Admin

Politics of Symbolising Female Characters in Paulo Coelho’s By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept

V16N22024

696 views

Rajat Sebastian
Assistant Professor, Department of English and Cultural Studies, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore.

^{Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 16, Issue 2, 2024. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n2.08g}
^{Full-Text PDF Issue Access}

Abstract:

Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho’s works are generally known for inspiring readers and using literary symbols to narrate complex philosophical concepts. Out of the seventeen works of Coelho, By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept describes the conflicts faced by two lovers who are brought together by fate after eleven years. Re-joined, they set out for an excursion together as the issues in their relationship emerge again. Though Coelho explicitly uses water as a literary symbol in the novel, this paper closely analyses how the female characters in the same novel are also symbolised, making them symbols of self-submission. It thereby probes the complexity of the connection between female characters and water as literary symbols within the same context.

Keywords: Fiction, novel, Paulo Coelho, symbols, female, water, self-submission.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Funding: No funding was received for this research.
Article History: Received: 29 January 2024. Revised: 23 May 2024. Accepted: 30 May 2024. First published: 02 June 2024..
Copyright: © 2024 by the author/s.
License: License Aesthetix Media Services, India. Distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Published by: Aesthetix Media Services, India
Citation: Sebastian, R. (2024). Politics of Symbolising Female Characters in Paulo Coelho’s By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept. Rupkatha Journal 16:2. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n2.08g

Art Deco Architecture in Pune from the 1940s to the 1960s

Architecture/V16N22024

749 views

Nikita Mahajani
Assistant Professor at Vishwakarma University School of Architecture and Planning, Kondhwa, Pune.

^{Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 16, Issue 2, 2024. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n2.07g}
^{Full-Text PDF Issue Access}

Abstract:

Art Deco is a visual arts, architecture, and product design style. It first emerged in Paris in the 1910s, shortly before World War I. This style reached its height in Europe and the United States in the 1920s and early 1930s. The early to mid-1930s saw the emergence of Art Deco architecture in India, which ended in the mid to late 1950s. Indian cities like Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Patiala are home to Art Deco structures. In terms of architecture, the Art Deco movement represented a dramatic departure from the colonial Neo-Gothic/Victorian Gothic model. The pursuit of modernity, multiculturalism, and cosmopolitanism were all reflected in Art Deco architecture. UNESCO declared the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco ensembles of Mumbai (Maharashtra’s capital) a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2018. Nevertheless, Pune City’s Art Deco buildings are not recognized as heritage buildings or documented. The study involved photographic documentation of Art Deco buildings in Deccan, Swargate Prabhat Road, Bhandarkar Road area of Pune. This paper examines the various motifs and their underlying symbolism that can be seen in Pune’s Art Deco buildings. The results of this study show that the Art Deco buildings in Pune are now on the verge of extinction due to the age of the building, structural deformities and lack of awareness of the conservation of this historical heritage. The art deco features on the elevations of many buildings have been hidden/erased by renovation and commercial hoardings.

Keywords: Art Deco, symbolism, Heritage, Architecture, Conservation, Pune, Maharashtra, Urban Planning, UNESCO World Heritage site.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Funding: No funding was received for this research.
Article History: Received: 20 March 2024. Revised: 21 May 2024. Accepted: 30 May 2024. First published: 02 June 2024.
Copyright: © 2024 by the author/s.
License: License Aesthetix Media Services, India. Distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Published by: Aesthetix Media Services, India
Citation: Mahajani, N. (2024). Art Deco Architecture in Pune from the 1940s to the 1960s. Rupkatha Journal 16:2. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n2.07g

Visual Voices: The Techniques and Emotions of Czechoslovakia’s Illustrative Masters (1979-2015)

Fine Arts & Visual Studies/V16N22024

795 views

Hoda Zabolinezhad¹* , Mitra Mokhtarpour-e-Saravi², Zahra Falah Mehtarlou³
^1,3 Painting Department, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran. *Corresponding author.
² Tehran Markaz of Azad University of Iran

^{Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 16, Issue 2, 2024. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n2.06g}
^{Full-Text PDF Issue Access}

Abstract:

The study aims to review the illustration methods of four top illustrators in Czechoslovakia. Its purpose is to understand their successful approaches and recognize the unique characteristics of their works, which convey personal ideas and thoughts. The study delves into the most important illustration techniques employed by these artists. The central research question seeks to uncover the expression methods and execution techniques used by these top illustrators to convey their ideas and emotions. Culture and customs play a pivotal role in an illustrator’s work. No artist can create truly ingenious works divorced from the cultural context of their hometown. Their visual language becomes a reflection of their culture, and this authenticity contributes to the value of their creations. Sensitivity to children’s perceptions of life, art, culture, and the future is essential for compassionate and impactful work. These illustrators are deeply committed to their young audience, shaping the future through their art. This research follows a fundamental descriptive-analytical approach, with data collection primarily based on library resources.

Keywords: Children’s book illustration, Czechoslovakia, decoding, expression and executive technique in illustration, illustration.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Funding: No funding was received for this research.
Article History: Received: 02 January 2024. Revised: 17 May 2024. Accepted: 19 May 2024. First published: 22 May 2024.
Copyright: © 2024 by the author/s.
License: License Aesthetix Media Services, India. Distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Published by: Aesthetix Media Services, India
Citation: Zabolinezhad, H. & Mokhtarpour-e-Saravi, M. & Mehtarlou, Z.F. (2024). Visual Voices: The Techniques and Emotions of Czechoslovakia’s Illustrative Masters (1979-2015). Rupkatha Journal 16:2. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n2.06g

Re-gendering Art: A Study of Ravi Varma’s Shakuntala Writing a Love Letter on a Lotus Leaf

Gender Studies/V16N22024

814 views

I. Vinitha Chandra
Mount Carmel College, Autonomous, Bengaluru.

^{Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 16, Issue 2, 2024. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n2.05g}
^{Full-Text PDF Issue Access}

Abstract:

As a reflection of social patterns, culture is bound to change and the representations from the past distorted in the present need to be decoded to remove the staleness and fixation on various notions passed as absolute truths. This dichotomy inspires an investigation into an iconic representation of womanhood from the stature of an episode from mythological epic Mahabharata and the paintings of Shakuntala by the painter Prince Ravi Varma of erstwhile Travancore in the state of Kerala in colonial India to unravel the stories that characterized popular imagination of women in history. The theoretical framework of aesthetics in the depiction of human forms that define perceptions of gender directs this study to avail a close reading to evaluate the growth of empowerment of women within the dialectics of history and culture. ‘Ekphrasis’ studies mainly how visual arts are represented in literature and here interestingly visual art becomes the ekphrasis of the written text. A proposal of the theory of ‘elimination’, the study intends to debunk the societal gaze of the feminine form as fragile hindering the strength of character by analyzing the hidden details in art. The relevance becomes manifold in the twenty-first century as the new generation is ardently trying to break stereotypes. The limitations of binary ideas of masculine and feminine are interwoven mainly with physical characteristics. The pressure to mimic these attributes leads to the exclusion of anything beyond that idea which disturbs the balance of gender equality and justice.

Keywords: Aura, Autonomy, Apotheosis, Aesthetics, Impression.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Funding: No funding was received for this research.
Article History: Received: 02 February 2024. Revised: 20 May 2024. Accepted: 21 May 2024. First published: 22 May 2024.
Copyright: © 2024 by the author/s.
License: License Aesthetix Media Services, India. Distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Published by: Aesthetix Media Services, India
Citation: Chandra, I. V. (2024). Re-gendering Art: A Study of Ravi Varma’s Shakuntala Writing a Love Letter on a Lotus Leaf. Rupkatha Journal 16:2. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n2.05g

Women, Markers, and Representation in Early Telugu Cinema

Gender Studies/Media Studies

593 views

K. Suneetha Rani
Professor and Head, Centre for Women’s Studies, School of Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad.

^{Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 16, Issue 2, 2024. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n2.04g}
^{Full-Text PDF Issue Access}

Abstract:

The early Telugu cinema echoed the contemporary concerns and movements in the country. Most films made in Telugu in the first two decades, the 1930s and 1940s, were mythologies, historicals and devotionals. However, regardless of genre, most movies focus on the woman question. Many had women at the centre, while many movies had titles after women characters. This paper focuses on select Telugu movies from the early decades to argue that the films might have focused on the woman question and might have argued for the reform of the condition of women. Still, they remained orthodox and sometimes regressive in their idea of womanhood. Markers of a married woman whose husband is alive become more valuable than women. A respected and celebrated womanhood is almost reduced to the markers she carries. This new woman combines tradition and modernity, influenced by the reform movement but strongly pulled by tradition to evolve into a better wife. The present paper proposes to examine the portrayal of a new family woman by the Telugu Cinema of the 1930s, reiterating the traditional markers with additional interpretations. It employs feminist historiography to understand the significance of the portrayal of new women in early Telugu cinema.

Keywords: Telugu Cinema, Women Markers, Representation.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Funding: No funding was received for this research.
Article History: Received: 02 February 2024. Revised: 07 May 2024. Accepted: 07 May 2024. First published: 09 May 2024.
Copyright: © 2024 by the author/s.
License: License Aesthetix Media Services, India. Distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Published by: Aesthetix Media Services, India
Citation: Rani, K. S. (2024). Women, Markers, and Representation in Early Telugu Cinema. Rupkatha Journal 16:2. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n2.04g

Bridging Tradition and Technology: QR Code Integration in Lontara Script Learning Book to Improve Writing and Language Skills

Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Language Engineering/language studies/Linguistics/V16N22024

848 views

Yusuf Yusuf¹, Gusnawaty Gusnawaty^2*^,Risdamayanti Risdamayanti³^,Fathria Azzahra Affandy⁴, Nur Alya⁵
^1.2,3,4,5 Department of Regional Languages and Literatures, Hasanuddin University.

^{Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 16, Issue 2, 2024. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n2.03}
^{Full-Text PDF Issue Access}

Abstract

This study examines the creation and assessment of a Lontara Script Learning Book augmented with QR Code technology to boost students’ Lontara script writing abilities and their proficiency in the Makassar language. Nineteen first-grade students from SD Inpres Kera-Kera in Makassar city participated in the study. The research unfolds into three stages: 1) Preparation, which includes initial observations and interviews, literature review, discussions, and research tool preparation; 2) Implementation, involving the introduction of the learning media, pretest, implementation of Lontara Script Learning Book based on QR Code, summarizing and posttest; 3) Evaluation based on observation, pretest and posttest results serves as the data source. The findings revealed a notable average enhancement of 50.37 in the students’ Lontara script writing skills. Moreover, there was an average increase of 44.21 in Makassar language proficiency through picture guessing exercises and a 37.90 improvement via folklore comprehension. These results signify a substantial advancement in both script learning and language abilities. This innovative educational medium has proven to be effective in enriching the writing and language skills of elementary school students.

Keywords: Lontara, Makassar language, QR Code, Education Technology, South Sulawesi.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Ethical Consideration: Informed consent was obtained from all the participants of the study.
Funding: No funding was received for this research.
Article History:Received: 25 January 2024. Revised: 29 April 2024. Accepted: 02 May 2024. First published: 03 May 2024
Copyright: © 2024 by the author/s.
License: License Aesthetix Media Services, India. Distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Published by: Aesthetix Media Services, India
Citation:Yusuf, Y. & Gusnawaty, G. & Risdamayanti, R. & Affandy. F. A. & Alya, N. (2024). Bridging Tradition and Technology: QR Code Integration in Lontara Script Learning Book to Improve Writing and Language Skills. Rupkatha Journal 16:2. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n2.03

Semantic Model for Fragment of Hindi (Part 2)

Language Engineering/Linguistics

1K views

Vivek Tripathi^1* & Dinesh Rathod²
¹Research Scholar, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi. *Corresponding author.
²Research Scholar, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

^{Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 16, Issue 2, 2024. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n2.02}
^{Full-Text PDF Issue Access}

Access Part 1 of the article>>

Abstract
This paper proposes a formal model for semantic analysis of a fragment of the Hindi language. This paper uses referential noun phrases, transitive and intransitive verb phrases and logical constants to compute the meaning of its sentences generated from the Hindi part-of-speech-tagged corpus features. The paper presents cases of conjunction and negation enriched with idempotent laws that provide semantic computation of simple and complex well-formed formulas. Our system works for any model, with one such model described in our glossary. It deals with the set-theoretic study of essential syntactic categories of Hindi, suggesting the suitability of our rule-based syntactic arrangement and model-based semantic computation by implementing them through an in-house software tool.

Keywords: Natural Languages Processing. Hindi Language Processing. Parser. Context-Free Grammar. Hindi Semantics. Semantic Model for Hindi. Montague Grammar.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Funding: No funding was received for this research.
Article History: Received: 01 February 2024. Revised: 23 April 2024. Accepted: 24 April 2024. First published: 25 April 2024
Copyright: © 2024 by the author/s.
License: License Aesthetix Media Services, India. Distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Published by: Aesthetix Media Services, India
Citation: Tripathi, V & Rathod, D. (2024). Semantic Model for Fragment of Hindi (Part 2). Rupkatha Journal 16:2. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n2.02

Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Chinese L2 Writing: An Empirical Study on Educational Sustainability in Africa

Artificial Intelligence (AI)/V16N22024

519 views

Lishen Yu^1*, Qingqing Kong² & Hongyan Hao³
¹ Doctoral candidate, Macau University of Science and Technology. *Corresponding author.
²Lecturer, University of Cape Verde.
³Professor, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.

^{Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 16, Issue 2, 2024. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n2.01}
^{Full-Text PDF Issue Access}

Abstract
This study investigates the impact of ChatGPT on Chinese L2 writing proficiency among African students, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for quality education and reduced inequalities. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research involved 46 participants to quantitatively assess improvements in syntactic and lexical complexity, accuracy, and fluency. Qualitative insights were garnered through semi-structured interviews, revealing positive perceptions of ChatGPT in enhancing writing skills, yet highlighting challenges like technological access and economic constraints. The findings suggest that while ChatGPT effectively enhances Chinese L2 proficiency, its integration in African educational contexts requires addressing infrastructural and pedagogical barriers. This study contributes to the discourse on Artificial Intelligence in language education and its role in advancing African sustainable educational practices.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Chinese L2 Writing, Educational Sustainability, Africa, CAF.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Ethical Consideration: Informed consent was obtained from all the participants of the study.
Funding: No funding was received for this research.
Article History: Received: 01 February 2024. Revised: 17 April 2024. Accepted: 18 April 2024. First published: 22 April 2024
Copyright: © 2024 by the author/s.
License: License Aesthetix Media Services, India. Distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Published by: Aesthetix Media Services, India
Citation: Yu, L. & Kong, Q. & Hao, H. (2024). Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Chinese L2 Writing: An Empirical Study on Educational Sustainability in Africa. Rupkatha Journal 16:2. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n2.01

From Shadows to Spotlight: Unveiling the Saga of Manual Scavenging in India

Human Rights Studies/V16N22024

807 views

Nihal Raj¹* , Manish Tiwari² & Suyasha Singh Isser³
¹Research Scholar, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, National Institute of Technology Patna. *Corresponding Author.
²Assistant Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, National Institute of Technology Patna.
³Assistant Professor, Amity Institute of Social Sciences, Amity University, Noida.

^{Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 16, Issue 2, 2024. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n2.03g}
^{Full-Text PDF Issue Access}

Abstract
With the announcement of “The Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993,” the practice of manual scavenging became illegal in India. The manual scavenging problem as a practice is prolonged because of the lack of technological progress and political and administrative will to implement reformative laws on the ground. The Indological text has a particular interpretation of manual scavenging, constituting the basis of caste ideologies and practices. Using qualitative data, the present study encapsulates the transformation of manual scavenging from an overlooked issue to one that demands attention and understanding. It sets the tone for a comprehensive exploration of the historical, social, and policy dimensions surrounding manual scavenging in India. The paper argues that most of the legislative and executive decisions have landed on the terrain of totemism, purity & pollution and are heavily ritualised in the ideological framework, contributing least to the practice.

Keywords: Manual Scavengers, Textual History, Unclean Occupation, Workplace Humiliation, Human Rights, Dignity.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Funding: No funding was received for this research.
Article History: Received: 21 March 2024. Revised: 17 April 2024. Accepted: 21 April 2024. First published: 22 April 2024
Copyright: © 2024 by the author/s.
License: License Aesthetix Media Services, India. Distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Published by: Aesthetix Media Services, India
Citation: Raj, N. & Tiwari, M, & Isser, S. S. (2024). From Shadows to Spotlight: Unveiling the Saga of Manual Scavenging in India. Rupkatha Journal 16:2. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n2.03g

Chathi Mai in Popular Imagination: Exploring Narratives, Worship, and Rituals in North India

Indigenous Studies/V16N22024

1K views

Akanksha Yadav¹^* & Vinita Chandra²
¹Research Scholar, Department of Humanistic Studies, IIT (BHU), Varanasi. *Corresponding author.
²Associate Professor, Department of Humanistic Studies, IIT (BHU), Varanasi.

^{Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 16, Issue 2, 2024. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n2.02g}
^{Full-Text PDF Issue Access}

Abstract
This paper explores the varied narratives surrounding Chathi Mai, which do not find a mention in the normative texts. These narratives showcase the blending of religious beliefs with regional traditions in the imagination of her worshippers. Focusing on Kartika Chatha specifically, the study delves into the narratives that depict the Goddess as a healer, protector, and feminine energy tied to the Sun. Our fieldwork in Varanasi, Patna, Munger, and Sahibganj reveals diverse origin stories, showcasing the cultural mosaic of regions venerating her. The research comprehensively examines the evolutionary trajectory of Chathi Mai’s worship, emphasizing the synthesis of mythological elements and local folklore. Three key facets—the manifestation of feminine energy, the significance of the title “Mai,” and the complementary relationship between male and female principles—are explored to provide a nuanced understanding of the Goddess’s multifaceted identity in North India. The absence of normative texts enhances grassroots adaptability, allowing for localized interpretations in the popular imagination of the Goddess. Associations with the Sun god Surya and the continuity of divine male-female dynamics provide varied entry points for believers, enabling emotional connections and familial devotion. The duality of malevolence and benevolence adds complexity, making worship dynamic and responsive to challenges. Linking Chatthi Mai to Bihar’s regional identity integrates the tradition into daily life, promoting a sense of belonging. The evolving narratives contribute to the deity’s adaptability, relevance, and popularity, with potential for further research exploring folk religions’ adaptation to societal changes and the impact of evolving narratives on community dynamics.
Keywords: Chathi Mai, rituals, folk traditions, Chatha Puja, malevolence, benevolence.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Ethical Consideration: Informed consent was obtained from all the participants of the study.
Funding: No funding was received for this research.
Article History: Received: 31 December 2023. Revised: 31 March 2024. Accepted: 31 March 2024. First published: 10 April 2024
Copyright: © 2024 by the author/s.
License: License Aesthetix Media Services, India. Distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Published by: Aesthetix Media Services, India
Citation: Yadav, A. & Chandra, V. (2024). Chathi Mai in Popular Imagination: Exploring Narratives, Worship, and Rituals in North India. Rupkatha Journal 16:2. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n2.02g

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

You might be interested in

You might be interested in