted for the study includes qualitative research focusing on textual analysis and the plays chosen for the study are Kamala and Dance Like a Man.

Crime Prevention through City Planning

Shivani Bhandari — 2024-08-27

The need for vital services has expanded because of the impact of urbanization on the sociocultural character and demography of an urban environment. The significant disparities in access to resources, power, wealth, social systems, and opportunities have led to an increase in crime. The threat to public safety is among the most important problems. Hence, there is a need to consider the link between urban safety and the environment to build spaces that are safe for the public. The aim of this is crime prevention through city planning in the case of Pune city using GIS as a tool for crime mapping. The methodology includes an analysis of crime hotspots using parameters of city planning. In this research, the identification of major hotspots in Pune city was carried out through Weighted Overlay Analysis (WOA). Further analysis of the microenvironment in crime-prone zones in one of the identified hotspots has helped in proposing strategies for city planning to improve the safety of crimeprone zones. Understanding the various spatial and non-spatial dimensions of planning for crime prevention is aided by the study’s findings. The findings of this study also assist in identifying highrisk regions and potential criminal targets where safety audits can be carried out to enhance city safety.

Colonial Arunachal Pradesh and Contested Space

Prasanta Kumar Nayak — 2024-08-27

India might look like a phenomenon totemising a unified, integrated, all-embracing independence, and appear macrocosmically one, but, in reality, it is microcosmically many - a typically polycentric construct. Such polycentrism invites a dispassionate analysis of the nuances of the Indian states and their society. It too by itself warrants a relooking through the lens of historical reconstruction. This paper looks at a multitude of events, metaphors, memories and the magnitude of affairs, policies, strategies, skirmishes, quelling and treaties in colonial Arunachal Pradesh reflected through a critical thinking of the period with theorization of time and also attempts to analyze selected events, processes and structures to develop a perspective on an emerging Arunachal Pradesh.

Maintaining Integrity of Heritage in Adaptive Reuse of Forts/Buildings

Chahat Soni — 2024-08-27

Converting and re-adapting existing buildings is interesting inasmuch as it combines conservation with contemporary necessities in interior design. This paper explores the importance of preserving authentic structures while adapting them for new uses, and centers around Rajasthan in India – a state that boasts both history and cultural heritage. Based on case studies and expert interviews, this article delineates the main principles as well as potential pitfalls – and solutions – when it comes to combining period features and modern conveniences. Themes found in the thematic analysis include open communication, creative problem-solving, working together to build community participation and educational outreach. These projects not only retain cultural assets but secure both environmental and sustainable mobility. This research also reflects the significance of acting to trigger implications on a broader scale for heritage conservation and sustainability issues following interior design practices.

Need for Reform

Mudasir Maqbool Najar — 2024-08-27

The Madrasa Education System in Kashmir Valley occupies a significant space within the Muslim community and plays a vital role in shaping societal norms and values. Unlike other parts of India, Kashmir’s Muslim-majority nature adds a distinct dimension to its Madrasa system, warranting a separate and detailed examination. This paper delves into the intricacies of the Madrasa system in the Valley, scrutinizing its structure, curriculum, and socio-cultural impact. Through a qualitative approach, which includes interviews with key stakeholders such as administrators, faculty, students, and community members, the study provides valuable insights into the strengths and shortcomings of the current system. It underscores the urgent need for intervention and reform to address the outdated aspects of Madrasa education in Kashmir. By offering concrete recommendations for improvement, the research aims to enhance educational standards and opportunities within the region.

Portrayal of Superheroines in Marvel Graphic Novels and Film Adaptations

O Alisha — 2024-08-27

Gender stereotypes have been present in Marvel graphic novels and films to varying degrees over the years, but there have been some efforts to subvert these stereotypes in recent films. In the early days of Marvel films, female characters were often relegated to supporting roles, with limited screen time and character development. They were often portrayed as love interests or damsels in distress, rather than fully realized characters with their own motivations and agency. However, in more recent films like Captain Marvel and Black Widow, there have been efforts to give female characters more prominent roles and to subvert gender stereotypes. Captain Marvel is a powerful superhero who is not defined by her gender, and Black Widow is a skilled and complex character with a rich backstory. That being said, there is still room for improvement in terms of representation and diversity in Marvel graphic novels and film adaptations. The studio has been criticized for its lack of LGBTQ+ representation and its limited representation of characters from underrepresented communities. The paper discusses the gender ideologies and stereotypes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Power of Memory in Yoga

Malay Sinha — 2024-08-27

The increasing recognition of the practice of Yoga to improve memory, intelligence, and creativity demonstrates its ability to promote harmony on the physical, mental, and spiritual levels. Yoga is linked to better physical health, a peaceful mind, and spiritual upliftment, all of which lead to a more balanced and holistic existence. This study explores the significance of memory in yogic philosophy, moving historically through the views of ancient times, contemporary thought, and scientific research. Beginning with a study of Patañjali’s Yoga S"utras’ core concepts and their interaction with consciousness, it advances to recent works that dive into the idea of ‘Memory’ (sm_rti) and its impact on consciousness. This paper also focuses on the relationship between Yoga philosophy and cognitive science, emphasising Yoga’s holistic approach to memory. Then, practical applications such as mindfulness, meditation, and breath control are discussed as strategies for improving cognitive functions. Subsequently, this article emphasises the importance of memory capability in promoting harmony in all aspects of life, including the physical, mental, psychological, and spiritual domains. By combining ancient wisdom with contemporary viewpoints, one can gain a better understanding of the role of memory in supporting total well-being and enlightenment. As a result, one’s life becomes more balanced and harmonious. Furthermore, research shows that practising yoga improves memory function, supporting the link between yoga and cognitive benefits.

Value Education in Ancient India

Suman Roy — 2024-08-27

This study explores the holistic approach to education in ancient India, emphasizing the integration of moral, ethical, and spiritual development with academic learning. Ancient Indian educational practices, notably the Gurukula system, were deeply embedded in the spiritual and philosophical traditions of the Vedas and Upani_sads, fostering an environment where learning transcended the mere acquisition of knowledge. The article examines the foundational principles of value education in ancient India, including the Gurukula system’s focus on personal development and moral values, the ethical and moral teachings derived from the Vedas and Upani_sads, and the role of religion and philosophy in shaping educational values. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of debate and dialogue in promoting critical thinking and ethical discernment. By critiquing contemporary educational practices that prioritize information over transformation, the article presents a vision for an educational system that cultivates intellectually accomplished, morally grounded, and spiritually awakened individuals. This exploration underscores the relevance of ancient wisdom in addressing modern challenges such as environmental degradation, social inequality, and the crisis of meaning, offering insights into creating a more enlightened and sustainable future.

Contributors

IIAS Shimla — 2024-08-27