ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts

CULTURAL IMAGINARIES AND POLITICAL UNDERCURRENTS IN THE SONG “AALATHINU CENTRE” FROM THE MALAYALAM MOVIE LOKAH: CHAPTER 1(CHANDRA)

C. M. Meera — 2026-05-09

“Aalathinu Centre”, a song from malayalam movie Lokah, is one cultural text in which the various ideological strands, gender, postcolonial identity and resistance have converged in sound, image and performance. When the song is decoded in its stratified meanings, we get the sense that the song is more than a musical interlude: it is a statement of Malayali identity in a global media circuit. It contains a female narrative of power, mythic agency and political awakening that is open to a range of audience interpretations. The encoding / decoding theory by Stuart Hall, the gender performativity theory by Judith Butler and the concept of hybridity by Homi K. Bhabba, all present an effective means of deconstructing the ideological meaning of the song form and content.

REVIVING ANCIENT INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS (AIKS) TO MITIGATE PERENNIAL FLOODING IN NORTHEAST INDIA: A SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL PARADIGM SHIFT

Eahya Al Huda — 2026-05-09

The Northeast region of India (NEI), characterized by the Brahmaputra and Barak river systems, faces catastrophic annual flooding that destabilizes the economy, environment, and social fabric. Despite decades of modern engineering interventions—primarily embankments and large-scale dams—the frequency and intensity of floods remain unabated. This research paper explores the potential of Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems (AIKS) and indigenous ethno-hydrological practices as viable, sustainable alternatives or supplements to modern structural interventions. By analyzing Vedic hydrological principles, Kautilyan resource management, and the traditional wisdom of indigenous tribes (such as the Apatani and Mising), this paper argues for a transition from "flood control" to "flood adaptation." The study concludes that an integrated framework combining modern technology with AIKS can foster long-term resilience in the Brahmaputra basin.

BIOGRAPHY WORK: TRANSLATING MEANING THROUGH PAINTING PRACTICE IN A HUMANISTIC FRAMEWORK

Ronnaphob Techawong — 2026-05-09

Background and Objectives: This study aims to 1) examine artists’ biographies through an anthroposophical approach and 2) analyze the process of meaning interpretation in painting. The study focuses on three artists: Caspar David Friedrich, Odilon Redon, and Pablo Picasso, the research investigates the relationships among life experiences, environmental conditions, significant life events across different stages of life, and socio-cultural contexts that influence transformations in artistic form and content throughout the artists’ lifetimes.

Methods: This study adopts a qualitative research methodology. The selected artists were selected based on shared biographical characteristics, visual artistic features, and emotional expressions reflected in their works. The research integrates biographical analysis with the examination of paintings in terms of sign systems, compositional structures, and color theory. The analytical framework is grounded in the anthroposophical philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, in conjunction with the process philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead, to interpret how lived experiences are transformed into visual language.

Results: The findings reveal that painting is not merely a representation of objective reality, but a process of meaning transformation that connects between the artist’s inner and outer worlds. This process is articulated through key elements, including painting style, composition, sign systems, color, and spatial treatment, which reflect conditions of fragmentation, deterioration, and abstract modes of perception. Furthermore, the study identifies shared characteristics among the three artists, particularly their engagement in deep introspection alongside outward observation, resulting in symbolic communication through visual forms and material representation.

Application of this study: As part of the creative component, the researcher produced six series of paintings derived from the process of meaning interpretation. These works demonstrate a transdisciplinary integration of anthroposophy, process philosophy, and art therapy. The findings can be applied as a framework for analyzing and creating contemporary artworks, as well as for developing art education practices and practice-based research that connect lived experience with artistic production.

Conclusions: The study highlights that biographical inquiry within an anthroposophical framework serves as a significant tool for deepening the understanding of the relationship between life, art, and human perception. It also contributes to the development of new knowledge in art studies by integrating biographical analysis with artistic practice, offering expanded perspectives in contemporary art contexts.

RE-PLACING MEMORY: INTERTEXTUAL COLLAGE AND MNEMONIC HISTORIOGRAPHY IN LAKSMISREE BANERJEE’S PEAHEN PASSIONS

Soumyajyoti Banerjee — 2026-05-08

ndian English poetry is frequently characterised by its ability to navigate the tensions between tradition and modernity. Within this poetic landscape, Laksmisree Banerjee’s Peahen Passions (2013), emerges as a fertile site for the exploration of memory as a dynamic, reconstructive force. Banerjee, a distinguished scholar, Fulbright Fellow, and classical vocalist, brings a multidisciplinary sensibility to her craft. She weaves together eco-feminism, postcoloniality, and universal humanism. This investigation expands upon the premise of her poetic practice by applying a rigorous theoretical framework centered on intertextuality and the philosophy of history. By synthesizing the theoretical paradigms of Julia Kristeva, Michael Riffaterre, and Hayden White, the analysis explores how Banerjee re-places memory through an intertextual collage that transcends mere personal recollection to become a metanarrative of internationalism.

UNTAMED AND DISCIPLINED: CONTEXTUAL ICONOGRAPHY AND THE TRANSFORMATION FROM VINĀYAKA TO GAṆEŚA IN EARLY SOUTH ASIAN SCULPTURE

Ketan Jawdekar — 2026-05-08

This research paper re-examines the iconography of Gaṇeśa through a contextual and interdisciplinary framework that integrates textual traditions, archaeological materials, and theories of embodied cognition. Rather than viewing Gaṇeśa solely as a mythological figure, the study investigates how elephant and nāga symbolism, early Vināyaka imagery, and visualisation practices contributed to the development of a stabilised sculptural form. Drawing on examples from the earliest iconographical representations, the paper proposes a contextual methodology for decoding iconography, in which narrative setting, sculptural placement and artistic strategies shape meaning. Particular attention is given to visual narratives depicting the negotiation between untamed and disciplined states of awareness. By analysing attributes such as the pāśa and aṅkuśa alongside narrative motifs of obstruction and transformation, the study suggests that Gaṇeśa’s form reflects an evolving dialogue between scriptural metaphors and artistic practice. The study contributes to South Asian iconographic scholarship by demonstrating how sacred imagery operates as a relational visual language grounded in material culture rather than fixed symbolic interpretation.

ETHOS, PATHOS, AND LOGOS IN CORPORATE PRESENTATIONS: A RESEARCH CASE STUDY OF THE FIRST IPHONE LAUNCH PRESENTATION

Kaushik Trivedi — 2026-05-08

The present research paper is an examination of the rhetorical methods that were used by Steve Jobs when launching the first iPhone at the Macworld Conference and Expo 2007 on January 9, 2007. The presentation is commonly seen as one of the most influential product launches in the corporate history since it was a mixture of technological innovation and the outstanding use of persuasive communication. This research employs the qualitative case study research design and applies the classical rhetorical system of ethos, pathos and logos to the presentation style, speech structure, visual design, and audience engagement strategies used by Jobs. The data was elicited by launch transcripts, video recordings, published commentary, and scholarly literature on rhetoric and business communication. Results show that Jobs was strategic in establishing credibility by using the reputation of Apple as well as his own persona, created emotional excitement by using suspense, humor and visionary language, and supported claims logically through live demonstrations and comparative reasoning. Other devices like repetition, contrast, storytelling and minimalist slides further enhanced the persuasive power. The paper theorizes that effective corporate presentations are not only based on the quality of products, but also on the framing of the story, the psychology of the audience, and the rhetorical performance. Furthermore, the paper will consider how Jobs kept the design of his slides to a minimum and how he always made time to slow down his speech in order to maximize the convincing effect of his words. Breaking down these components, the study will help to shed some light on successful strategies of public speaking that can be implemented in different fields. Learning the rhetorical strategy used by Jobs can provide useful lessons to professional, business leaders, marketing managers, and presenters aiming to influence and motivate their audiences, consumers, media, and presenters. The paper concludes that the launch of the iPhone by Steve Jobs is a lasting example of how leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, marketers, and professionals can use to communicate innovation successfully in competitive markets.

MACROECONOMIC DETERMINANTS AND EQUITY MARKET DYNAMICS: A JOHANSEN CO-INTEGRATION AND GRANGER CAUSALITY ANALYSIS OF THE BSE SENSEX

S. Kavitha — 2026-05-09

Stock markets play a vital role in channelling capital and driving economic growth. They act as platforms where investors trade assets at established prices. A variety of factors influence the returns investors expect, with macroeconomic indicators being among the most critical. Changes in these indicators can have a substantial impact on stock price movements. For both investors and policymakers, macroeconomic variables are key signals that reflect the overall economic environment. Stock market trends also provide valuable insights into investor sentiment and expectations regarding the economy's future trajectory. By offering a comprehensive view of economic health and stability, macroeconomic factors shape investment strategies and guide policy decisions. The study aims to examine the impact of select macroeconomic variables on the performance of the BSE Sensex. It analyses monthly data from June 2022 to March 2024, including variables such as the BSE Sensex, GDP, gold prices, inflation rate, unemployment rate, and exchange rate. To identify any issues related to stationarity, the ADF test was applied. The Johansen co-integration method was then used to explore long-term relationships between the dependent and independent variables. Additionally, the Granger causality test was conducted to determine the direction and nature of causal relationships among the variables.

TEMPLES ALONG THE VITASTA

Jai Karan Singh — 2026-05-08

Vitasta the ancient name of river Jhelum flowing through the valley of Kashmir in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is one of the important rivers mentioned in the Rig Veda. As per Nilamata Purana, the river emerges from the Nilnag which is called by the name Verinag in present context. Jhelum may be regarded as the lifeline of Kashmir valley, and it holds true in present as well as ancient context. The river has many important monuments right from its emergence up to its merger with Chenab in Pakistan. Most importantly, it may be regarded as cradle for the birth of Kashmiri Temple Architecture found in the valley which has found its distinct place in Nagara style of architecture in Temple architecture. The paper is presently focusing only on the Brahmanical temples built along the banks of the river and in its close periphery. More importantly from an architectural point of view, it will highlight the importance of river Jhelum (Vitasta) and its significance in the emergence of unique temple architecture.

A SOCIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF THE RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL MORAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE MOLOKANS

Niyazi Akyüz — 2026-05-08

This study aims to examine the fundamental characteristics of the Molokans as a religious group and how these characteristics are reflected in their social moral understanding from a sociological perspective. Emerging in 18th-century Russia, the Molokans stand out as one of the Spiritual Christian movements that developed in opposition to the institutional structure of Orthodox Christianity. The study addresses the Molokans’ critical approach to institutional religion, their understanding of individual faith, their simple forms of worship, and their sectarian diversity. In addition, the place of fundamental moral principles such as pacifism, equality, honesty, frugality, and social solidarity within Molokan society is analyzed. A qualitative method has been adopted in the study, and historical and sociological literature as well as field studies on the Molokans have been utilized. The findings indicate that the Molokans possess a holistic worldview in which religion and morality are not seen as separate. As a result, the Molokans present an alternative ethical and social model against the alienation and value crises observed in modern societies.

IDEOLOGY, INSTITUTIONAL FRAGILITY, AND EARLY STATE-BUILDING: GOVERNANCE ARCHITECTURE IN POST-LIBERATION BANGLADESH (1972–1975)

S.M.Ruhul Amin Rezvi — 2026-05-08

The emergence of Bangladesh in December 1971 created one of the most compressed episodes of post-conflict state formation in modern South Asia. Between 1972 and 1975, the government of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman attempted to translate an ideological vision grounded in nationalism, socialism, democracy and secularism into operational governance institutions under severe structural constraints. While previous studies have examined constitutional design, economic nationalization or 1975 political transformation separately, few analyses integrate these dimensions within a unified state-building framework. This study addresses this gap through a mixed-methods historical review combining PRISMA-guided literature synthesis with historical institutional analysis. Drawing on 25 key scholarly works and primary policy sources, research evaluates institutional formation across constitutional design, economic governance, administrative reconstruction and crisis management between 1972 and 1975. The findings indicate that early Bangladeshi state-building achieved rapid constitutional institutionalization but faced persistent implementation challenges due to administrative fragility, fiscal scarcity and external economic shocks. The 1974 famine exposed significant coordination failures within food governance institutions, while constitutional restructuring of 1975 represented a crisis-driven institutional recalibration rather than a purely ideological shift. Comparative analysis with Algeria, Tanzania and Vietnam demonstrates that executive centralization under post-liberation stress is a common structural pattern, though Bangladesh’s early commitment to constitutional pluralism and civic secularism represented a distinctive institutional experiment. The study contributes to state-building theory by illustrating how ideological ambition interacts with structural constraints during early post-conflict governance formation.