SOUTH INDIA JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
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Religious Life of Nagas: A Case Study of Rajatarangini
Get PDFThe Rajatarangiṇi of Kalhaṇa stands as a remarkable historical text that intricately weaves together political narrative, mythic memory, and sacred geography in the cultural landscape of early Kashmir. Among its most enduring religious motifs is the presence of the Nagas—revered not merely as serpent deities, but as powerful spiritual entities embedded in the land’s ecology, cosmology, and ritual life. This study examines the religious significance of Nagas as portrayed by Kalhaṇa, drawing upon selected verses that reveal their relationship with kings, sages, natural spaces, and the spiritual well-being of the realm. The Nagas emerge as more than mythical figures—they are living forces who respond to human conduct, demand ritual reverence, and act as custodians of sacred order. Their interactions through dreams, elemental forces, and divine manifestations reflect a worldview in which nature, divinity, and society are inseparably linked. By analyzing Kalhaṇa’s nuanced representation, this paper highlights how Naga devotion served as a vital expression of religious continuity, moral order, and the spiritual ecology of Kashmir
Assimilation and Appropriation of Local Deity Peddamma into Sanskritic Hindu Religion in South India
Get PDFIn South India, each village has shrines of local deities known as the mother goddess, considered the supervisor of that village. Belief in these deities fosters a sense of unity and cohesion among the people. South India has a long history of cultural interactions and migrations, resulting in the blending of various religious traditions. Over time, many of these deities have been assimilated into mainstream Hinduism. Local rulers and patronage played a significant role in promoting the assimilation process. In the process of assimilation and appropriation, the local religious traditions change and merge into the major organized religion. Under the new ideological orientation of Brahmins, Brahmins and other upper castes who previously did not worship the local goddess began to worship her. The local deity tradition is never prone to losing its association with the Hindu people, but it is rejuvenated and renewed with the influence of Brahmanical religious rituals
Impact of ESG Practices on Banks’ Performance in India
Get PDFThe study examines the impact of environmental, social, and governance practices on the performance of banking institutions listed on the NSE. The ESG score was collected for 2021 and 2022 from CRISIL, and Financial Data was collected from Prowess IQ. ROA, ROE, and Tobin's Q were used as proxies for the firm's operational, financial, and market performance. Tobin's Q, ROA, and ROE correlate highly with ESG, environment, social, and governance scores. Using fixed-effect panel regression, it has been observed that the aggregate ESG scores have been found to have a statistically significant positive impact on ROA but a statistically insignificant negative impact on ROE and Tobin's Q. However, if measured individually, the governance score and Capital Adequacy Ratio positively affect ROA, demonstrating that strengthening the governance and capital adequacy can improve a bank's operational performance. The study concludes that India's banking sector is far from adopting sustainable strategies to boost financial and market performance. The findings and implications are important to investors, banking executives, and policymakers
Determinants and Barriers of Crop Diversification: A Case Study of Water User Associations Group in Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal
Get PDFThis study examines the determinants, and barriers to crop diversification among marginal farmers in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, associated with Water User Associations (WUA). Conducted in 2024 in Kranti block, the research assesses how irrigation expansion influences diversification, a key strategy for food security and climate resilience. A multinomial logistic regression using household level data (N= 120) was estimated to identify drivers of crop diversification. The result of the study revealed that livestock-rearing households diversify less, and instead rely on livestock for income. The barriers to household crop diversification include limited credit access and inefficient public irrigation systems. The findings emphasize the urgency of improving irrigation systems, introducing targeted credit schemes, and adopting subsidy policies that incentivize diversification. Such measures could significantly enhance climate resilience and livelihoods for marginal farmers. This study provides policy insights to promote sustainable crop diversification in vulnerable regions
Representation of Minority Women in Contemporary Indian Bengali Cinema
Get PDFThis study argues that Indian Bengali cinema prominently reinforces patriarchal and stereotypical images of minority women -- especially Muslim, Dalit, Christian, etc. -- by marginalising or symbolically erasing them within stories. It uncovers a consistent trend, shared with Bollywood and other global industries, where minority women are mainly cast in underrepresented or stereotypical supporting roles. Unlike other regional cinemas, which have attracted attention, portrayals of minority women in Indian Bengali cinema have largely been disregarded. To address this gap, this research systematically investigates such representations using feminist theory, focusing on narrative analysis, to reveal how gender biases and socio-cultural factors shape these films. Through an in-depth analysis of selected films from 2015 to 2020, the study foregrounds the ongoing symbolic erasure of minority women by critically examining how gendered depictions persist. Taking two films as case studies -- Srijit Mukherjee’s Rajkahini (2015) and Birsa Dasgupta’s Crisscross (2018) – the article scrutinises the narrative roles assigned to minority women and their interactions with prevailing cultural ideologies.
Scholarly Publications in The Field of Disaster Risk Reduction- A Critical Evaluation
Get PDFThe objective of this study was to assess the scholarly literature on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and determine how it has changed from 2014 to 2023. Clarivate's Web of Science database, which contains reputable and significant scientific research, was used to obtain published research articles on DRR. Numerous factors were considered, such as publications by journals, organizations, and nations, citation scores, and the increase in publications. We chose "Disaster Risk Reduction" as the key phrase for papers published during this period using state-of-the-art bibliometric techniques. The results reveal that from 2014 to 2023, 10,168 documents on DRR were published, involving 26,568 authors and 1,744 journals. Shaw R stands out significantly with the highest number of records (143) and the highest Total Global Citation Score (TGCS) (1515), indicating a robust research output and influence in the field. The International Journal of DRR is the dominant publication, with 3894 records, accounting for 38.3% of total contributions. Cutter SL (2003) leads with 429 records (4.2%), indicating a significant impact on the field. his foundational work has likely shaped subsequent research in disaster risk. Following closely is Cutter SL (2008), with 362 records (3.6%), further emphasizing the author’s influential role in disaster studies. Our findings reveal emerging trends and highlight gaps in the current literature, offering insights for future research. By providing a thorough picture of the academic environment in this important area, this report seeks to support ongoing efforts to comprehend and reduce disaster risks
Exploring The Digital Advantage: How SMES In Tirupur Leverage Online Strategies
Get PDFThis research investigates the impact of digital presence on sales growth, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction among SMEs in Tirupur, with a focus on differences between small and medium enterprises. Using a quantitative approach, the study analyzed responses from 158 SMEs through an Independent Sample T-test to evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs). Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire comprising Likert-scale items and categorical questions. The findings underscore the significance of digital marketing strategies in driving revenue growth, highlighting that businesses with an online presence can reach broader audiences and achieve superior sales performance. Notably, medium-sized enterprises benefited the most from digital engagement in terms of customer satisfaction, reflecting their capacity to leverage digital tools more effectively than smaller counterparts. However, the analysis found no statistically significant differences between small and medium enterprises in reducing operational inefficiencies, suggesting that challenges in optimizing processes persist irrespective of the scale of digital engagement. This implies that both small and medium firms face similar obstacles in streamlining their operations despite adopting digital practices. The research offers valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to promote digital adoption among SMEs, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies that address operational inefficiencies while maximizing the benefits of digital tools. By focusing on Tirupur—a region known for its entrepreneurial vibrancy—the study provides a localized perspective on digital transformation within SMEs, contributing to the broader understanding of how digitalization influences business performance across varying enterprise scales. Its originality lies in the comparative analysis of small and medium enterprises within a specific geographic context, shedding light on nuanced impacts and shared challenges in the journey toward digital integration
From Subjects to Citizens? Examining Governance Trajectories in Postcolonial India with MPLADS
Get PDFThe paper examines how the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) in India demonstrates the incomplete transformation from subjects to citizens in postcolonial India. It argues that while democratic structures were adopted after independence, feudal social relations persisted, creating a distinctive state-citizen relationship where citizens are treated more as subjects. The paper traces the historical roots of this "subject-citizen" dynamic to colonial administration practices and their interaction with pre-colonial institutions. It then analyzes MPLADS implementation, focusing on changing guidelines, spending patterns, and evaluations over the years. Key issues highlighted include unspent funds, misalignment with local needs, and reinforcement of patron-client relationships. The analysis reveals that MPLADS, while intended for local development, often reinforces existing power structures rather than empowering citizens or strengthening local self-governance. Spending patterns, particularly the focus on visible infrastructure like roads, reflect a top-down approach to development that treats people as passive recipients rather than active participants. The paper concludes that MPLADS serves as a microcosm of larger challenges in India's journey from a colonial subject-based system to participatory democracy. It calls for fundamental reforms in how development schemes are conceived, implemented and evaluated to achieve meaningful citizen empowerment and democratic governance.
Challenges and Opportunities of Agri Based Rural Entrepreneurs in Sivaganga District
Get PDFThe present study aims to assess the challenges and opportunities of agri based rural entrepreneurs. Few studies provide granular data on demographic variables and their correlation with specific challenges such as finance access, market linkages, and climate risks. Moreover, integrated framework that combine socio-economic technological, and environmental dimensions are lacking. The objectives of the study included To identify the various challenges faced by Agri based rural entrepreneurs. To explore the opportunities available for Agri based rural entrepreneurs. This sample size consists of 120 respondents selected from the Rural area. This selection of sample respondents is based on Purposive Sampling method. Both primary and secondary data sources were utilized. The study employed statistical tools such as percentage analysis, chi-square tests. Weighted average ranking. The study concludes that while government schemes and institutional support have positively contributed to entrepreneurial development in Tamil Nadu, there is a need for more inclusive outreach, streamlined processes, and tailored support services. Strengthening public-private partnerships and enhancing digital dissemination of information can further bridge the existing gaps and foster a more robust entrepreneurial ecosystem
Boosting Freshman Engagement with Ice Breaking Sessions: An Empirical Investigation
Get PDFEngagement during the first year is critical because it establishes the tone for student’s academic achievement and personal growth throughout their college years. This study tackles that gap by looking at whether introductory sessions (such as ice-breaking activities) promote freshman ( first year undergraduate) participation across a variety of factors, including social integration, academic engagement, interaction, and personal development. The objective of this study is to provide insights into the role of such sessions in increasing student engagement, academic motivation, social integration, and personal development by comparing the outcomes of students who attended the icebreaking session to those who did not. The study comprised 61 first year under graduate students from a senior college in Navi Mumbai, India. Participants were divided into two groups: those who attended the icebreaking session and those who did not attend. The experimental investigation was undertaken to better understand the practical outcome. Hypothesis testing was carried out using SPSS, and a conceptual model was developed based on the literature review. The ice-breaking session has a significant influence on student involvement, interaction and personal growth. Academic Engagement and Social Integration show no substantial variance dependent on attendance