Encyclopaedia on India

The Karbi language , also known as Mikir or Arleng , is an indigenous tongue spoken by the Karbi community in Assam and neighboring regions of Northeast India. Rooted in the Tibeto-Burman language family , Karbi is more than a linguistic system it is a cultural vessel that carries centuries of oral traditions, folklore, and identity. Classification of Karbi Language Linguists have long debated the classification of Karbi. Some recent frameworks place it in a distinct Mikir group, subdivided into Karbi and Amri. Notably, scholars such as Shafer (1974) and Bradley (1997) categorized Karbi as part of the Kukish branch, underscoring its unique linguistic traits. While Karbi itself shows limited dialectal variation, the Amri dialect is distinct enough to be considered A Separate Language within the Karbi Spectrum . Historical Background Like many tribal languages of Northeast India, Karbi does not have its own script. Traditionally, it has been written using the Roman alphabet, tho...

Indian literature is a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse languages, traditions, and cultures. Within this vast landscape, Manipuri authors have played a vital role, producing works that reflect the cultural richness, historical legacy, and emotional depth of Manipur. Their writings spanning novels, short stories, essays, plays, and translations form an essential part of India’s literary heritage and continue to inspire generations. M. K. Binodini Devi Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi, a member of Manipur’s royal family, is celebrated as one of the most versatile figures in Manipuri literature. Her creative contributions include short stories, essays, novels, plays, screenplays, lyrics, and ballet scripts. Her novel Boro Saheb Ongbi Sanatombi is considered a milestone in Manipuri fiction, while her essay collection Maharaj Churchandgi Imung offers deeply personal memoirs. Binodini Devi also translated works of Rabindranath Tagore and other Bengali writers into Meitei, bridging literar...

Introduction Bengali, or Bangla, is not a monolithic language but a dialect continuum spread across eastern South Asia. Regional variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar reflect centuries of cultural and linguistic influences. These dialects, while mutually intelligible to varying degrees, highlight the diversity within Bengali and its adaptability across regions. Major Dialect Clusters Linguist Suniti Kumar Chatterjee classified Bengali Dialects into four broad clusters: Radh : Spoken in the south-western parts of Bengal, this group forms the basis of standard colloquial Bangla. The dialect of Nadia district, near Kolkata, became the foundation of the standardized form of Bengali during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Banga : Dominant in Bangladesh, this group represents the eastern dialects. It shows strong influence from Tibeto-Burman languages, particularly in phonology, where nasalized vowels are absent. Kamarup...

Introduction The late Romantics in Malayalam literature were a group of poets who embodied extreme idealism and dream-like visions. Their works often reflected an obsession with death, the brevity of life, and the futility of human existence. Unlike mere aesthetes who created art for art’s sake, these poets infused their writings with profound reflections on suffering, human dignity, and metaphysical thought. Following in the footsteps of the Great Trio of Malayalam literature Vallathol, Ulloor, and Kumaran Asan—the late Romantics carved a distinct niche in the literary landscape of Kerala. Nalappat Narayana Menon: A Philosopher-Poet Among the late Romantics, Nalappat Narayana Menon (1887–1955) stands out as a significant figure. Though his poetic output was limited, his intellectual pursuits in criticism, psychology, and Indian philosophy enriched Malayalam literature . His most celebrated work, Kannunirthulli (Teardrop), is an elegy mourning the death of his wife. Written in a ...

Introduction The Sixty-Four Arts described in the Kamasutra are far more than ornamental skills or diversions of pleasure. They represent a holistic framework for cultivating refinement, creativity, and cultural sophistication. Traditionally, these arts were expected to be mastered by young women, not merely as preparation for marriage but as a way to nurture qualities of playfulness, intelligence, sensuality, and grace. Often celebrated as the “Great Work on Love,” the Kamasutra transcends its popular reputation as a manual of intimacy. In truth, it is a doctrine of aesthetics and human expression, embracing sensory pleasures such as silken fabrics, aromatic foods, perfumes, music, dance, and painting. These elements elevate intimacy into a divine and atmospheric experience, where art and love merge seamlessly. Historical Background The Origins of The Kamasutra date back to the 3rd century CE, when the sage Vatsyayana Mallanaga composed this seminal text. Far from being a tre...