Sakha: Multidisciplinary Journal of Science, Art & Technology
It is with great enthusiasm and a sense of academic purpose that we welcome you to Sakha: Multidisciplinary Journal of Science, Art & Technology (eISSN: 3107-4006). As a premier international journal, we are committed to fostering a dynamic platform where scholars, researchers, and professionals across diverse disciplines can share their knowledge, discoveries, and insights. In today’s fast-evolving world, the intersection of disciplines plays a crucial role in shaping innovative solutions to global challenges. SAKHA: MJSAT seeks to bridge the gap between academia and industry by publishing cutting-edge research across a spectrum of fields, including Arts, Science, Technology, Engineering, Commerce and Management, Law, Education, and beyond. Our journal is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of scholarly integrity, rigorous peer review, and academic excellence. We invite authors, reviewers, and readers to join us in this intellectual endeavor as we strive to make meaningful contributions to the global research community.
Rituals of the Tribes of Nilgiris- Special reference to Todas and Kurumbas
Tribal communities live in about 15 per cent of the country’s land in various ecological and geoclimatic conditions ranging from plains, forest, hills and in accessible .While some tribal communities have adopted a main stream way of life at one end of the spectrum, there are 75 PRIMITIVE TRIBAL GROUPS (PTGs), at the other who are characterized by 1. A pre-agriculture level of technology 2. A stagnant or declining population 3. Extremely low literacy and 4. A subsistence level of economy According to Tamilnadu Government, there are 36 Scheduled Tribes, among them the Government of Tamilnadu has Identified 6 Communities as Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs). They are: 1. Todas 2. Kotas 3. Various Groups of Kurumbas 4. Various Groups of Irulas 5. Paniyans 6. Kattunayakans All these six Primitive Tribal Groups live in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu. All the Six Tribals have Inter Cultural Exchanges Among four PTGs. Todas, Kotas, Kurumbas and Paniyans live exclusively in the Nilgiris District. The other two, Irulas and Kattunayakans, live in Nilgiris district as well as other districts of Tamil Nadu.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sakha: Multidisciplinary Journal of Science, Art & Technology https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cultural Traits of Tamil Nadu: A Comprehensive Study of Heritage, Diversity, and Traditional Practices
Tamil Nadu, located in the southern tip of India, represents one of the most culturally vibrant and historically rich states in the Indian subcontinent. This research paper examines the multifaceted cultural attributes of Tamil Nadu's inhabitants, encompassing religious diversity, tribal cultures, culinary traditions, dress codes, festivals, performing arts, folk medicine, handicrafts, linguistic heritage, and symbolic representations. Drawing upon recent census data and contemporary research, this study demonstrates how Tamil Nadu has maintained its distinctive cultural identity while embracing religious pluralism and modernization. The paper analyzes how Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism, and Buddhism coexist within the state, examines the traditional lifestyles of tribal communities, explores the rich tapestry of folk arts and crafts, and investigates the symbolic meanings embedded in Tamil culture. With over 72 million inhabitants, Tamil Nadu continues to preserve its ancient heritage while adapting to contemporary challenges, making it a unique case study in cultural continuity and transformation.
Indigenous Cultural Elements in the Practice of Christianity in Tamil Nadu
This research article examines the incorporation of indigenous cultural elements into the practice of Christianity in Tamil Nadu and analyses the ways in which local traditions have shaped religious expression over time. Drawing on historical, sociological, and ethnographic perspectives, the research identifies key areas of cultural adaptation, including ritual forms, festivals, music, architecture, language, and patterns of community organisation. The findings indicate that Christianity in Tamil Nadu has not functioned as a culturally isolated faith but has developed through sustained interaction with Tamil social structures, aesthetic traditions, and symbolic systems. Practices such as the use of Tamil devotional poetry, folk musical instruments in worship, locally adapted church architecture, and caste- and village-based community frameworks demonstrate a process of indigenisation that reflects both continuity with pre-Christian cultural forms and transformation through Christian theology.
A Historical Overview of the Origin of Tamil Muslims and their Settlements in TamilNadu
This study is bring to analyse the history of the Tamil Muslims and their contact with Tamilagam which is very interesting and important. There are about 10 to 11 million Tamil Muslims in India mostly in Tamil Nadu state and also in neighboring Kerala. Tamil Muslims are largely urban traders rather than farmers. The Muslims who settled on the coastal towns of Coromandel speak Tamil and Tamil language is their mother tongue. The progenitors of the early Muslims were the Arab Muslim merchants and navigators who settled in the port towns of Coromandel region right from the Eighth Century A.D. from there they continued their mercantile activities, for which the local rulers willingly extended all facilities The Coromandel Coast was studded with ports like Porto Novo, Nagapattanam, Nagore, Karaikkal, Adirampattanam, Mandapam, Vedalai, Killakkarai and Kayalpattanam and they served as passage or crossing points to Ceylon, Malacca and other Southeast Asian lands. The Arab Musilm settlers on the Coromandel region married the native women. The Muslims by their maritime activities have contributed a honourable share for the economic development of the Coromandel region . The Tami Muslims share many customs and practices in common with their co – religionists, the Hindus. At the same time they identify themselves with their own customs and manners Endogamous marriage , Matrilocal residence , house gift to bride are some of the unique customs among the Marakkayars. As a great fortune seekers , the material minded Muslims strictly perform their duties as expected of a devout Muslim, charity, hospitality and philanthropy are in their blood. During the sangam age the eastern coast of Tamil country possessed a number of sea ports like Musiri, Tondi and Korkai through which the Arab merchants established good business. The Muslims living in Tamil Nadu are classified into many categories on the basis of their origin, language and the like. Majorities of the Muslims of Tamil Nadu are Tamil speaking and Urdu is the mother tongue of a section of the Muslims. The different segments in the Tamil Muslim society such as Rawthar, Labbai, Marakkayar and Deccanis are very important. Arabu-Tamil was used by Arabs who came and settled in Tamil Nadu. The settled Arabs in Tamil Nadu learnt Tamil through Arabic Script and wrote Tamil in Arabic script. It is believed that the origin of Arabu-Tamil is as old as contact of Arabs with Tamil Nadu. Muslims in Tamilnadu contributed their best to the local culture.
Visual Communication in South India Animated Sculpture
This project explores the concept of “animated sculpture” as a dynamic form of visual communication rooted in the artistic traditions of South India. Temple sculptures, ritual objects, festival icons, and per formative installations in this region have long embodied movement, narrative, and symbolic expression, transcending their apparent material stillness. By examining how sculptural forms convey motion, emotion, and story, this research positions South Indian animated sculpture as an early and sophisticated medium of visual storytelling comparable to contemporary animation and multimedia art. The study combines art historical analysis, field documentation, and practice-based experimentation. It investigates sculptural panels, stone reliefs from key cultural sites, focusing on gesture, posture, rhythm, and sequential narration embedded within static forms. These elements are interpreted as visual devices that guide viewers’ Perception of time, action, and transformation. The project further extends this understanding into contemporary visual communication by developing experimental animated interpretations inspired by traditional sculptural Through this dialogue between heritage and digital practice, the research highlights how indigenous knowledge systems inform modern design, animation, and visual media. It demonstrates that South Indian sculptural traditions are not only devotional or decorative but also communicative systems that encode movement, performance, and collective memory. By reconstruction these forms within present-day visual culture, the project contributes to the preservation, reinterpretation, and pedagogical use of traditional art. Ultimately, it proposes “animated sculpture” as a bridge between past and future visual languages, reaffirming the relevance of South Indian artistic hernia in contemporary creative discourse.
Cultural Landscape of Tamilnadu: A Pan-Period Historical Perspective
Tamil Nadu, with its rich heritage and continuous civilization, presents a unique cultural landscape shaped by centuries of social, religious, and political developments. The region’s culture reflects the integration of ancient traditions, religious practices, linguistic identity, and artistic expressions. Temples, festivals, inscriptions, literature, performing arts, and folk traditions together reveal the historical evolution of Tamil society. By examining these cultural markers, it becomes possible to trace patterns of social organization, economic life, and regional interactions across time. The historical perspective emphasizes how dynasties such as the Cholas, Pandyas, and Cheras influenced architecture, temple rituals, and administrative practices, which in turn shaped local customs and artistic forms. Archaeological sites, inscriptions, and material artifacts complement literary sources, providing tangible evidence of Tamil Nadu’s cultural continuity and adaptation. Additionally, the study highlights the role of language, education, and trade in sustaining cultural identity over centuries. This research underscores the importance of understanding culture as a dynamic and evolving process, reflecting both the past and the enduring legacy of Tamil traditions. By exploring Tamil Nadu’s cultural landscape, scholars gain insight into the interplay between history, society, and cultural expression, which continues to define the region’s identity today.
Therukoothu: Living Folk Theatre and the Spatial Culture of Tamil Villages
Therukoothu, the traditional street theatre of Tamil Nadu, is a major folk performance deeply rooted in village tradition, social organization, and collective cultural memory. Unlike classical theatre traditions that depend on enclosed stages and passive spectatorship, Therukoothu is performed in open public spaces such as village streets, temple courtyards and festival grounds, where performers and audiences share a common cultural and social space. This paper examines stage, space and audience interaction in Therukoothu as cultural traits rather than merely technical or performative elements. It argues that the absence of a fixed stage, the ritual use of everyday village spaces, and the active participation of the audience express key Tamil folk values such as social equality and communal living. The paper further interprets Therukoothu as a form of spatial democracy, where no rigid boundary exists between performer and spectator. The 360-degree performance arena brings together the sacred, mythological and social worlds. By analysing performances conducted in village streets, temple grounds and shared public spaces, this study demonstrates that the “street” in Therukoothu is not merely a venue but a ritual and cultural landscape. Through oral tradition, shared space and participatory performance, Therukoothu continues to sustain living cultural traditions of Tamil folk society.
The Veneration of Durga Deity of Heritage Monuments in Villupuram District
This study has focused to exhibit the veneration of Durga deity of Heritage monuments in Villupuram district. There are a greater number of Heritage monument existed in Villupuram district, which covered around thirty-two1 as per Archaeological Survey of India. In the premises, both Shiva and Vaishnava temples list above the criteria, possessed the deities belongs to ancient period. On the consequences, the Durga deity also occurred in the premises comprised from Pallava and Chola period. The King Rajaraja, Rajasimha, Kutottunga are constructed the temple attributed the Durga deity which venerated by the people in the same. Most of the deities placed towards the northern side of the temple, believed that the abolition of evils and blessings to the people. Durga deity has renowned numerous names as Kottravai,2 Gowmari, Brahmi, Maheswari, Vaishnavi and Samundi. Durga deities has vehicles Peacock, indeed this deity equally preferred from other male deities like Brahma, Vishnu, Eswararn, Indira and Narasimhan.
An Ethnographic Study of Kattunayakan Tribal Life and Cultural Practices
A closer look at the Kattunayakan people reveals daily rhythms shaped by forest and village alike. This community, part of South India’s diverse tribal landscape, lives closely tied to land and tradition. Through observations and conversations, their ways of gathering food, organizing families, and honoring nature come into view. Beliefs about spirits, seasons, and healing are woven into routines - not set apart but lived. Forests provide more than resources; they host ceremonies, medicines, and quiet reverence. Subsistence methods shift with weather yet remain rooted in long-standing knowledge. Rituals often center on plants, trees, and cyclical change. Life here does not separate culture from ecology - it blends them without pause. Still, the group struggles against heavy losses from deforestation, limited forest access, rapid change, along with being economically left behind - each pressing danger puts their traditional way of life at risk. Insights show how gender expectations shape life, how elders pass down knowledge across generations, yet outside efforts often alter who these tribes are and how much independence they keep. By bringing forward what Kattunayakan individuals actually say about their daily realities, the work helps guard native traditions while suggesting better ways to design progress that respects local values. Looking closely at tribes reveals more than surface facts - it shows how people live when shaped by history and constraint. Research like this works better when voices guide direction instead of outsiders guessing right. Preserving identity becomes easier when respect drives policy choices day after day.
The Economic Impact of Minor Forest Produce Scheme of Tribals in Kariyalur Village on Kalvarayan Hills
This study examines the economic impact of the Minor Forest Produce (MFP) Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs among the tribal community of Kariyalur village in the Kalvarayan Hills. The scheme ensures Minimum Support Price (MSP) for forest products to prevent exploitation by middlemen and improve tribal livelihoods. In Kariyalur, Malayali tribes collect products such as honey, soap nut, amla, tamarind, and broom grass for income. The study finds that the scheme has improved economic conditions and market access, though seasonal availability and migration for alternative work remain challenges. Overall, the MFP scheme has contributed positively to the socio-economic development of the tribal community.
Teni Hill Cattle: An Ethno-Cultural and Ecological Investigation in the Western Ghats
Theni hill cattle are an important indigenous cattle breed reared in the Western Ghats region. They are predominantly found in areas such as Bodinayakanur, Uthamapalayam, Cumbum, Gudalur, Chinnamanur, and Meghamalai. These cattle play a significant role in the socio-economic and cultural life of the region. To distinguish cattle belonging to different herds, identifying marks are made on their faces. Theni hill cattle are traditionally reared under a free-grazing herd system. This study examines the indigenous knowledge systems of herders involved in Theni hill cattle rearing, with particular focus on mountain camping practices, traditional veterinary methods, herd management techniques, ecological adaptations, and the informal trust-based economic arrangements that sustain this pastoral system.
Innovative NGO Strategies for Poverty Alleviation in CommunityDevelopment
Poverty has been a significant problem to socio-economic development especially in the developing countries whereby major portions of the population have lacked access to basic resources and opportunities. By putting efforts on empowerment, participation and sustainability, Community development has come out as an efficient way of countering poverty. Here, the Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs) has a significant role in the change process of the society because of their presence at the grassroots level, flexibility, and people focus. In this paper, the researcher will analyze the innovative approaches that have been embraced by the NGOs with regard to finding a solution to poverty using community development approaches. The study analyzes and describes different areas of interventions including livelihood production, skill-building, microfinance, education, healthcare, women empowerment, and application of digital technologies in an analytical and descriptive manner. The long term impact is also emphasised in the paper by the importance of community participation and sustainable development practices in ensuring that the impact is long term. In addition, it explains the difficulties of NGOs and the necessity condition of cooperation between government bodies and civil societies. The paper has reached a conclusion that emerging and participatory strategies in NGO will be required to realize sustainable poverty reduction and comprehensive community growth.
Hindu Festivals in the North Arcot District Under Vijayanagar Rule: A Historical Study
The Vijayanagar Empire made a lasting contribution to the religious and cultural history of South India through its extensive patronage of Hindu temples and festivals. In the North Arcot district, temples became important centers of religious worship and social life during the Vijayanagar period. Hindu festivals conducted in these temples were not merely religious observances but also played a vital role in promoting social cohesion, economic activity, and cultural continuity. This paper studies Hindu festivals in the North Arcot district under Vijayanagar rule, focusing on their organization, ritual practices, and social significance. Both Saivite and Vaishnavite festivals were actively celebrated, reflecting the religious tolerance of the empire. Epigraphical records and literary sources provide evidence of royal grants, temple management, and community participation in festival celebrations. The study highlights how festivals strengthened the relationship between the state, temple institutions, and local society. It also emphasizes that Hindu festivals functioned as dynamic cultural expressions that preserved tradition while adapting to changing historical conditions. Through this analysis, the paper demonstrates the enduring influence of Vijayanagar-era festivals on the cultural identity of Tamil Nadu.
Preserving Traditional Healing Practices of the Kurumba and Irula in Tamil Nadu- A Study
The Kurumba and Irula tribes of Tamil Nadu have preserved traditional healing practices passed down through generations, using herbs, plants, and forest resources to treat various ailments. This article explores their ethno medicinal knowledge, highlighting the significance of indigenous medicine in modern healthcare. The Kurumba people, inhabiting the Nilgiri hills, possess extensive knowledge of local flora, using plants like _Sida cordifolia_ and _Gymnema sylvestre_ to treat diseases. The Irula, found in the eastern plains, employ unique techniques for snakebite treatment and use herbs like _Aristolochia indica_ for various remedies.Their traditional practices offer insights into sustainable healthcare and biodiversity conservation. However, these practices face challenges like deforestation, urbanization, and cultural erosion. Documenting and preserving these traditions is crucial for cultural heritage and modern medicine.
Continuity and change in Tamil Nadu Culture: Social Traits from Sangam Age to the 21st Century
With a continuous heritage spanning more than two millennia, Tamil Nadu is one of the world's longest surviving cultural areas. Traditions of social change, creative expression, religious movements, and classical literature are all fundamental to Tamil society's cultural life. This essay explores Tamil Nadu's main cultural characteristics and charts their development from the Sangam era to the present. Language awareness, social ethics, religious plurality, creative legacy, communal life, and reformist philosophy are all emphasised. The research uses a historical and sociological method to show how Tamil culture has consistently adjusted to social, political, and economic changes while maintaining its fundamental principles. The study makes the case that Tamil Nadu culture's dynamic equilibrium between continuity and change is what makes it so strong.
Technology-Enabled Tribal Welfare in India: A Systematic Review of Policies, Practices, and Development Outcomes
The tribal communities in India aspect ongoing socio-economic relegation which manifests through their inability to access adequate education and healthcare services and economic opportunities and public infrastructure. Governments can use the solution which emerged from recent technological advances and digital inclusion projects to enhance welfare services while bridging development gaps. The review examines evidence from government programs and academic research and actual projects to assess the use of technology for tribal welfare purposes. The research on digital empowerment shows that ICT usage in educational settings will provide tribal students with learning resources while causing difficulties in building infrastructure and developing capacity (Ghodam & Madhusudan, 2025). Mobile-based community media platforms enable tribal communities to share their viewpoints while teaching them about their rights and entitlements according to (Moitra, Kumar & Seth, 2021). Research results demonstrate that tribal women and rural communities experience digital divides because they possess insufficient internet access and digital skills which stop them from participating in the digital economy (Arya & Pradeep Kumar, 2025; Natuvilakkandy & Kumar, 2018).The development of technological platforms which enable tribal language support and cultural preservation efforts demonstrates how digital technology can better serve diverse linguistic needs and cultural demands according to Singh and Kumar 2025 and Adi Vaani 2025. The digital entrepreneurship initiatives create online portals which enable tribal artisans to access wider markets while providing training programs that help them generate income and protect their cultural heritage according to Manoj and Aithal 2025 and Aadirang 2025. The existing positive developments face obstacles because organizations need to provide equal access while developing designs that respect cultural differences and achieve lasting impact. The reviewdemonstrates that integrated policy frameworks which combine digital infrastructure with Indigenous knowledge-based design and specialized capacity development create pathways to effective welfare improvements. Together, these two actors make technology the most fundamental asset reaching the tribes and capable of fulfilling their wishes for welfare and empowerment.
Indigenous Family Practices and Social Cohesion: A District-Level Pilot Study in South Tamil Nadu
South Indian families sustain kinship relationships and cultural traditions. They maintain community unity during periods of urban development and population movement and economic transformation. The pilot study recognized family practices which serve as social integration tools and collective resilience mechanisms. The study used a mixed-methods research design included structured surveys and in-depth interviews and focus group discussions and participant observation across selected districts of South Tamil Nadu. In order to examine various family structures in rural and urban areas as well as different caste and occupational groups, the researchers chose 100 respondents from joint extended and nuclear families. The study focus five best practices in each districts. First, shared caregiving, financial support, and crisis management made it possible for extended kinship networks to facilitate reciprocal support. Second, seasonal and life-cycle rituals, like temple festivals, puberty ceremonies, and marriages, strengthened family ties and reaffirmed common values. Third, collective labour and mutual aid practices fostered cooperation among relatives and neighbours. Fourth, women and elders acted as custodians of cultural memory by transmitting ritual knowledge and moral values and caregiving traditions to future generations. Fifth, families demonstrated adaptive continuity by modifying traditional practices to suit contemporary realities while retaining their cultural significance. The research shows that South Tamil Nadu families operate as both household units and social stabilizers who protect their cultural traditions. The pilot study results establish an empirical basis for future research while they add to the current research about indigenous family systems and social cohesion and community development in India.
Cultural Heritage and Traditional Practices of Kanchipuram: An Analytical Study
Kanchipuram occupies a distinguished position in the cultural landscape of South India due to its continuous association with religion, art, architecture, and traditional craftsmanship. The city is widely recognized for its ancient temples, ritual practices, festivals, and the globally renowned silk handloom tradition. This study analyzes the cultural heritage and traditional practices of Kanchipuram by examining both tangible and intangible cultural elements. Using secondary sources and an analytical approach, the paper explores how religious institutions, occupational traditions, and community participation have contributed to cultural continuity. The study finds that, despite the pressures of modernization and socio-economic change, Kanchipuram has retained its cultural identity through adaptive preservation of traditions. The paper emphasizes the need for heritage conservation strategies and policy support to sustain these practices for future generations.
Traditional Weaving Culture of Tirunelveli with Special Reference to Pathamadai Paai
The Culture of traditional weaving in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu is a vital aspect to the indigenous handicraft traditions of South India. Within the various weaving traditions of this area the Pathamadai Paai (also known as the Pattamadai mat) is unique in the fineness, durability, and cultural significance of the woven products. Pathamadai Paai is produced mainly from korai grass, harvested from the banks of the River Tamirabarani. This tradition reflects a perfect balance between the community's use of natural resources as well as their way of life. Weaving Pathamadai Paai is not only a source of income, but also an expression of the culture, customs, and beliefs of the artisans in Pathamadai. This article presents the history of weaving in Tirunelveli.
Kitchen Medicine as a Cultural Inheritance in Tamil Nadu
Kitchen medicine refers to the use of everyday culinary ingredients for preventive and curative health practices within households. In Tamil Nadu, kitchen medicine is deeply embedded in cultural traditions, indigenous knowledge systems, and intergenerational transmission, particularly through women. Rooted in Siddha medicine, Ayurveda, and folk healing practices, kitchen medicine represents a holistic approach to health that integrates food, environment, spirituality, and community life. This article explores the conceptual foundations, historical roots, and practical applications of kitchen medicine in Tamil Nadu. It examines commonly used ingredients and their medicinal values, the role of women as custodians of this knowledge, and the ritualistic and ethical dimensions of healing practices. The study also compares kitchen medicine with modern healthcare systems and highlights contemporary challenges to its preservation in the face of urbanization, lifestyle changes, and biomedical dominance. The article argues that kitchen medicine remains a vital cultural inheritance that deserves recognition, documentation, and integration into contemporary health discourse.
Between Folk Religion and Material Culture: An Archaeological Study of Arikandam Stones in Chennai
Arikandam, a form of extreme ritual self-sacrifice associated in tradition with acts of devotion, protection, or vow-fulfilment, survives in the archaeological record through sculpted memorial stones that encode ritual action, sacred intent, and community memory. While such practices are primarily preserved in oral narratives and local belief systems, the study foregrounds the stones as durable material culture that bridges intangible ritual traditions and tangible heritage. Field documentation focuses on iconographic features, sculptural conventions, inscriptions (where present), stone typology, weathering patterns, and spatial placement within the sacred landscape in Chennai. These elements are analysed to understand how ritual acts were translated into visual symbols raised weapons, severed heads, offering postures, and divine motifs forming a standardized yet locally inflected memorial vocabulary. Spatial analysis further considers the relationship of these stones to temple complexes. The study situates Arikandam stones within broader South Indian hero-stone traditions while emphasizing their distinct ritual connotations. It argues that these monuments functioned not only as memorials but also as active ritual nodes that sustained collective memory and sacred presence. In the context of urban expansion and temple institutionalization, many such stones have been relocated, absorbed into formal religious settings, or rendered anonymous. Archaeological analysis thus becomes crucial for reconstructing layered histories of devotion, sacrifice, and localized sacred landscapes embedded in stone.
Sufism's Spiritual Imprint on Indian Culture
This study examines the historical development and administrative structure of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) in Ranipet. Established as part of India’s post-independence industrialization policy, the Ranipet unit played a significant role in strengthening the country’s heavy electrical equipment manufacturing sector. The research traces the origin and growth of BHEL in Ranipet, highlighting its contribution to regional industrial development, employment generation, and technological advancement. The study also analyzes the administrative set-up of the organization, including its hierarchical structure, functional divisions, decision-making processes, and managerial practices. By examining primary and secondary sources, the research evaluates how administrative efficiency contributed to productivity and organizational growth. The study concludes that the historical evolution and structured administration of BHEL Ranipet significantly influenced both industrial progress and socio-economic development in the region.
The Grain That Binds: Rice as the Heart of the Indian Palate
Food is often a limitless symbol of a culture's world-view. All cultures have their own selective ways of defining "food," "meals and meal patterns," and identifying foods that are acceptable and prohibited for human consumption. Tastes, the ability to satisfy nutritional needs, the selective use of particular foods, and food combinations for festivities, celebrations, and rituals are different ways in which cultures symbolize foods. Climate, geography, religion, and tradition have shaped the many cuisines of India. There is a huge variety of foods to eat, from the simple to the extravagantly rich. Even the staple southern Indian meal of rice and dhal (pulse-peas, beans, and lentils) varies subtly from town to town; indeed, so many kinds of pulse are grown in India that the financial papers give the pulses stock exchange prices a special section of their own. For millions of vegetarians in India, especially those who live in the South and East, rice is the heart of every meal. When they dine, a mound of boiled rice appears at the centre of the thali, and they take a dab of it with almost every mouthful. They also eat rice steamed or fried, cook it with lentils and other vegetables, and combine it with sugar, almonds, pistachio nuts, dried and fresh fruits to produce delicate desserts.
Contemporary Challenges to the Survival of Folk Culture In Tamil Nadu
Folk culture constitutes the living heritage of Tamil Nadu, deeply rooted in the everyday lives, beliefs, rituals, and artistic expressions of its people. Folk songs, dances, rituals, oral narratives, traditional medicine, crafts, and village customs have historically functioned as carriers of collective memory and cultural identity. However, in contemporary Tamil Nadu, folk culture faces serious challenges due to rapid urbanization, industrialization, globalization, digital media influence, and socio-economic transformations. This study examines the major challenges affecting the survival of folk culture in Tamil Nadu and analyzes how traditional practices are being marginalized, transformed, or commercialized in modern contexts. Using qualitative and interpretative methods, the research highlights the declining transmission of folk knowledge, changing lifestyles, loss of patronage, and weakening of community-based cultural systems. The study argues that despite these challenges, folk culture continues to adapt and survive through cultural resilience, institutional support, and conscious preservation efforts. The paper emphasizes the urgent need for documentation, policy intervention, and community participation to sustain Tamil Nadu’s folk cultural heritage.
The Traditional Life Style and Cultural Practices of Tribal People in Tamil Nadu: An Assessment
India is a diverse tapes try of numerous tribal communities. At present, indigenous tribal groups continue to inhabit the remote and forested regions of the country. With its ancient civilization, India sustains a significant population of indigenous peoples who stand as living representatives of the nation’s historical and cultural heritage. Spread across different regions, these tribal communities often live far from urban centers and continue to follow their traditional ways of life. Their livelihoods are primarily based on agriculture, hunting, and the collection of forest resources. Tribal populations maintain a close and traditional association with their territories, commonly referred to as tribal domains, where communities exercise collective rights over natural resources. Tribal human rights offer important insights into the causes, nature, and consequences of human rights violations faced by these communities. The tribal economy is largely subsistence-based or primitive in nature, with many tribes depending on cultivation, food gathering, and fruit collection for survival. Despite their rich cultural heritage, tribal communities remain among the most socially and economically marginalised groups in India.
Historical and Administrative Analysis of Bharath Heavy Electricals Limited (Bhel) at Ranipet – A Study
Copyright (c) 2025 Sakha: Multidisciplinary Journal of Science, Art & Technology https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Life Cycle Ceremonies of Malayali Tribes in Jawadhi Hills – An Ethnographic Study
The Malayali tribes of the Jawadhi Hills possess a rich cultural heritage reflected in their life cycle ceremonies from birth to death. This ethnographic study examines the traditional practices, beliefs, and rituals associated with different stages of life among the Malayali tribal community. The research is based on field observations, interviews with elders, and participation in community events. The study explores birth rituals such as naming ceremonies and protective customs for infants, puberty rites that signify social maturity, marriage ceremonies reflecting kinship patterns and community participation, and death rituals that reveal beliefs about ancestry and the afterlife. These ceremonies not only mark biological transitions but also reinforce social organization, cultural identity, and intergenerational continuity. The findings highlight the role of elders, customary laws, and indigenous knowledge in preserving these traditions despite external influences and modernization. The study contributes to understanding the cultural dynamics of tribal communities and emphasizes the importance of documenting and preserving indigenous practices for future generations.
A Comparative Study on Risk and Return Analysis of Sectoral Indices in the National Stock Exchange of India
For an investor, in deciding on the investment, risk and return plays an important role. The risk and return are interrelated. Usually, if the return is small, the bet will also be low, and the higher risk will be associated with a higher return. Investments in stock markets are risky, as was observed in the performance of several assets. Therefore, it is up to investors what level of risk could be a beard to getting the desired return. Thus, risk and return analysis should be performed before making investments for more thoughtful decisions. In the present study, an attempt is made to analyze and compare the risk and return relationship in the context of the National Stock Exchange using the data of selected Sectoral Indices listed in the S&P NSE 500 Index. The results revealed that the Indices with higher returns had low risk. In comparison, the Indices with lower returns had a higher risk, showing a weak negative linear relationship between the two variables. It was also obtained that there is no significant difference between the Market returns and the monthly returns of the Indices.
Folk dances are the gateways that reveal the Tamil tradition, the way of life of the people and the cultural roots of the land. The main occupation of these people is hunting. Through this game, we can see how the human body works while hunting. Devarattam is performed as a ritual event, not as a recreational game or a professional game to please people. When we say Devarattam, we tend to associate it with the caste of gods. Devarattam has no connection with the Devarina people. Most of the rituals that take place in the life of the carpet weavers are performed outside the village. This place is called Mandhai or Kottaimedu. The ritual of building a hut in the flower ceremony held in the Kambalathu Nayak community and the ritual on the 16th day of bringing the flower-covered woman home from the herd are notable. Musically arranged sounds and body movements like Parinamitra are given the names of dance and atam. The original poetry composed by man under the inspiration of his poetic sense is presented as dance. Devarattam is a social activity of the Sumpanathars, which has a unifying effect that unites all the members of the community. It also has a collective effect that unites the individual with the community and has a wide platform where even a hundred people can dance together at the same time. Devarattam is characterized by its freedom, simple control, and attracts and captivates everyone.
Christian Missions and Social Welfare: Institutional Interventions and Societal Impact
The Christian missions have been instrumental in formation of social welfare systems in various societies, particularly in the marginalized or vulnerable communities. Based on the theological concept of compassion, service and justice, these institutions historically had their mandate to go beyond evangelisation to education, health care, alleviation of poverty and community development. This paper is a critical examination of the institutional intervention of Christian missions in the area of social welfare and its overall influence on the society. Using qualitative and analytical approach, the paper follows the historical development of Christian social-service programs, the theological basis of these programs and splits the organisational structures of how these missions are run. Specific attention is paid to education, healthcare, social justice, and calamity relief as the key areas of intervention that help achieve human development and social inclusion. Other significant challenges and criticisms that the Christian mission organisations have faced are discussed in the paper, such as cultural sensitivity, practices of proselytization, and the challenge of sustainability. The study highlights the relevance of the Christian social welfare initiatives in the present-day development discourse by placing them in their context. The results show that Christian missions with ethical integrity and cooperation strategies are still important drivers of social change and community welfare.