International Journal of Art, Culture and Literature

Faith, Chains, and Awakening: Caste, Conversion, and Resistance in Pulayathara

Dr. Joseph Mathew — 2025-08-24

The article critically examines the portrayal of caste-based oppression and religious conversion in Pulayathara (1962) by Paul Chirakkaroti, published by Rainbow Publications, Thiruvananthapuram. The novel presents a compelling narrative of Dalit experiences in Kerala, illustrating how conversion to Christianity—often seen as a path to social liberation—fails to eradicate caste discrimination. The objective of this study is to analyze how caste identities persist despite shifts in religious affiliation and to explore the psychological and social resistance of oppressed communities. The research aims to demonstrate that religious conversion did not dismantle the hierarchical structures embedded in Kerala’s society; rather, it reshaped caste marginalization under the guise of faith. Using Dalit theory and subaltern studies as the theoretical framework, this analysis delves into how the novel reflects internalized oppression, helplessness, and emerging consciousness among the marginalized. The study incorporates insights from Dalit Epistemology, History, Literature, and Aesthetics by K.K.S. Das (Kerala Language Institute, 2011), and Perspectives on the Oppressed in Malayalam Literature by T.K. Anilkumar (Kerala Sahitya Akademi, 2004), as well as Racial Symbols and Contemporary Malayalam Literature by P.V. Sajeev (Progress Books, 2019), to contextualize the resistance in Pulayathara. Through character-driven narratives, the novel critiques religious and social institutions, revealing that structural change must begin with collective awareness and an assertion of rights, not mere spiritual rebirth.

The Archaeological Sites of Tripura: An Analysis of the Excavated Sites of Pilak, Boxanagar, Unakoti, Devtamura, and the Temples of Udaipur

Ms. Mandira Dasgupta — 2023-08-09

Tripura, the North Eastern state of India, has some important archaeological sites which define the ancient heritage of this country. The sites such as Pilak and Boxanagar which belong approximately to the fifth to twelfth century impart the Buddhist as well as Hindu philosophies. Like the other states flourished in its own way with the rule of different dynasties, Tripura too in its lush greenery and mongoloid ambiance, equally flourished in its rock-cut sculptures and religious architectures. This can be seen in the huge-sized bas-relief of Unakoti and also beside the walls of the hills of the Gomati River in Devtamura. In the later period when this place was ruled by the Manikya Kings, many temples were patronized by them. Among these, the 519 years old temple of Tripura Sundari and other temples carry unique architectural features. All these archaeological sites have been analyzed in the paper.

An Analysis of Traditional Household Wood Crafts of Manipur

Dr. Palash Debnath — 2024-10-15

Wooden artifacts are a worthy part of material culture in Manipur. The people of Manipur are well known for their mastery of pottery making, bamboo and cane craft, weaving and textile, wood carving, etc. Different types of ethnic groups and Manipuri communities have contributed to the art and culture of Manipur. There are thirty-three (33) different tribes inhabited in the hill areas. Wooden artifacts are mostly found in the villages of Senapati District, Ukhrul District, Tamenglong District, and Bishnupur District of Manipur. A variety of wood crafts are now preserved in different museums which are run by the state government and private agencies. These museums are the storehouses of different kinds of art and cultural antiquities. The wood crafts are also representing the material culture of the state which has different functions on different occasions. This paper deals with the household wooden artifacts of Manipur with references to some museum collections.