Journal of Asiatic Society for Social Science Research
Welcome to the Journal of Asiatic Society for Social Science Research (A component of Asiatic Society for Social Science Research) Online ISSN: 2583-4533 Print ISSN: 3048-9024 NITI Aayog ID: DL/2024/0459814 DOI (Prefix): 10.46700
Asiatic Society for Social Science Research
This article offers a qualitative, interpretive synthesis of secondary research to examine how digital politics reconfigures (rather than replaces) the public sphere through hybrid interactions between legacy and broadband-enabled platforms. Anchored in Castells’ network society, Coleman’s digital citizenship, and Habermas’ public sphere, the study develops four analytic themes (1) the shift from broadcast to broadband, (2) citizen-led participation and hashtag activism, (3) institutional adoption of digital tools, and (4) risks arising from algorithmic mediation and polarization. To ground the conceptual analysis, the paper employs four illustrative secondary case examples—the Arab Spring, India’s 2014/2019 general election campaigns, Black Lives Matter, and India’s MyGov platform—selected to represent movement mobilization, electoral communication, hashtag activism, and e-governance. The findings suggest a layered, contested, and participatory public sphere in which digital and legacy media co-evolve. The article clarifies boundaries and provides a transparent procedure for selecting and thematically analyzing secondary sources and cases. The paper adopts a conceptual approach, drawing on secondary sources selected through thematic review of peer-reviewed literature and reports related to research question between 2010–2024. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/198
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Hindu Mahavidya Tara is the principal contradiction between her fierce, transgressive image and her benevolent, maternal image. This article explores how this paradox has been addressed by the material and physical structure of her sacred sites. It addresses the fundamental question: How do spatial relationships between the physical layout of various Tara shrines structurally mediate her dual identity? By comparing and contrasting four large shrines, including Tarapith (West Bengal), Tara Tarini (Odisha), Ugratara (Assam), and Tara Devi (Himachal Pradesh), this paper attempts to suggest that the crafting of sacred space is one of the central means of negotiating the identity of the goddess. The analysis shows that there are some different spatial strategies: compartmentalization in Tarapith, where the fierce power of the cremation ground is held in a strained negotiation with the ordered temple; localization at Ugratara, where fierceness is contained within an urban temple through aniconic worship and intense ritual; domestication at Tara Tarini through Puranic landscapes and contemporary infrastructure that eliminates liminality; and erasure at Tara Devi, where a sanitized mountain landscape introduces a singularly benign deity. This paper shows that the physical design of a shrine is not a passive setting but an active agent in creating, domesticating, and re-creating a deity to multiple publics of devotees. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/197
Background: The Raji tribe, an indigenous community of Uttarakhand, India, inhabits the Central Himalaya along the India–Nepal border. Classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in 1975 due to long-standing neglect, they are historically known as “Vanraji,” “Vanrauts,” or “Kings of the Forest.” Their existence is deeply tied to the health and integrity of Himalayan ecosystems. Aim/Method: This paper examines the relationship between environmental conservation and tribal rights, focusing on the Raji tribe. Using secondary literature, it explores their traditional ecological knowledge and role as biodiversity custodians. The study assesses the implications and effectiveness of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA), in securing Raji individual and community forest rights, highlighting ground realities, challenges, and achievements. It also investigates conflicts between mainstream development models (e.g., infrastructure projects, conservation-led displacement) and the Raji’s self-determination and socio-cultural fabric. Result: The study reveals that the Raji face socio-economic vulnerability, cultural erosion, and livelihood disruptions due to historical injustices and modern development pressures. It argues that environmental conservation success depends on recognizing and safeguarding tribal land rights and sustaining traditional practices. Conclusion: A human-rights-based approach to conservation and development is essential. Culturally sensitive, participatory models can empower the Raji to maintain their biodiversity stewardship while achieving equitable integration and sustainable well-being. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/196
The relationship between the European Union (EU) and India has evolved significantly in the 21st century, moving from a primarily trade-oriented partnership to a multifaceted strategic engagement that includes climate change, digital governance, and global security. Both actors, as major democracies and advocates of multilateralism, share a commitment to upholding the principles of sustainable development and rules-based global governance. However, divergences in priorities, institutional asymmetries, and differing strategic outlooks have constrained deeper cooperation. This paper explores the evolving trajectory of EU–India relations within the broader context of global governance, emphasising areas of convergence such as climate diplomacy, green technology, and digital transformation. Through an analysis of key policy frameworks, including the EU–India Strategic Partnership Roadmap 2025, the study highlights the potential for building a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable partnership. The findings suggest that mutual recognition of each other’s strategic autonomy and enhanced policy coordination are essential for transforming EU–India relations into an effective pillar of 21st-century global governance. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/195
Through the study of Haryana, the analysis differences in the structure and financing of registered and unregistered MSMEs using secondary data from Udyam, NSS, and PLFS sources further expounded. Capital, employment, access to credit, and location were highlighted as the primary determinants of the enterprises’ formalization through the binary logistic regression model employed by the study. The findings call for the integration of both financial aids and policy adjustments that would cater to the registration of MSMEs and promote the establishment of environmentally friendly industries in Haryana. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/194
Negotiating Identity Through Trade, Migration, and Cuisine
Ladakh has long functioned as a cultural crossroads, where trade, migration, and cultural exchange along the historic Silk Route have shaped its evolving identity. Trade networks along these routes not only facilitated economic transactions but also shaped religious affiliations, societal hierarchies, and everyday cultural practices, fostering a distinct Ladakhi identity forged through continuous negotiation between diverse influences. This paper examines how these interactions influenced Ladakh’s social fabric. The Arghun community, as descendants of Kashmiri and Central Asian traders who married the local Ladakhi women, emerged as key intermediaries in trans-Himalayan commerce, playing a crucial role in shaping Ladakh’s mercantile and cultural landscape. Their presence, intermarriage with local communities, and adaptation to Ladakhi customs illustrate how trade was instrumental in identity construction. As a transcultural cuisine, Yarkhandi Pulao, a dish embedded in Ladakh’s culinary heritage, embodies the region’s historical entanglement with Central Asia, demonstrating how food serves as both a repository of memory and a medium of cultural synthesis. The culinary adaptation of Yarkhandi Pulao in Ladakh is a marker of transcultural identity formation. By drawing on oral histories, travel narratives, and archival sources, this paper argues that identity in Ladakh is not static but continually redefined through the movement of people, cuisines, goods, and ideas. It highlights how trade routes functioned as conduits of cultural transformation, reinforcing the notion that identity is a lived, evolving process shaped by historical encounters. This research offers a nuanced perspective on Ladakh’s past, illustrating that cultural identity is dynamic and shaped by centuries of interaction. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/193
Migration Pattern of Transgenders in India
Transgender individuals often face societal marginalization and exclusion, compelling them to migrate not only from rural to urban areas but also from urban to metropolitan cities in search of better and humane conditions. This paper explores the study and data analysis of trends and patterns of migration, their challenges, with a focus on rural-urban placements. Data utilization is from the Census 2011 and recent studies using secondary data as methodology. The research highlights the socio-economic dynamics influencing transgender migration and offers policy recommendations to support this marginalized community all over India, with special reference to Uttar Pradesh. The phenomenon of transgender migration in India represents a complex interplay of social exclusion, economic necessity, cultural traditions, and urban opportunities. Drawing on data from the Census of India 2011, which officially enumerated 487,803 individuals identifying as “transgender” across the country, this study examines the demographic distribution, migration trends, and socio-economic contexts influencing mobility within this marginalized community. The data reveals that Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest transgender population (137,465; 28.2% of the national share), followed by Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar. While the Census provides only limited direct information on migration status, patterns can be inferred from state-wise concentrations, urban-rural splits, and occupational distributions. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/192
Youth Employment and Immigration in the United Kingdom
Youth employment has long been a barometer of social and economic well-being in advanced economies, yet in the United Kingdom, its dynamics are increasingly shaped by immigration and shifting policy regimes. This article presents a literature-based analysis of how social policies have influenced the labour-market integration of immigrant youth compared with their native-born peers from 2000 to 2024. Drawing on theoretical perspectives from human capital theory, labour market segmentation, social exclusion, and integration studies, the paper synthesises research evidence from academic journals, think tank reports, and government documents. The analysis highlights persistent disparities in employment outcomes, shaped by educational attainment, migration status, and ethnicity, as well as by the broader policy context of austerity, welfare conditionality, and Brexit-era immigration reform. Findings suggest that, although successive UK governments have sought to promote inclusion through training and employment initiatives, structural barriers—such as credential recognition issues, discrimination, and insecure work—continue to hinder full participation. The article concludes by arguing for a more coherent social policy framework that aligns immigration control with youth employment strategies to enhance equality and social cohesion. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/191
Rural Realities and Emotional Landscapes in Colonial Bengal
This essay attempts a critical review of select compositions of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay for a study of his picturization of contemporary society of rustic Bengal. Chattopadhyay was one of the foremost litterateurs of Bengal, the creator of such works as Devdas, Parineeta, Pather Dabi, Palli Samaj, Srikanta etc., who held his place among the reading public at a time when Rabindranath Tagore’s stature as a literary genius with a formidable command over all kinds of literary genres was unparalleled. This essay explores how Chattopadhyay portrays a vivid frame of socio-economic conditions of Bengal’s villages against backdrop of colonialism, dynamics of bucolic power politics, marginalization of the downtrodden by socially powerful castes and classes, centrality of land as site of contest and conflict, stranglehold of caste structure, socio-economic privation and impoverishment of the socially oppressed, their exploitation and their inherent courage to fight against all odds. It is attempted to explore how Chattopadhyay tells his tales of unending misery of the indigent village populace, the actualities of indebted existence, intricacies of family life, world of the women doubly marginalized, societal restrictions on women in patriarchal society, trials of young widows, apparently static nature of pastoral society. His sensitivity is reflected in the range of literary output he produced. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/190
Financial literacy is a critical element of economic empowerment and sustainability, essential for understanding complex financial products and services. This study examines the situation of financial literacy in India with a focus on gender disparities and regional variations. Day by day, the need for comprehensive financial knowledge is increasing as economies become more complex at the international level. Secondary data from NCFE surveys (2013 and 2019), Visa's International Financial Literacy Barometer (2012), and the G20/OECD INFE Report (2017) have been used. There has been a noticeable move from a ‘spending-centric’ to a ‘savings-oriented’ mindset among the Indian population. India’s score in ‘Financial Knowledge’ stands at 3.7, slightly below the G-20 average of 4.3; India is better in ‘Financial Behaviour’ with a score of 5.6, marginally higher than the G-20 average of 5.4; ‘Financial Attitudes’ in India score lower at 2.6, against an average of 3.0; the overall ‘Financial Literacy’ score for India is 11.9, below the G-20 average of 12.7. This highlights that while India performs well in certain aspects like risk understanding and financial monitoring, there is a critical need for improved education in basic financial principles, savings, and investment diversity. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/189
In derivative markets, futures are standardized agreements to purchase or sale of an asset or commodity at a fixed price at a future date. The first cotton futures market was established in Bombay in 1875. The price fixing and risk hedging of agricultural commodities are two important functions of agricultural commodity futures. In India, there are two main exchanges: the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) and the Multi-Commodity Exchange (MCX). Of the two, the National Commodity and Derivative Exchange is primarily focused on agricultural commodities. Technological growth has improved the agricultural sector, allowing for greater openness, transparency, and productivity. But the agricultural commodity market faces major government intervention as agriculture and its allied activities are directly related to food security for our 1.45 billion people, and to control food inflation, SEBI has banned a few agricultural commodities in the futures market, such as wheat, Mustard Seeds, Crude Palm oil, Soybean, Chana, and Moong. Due to all the regulatory body interventions, the agricultural commodity market has been more volatile. This study aims to provide an overview of the agricultural commodities futures market's development and performance during the previous 20 years. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/188
Revisiting the Socio-economic Drivers of Crime Against Women in India
Incidents of Crime Against Women (CAW) in India are a serious threat to the socio-economic advancement of society. The existing literature suggests a mixed relationship between socio-economic factors and CAW in India. Scholars are divided on the degree and extent to which these factors influence the occurrence of CAW in India. The following study is based on three independent socio-economic variables: Literacy Rate (LR), Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), and Sex Ratio (SR). The dependent variable of the study comprises state-wise CAW. The study uses an analytical research design to determine the association between independent and dependent variables and infer the socio-economic underpinnings of CAW in India. The existing literature on the incidents of CAW is either outdated or mainly employs a one-dimensional approach towards CAW. The following study aims to fill this gap in previous studies of single-cause investigations of CAW and tries to analyse diverse socio-economic drivers of CAW. The study results offer some interesting insights for policymakers and future researchers to base their understanding of CAW. The annual rise of CAW in India makes it relevant and necessary to assess the diverse facets of CAW and the various social and financial stimuli of such incidents DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/187
Gendered Structure of Silk Rearing and Its Socio-Economic Relevance in Ahom Period (1228-1826 C.E.)
The Tai speaking Ahoms left present-day Yunnan in China in the early thirteenth century and under the leadership of Sukapha (1228-1268 C.E.) set up a mighty and enduring kingdom in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam. Ruled by the Ahoms from the early thirteenth century to the mid-nineteenth century, this polity gradually expanded to dominate the entire valley. Assam has long been known for its weaving skill and sericulture flourished particularly in the medieval period under sustained patronage. Upper Assam had become a major centre of silk production, as the Ahoms were imbued with an understanding of sericulture and weaving. While silk production became part of everyday living, historical records indicate that state control was placed almost from the very beginning. Approximately one thousand families were said to have been given silk production assignments during the reign of Su-Tu-Pha (1369-1376 C.E.). The gendered organization of labour within the medieval Assamese sericulture provides clues to how economic activity was organized through caste hierarchies, ecological dispositions, and state policies. The Ahom period (1228-1826 C.E.) provides a backdrop for the overlap of women’s household duties with silk production and social structure. This study looks into the gendered organization of sericulture over the period of Ahoms and its wider socio-economic significance with particular reference to muga, endi (eri), and pat silks. It investigates the various patterns of production in different ecological zones and among different social groups, and how the state organized labour by designating specific communities to particular stages of production. This research uses both primary and secondary historical sources to show how sericulture was not only an economic activity but also intertwined into the sphere of household labour and ritual life alongside statecraft. The silk production was kept alive by women throughout domestic rearing and weaving, while strengthening household economies. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/186
The Impact of Green Products and Green Marketing on the Sustainable Development of Goods and Services
Green marketing refers to the practice of developing and promoting products and services based on their environmental benefits. Currently, global efforts are underway to protect the environment. Green marketing is not only a way to keep the environment clean but also involves technological innovation and the creation of ecological products from a conceptual perspective. In the marketplace, many products are made from processed materials using chemicals. The use of these chemical-based materials or products negatively impacts both human health and the environment. Studying green marketing for marketable products and services is essential to eliminate or reduce these harmful substances. This requires changes in production processes, product design, packaging, and advertising strategies. Highlighting the green marketing process requires a comprehensive approach. Education and research are crucial for promoting eco-friendly products, including efforts to reduce chemical use (and thus the carbon footprint), improve supply chains, and enhance commercial practices. These processes help make products from businesses and factories more environmentally friendly. Increasing the adoption of these practices will improve environmental safety and ensure the proper management of natural and forest resources. It is also important to focus on effective management methods, their protection, and necessity. Sustainable development is possible only if environmentally friendly thinking is used to meet the diverse needs of today’s society in terms of products and services. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/185
Kuchesar Fort, situated in Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh, has been ruled by the Dalal clan of Jats for the last 250 years. The fort was originally built in 1734 and later expanded in 1835 and 1935, showcasing architectural elements of Indo-Persian and Colonial styles. This study primarily focuses on the architectural features of Kuchesar Fort and the history of the ruling family. For this purpose, personal interviews with family members and on-site visits to the fort were conducted as primary data sources, while several reading materials were used as secondary sources. Furthermore, the study also examines the present division of Kuchesar Fort into two sections—Rao Raj Vilas and Mud Fort—and the manner in which they are managed today. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/184
Menstruation remains a significant barrier to education for girls, resulting from deep-seated social taboos and restrictions and inadequate water and sanitation (WASH) facilities in schools. This paper examines the factors related to menstruation related school absenteeism by combining scholarly literature with original research work. The survey draws from 1200 school-going menstruators across ten schools in Kolkata during the span of January to October 2024. Findings are analysed through the theoretical lens of “push” and “pull” factors. Findings reveal that while “pull” factors such as family restrictions and painful menstruation are significant factors of school absenteeism, “push” factors are dominant: 74.4% cited dirty toilets while 47.3% cited absence of sanitary napkins as reasons for absenteeism. Furthermore, the paper critically reviews menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and school sanitation policies revealing an overwhelming emphasis on infrastructure at the cost of overall behaviour change and MHM education. The paper argues for a paradigm shift in MHM policies and education towards a more integrated holistic approach as imperative for breaking barriers of educational access during menstruation. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/183
Women and Social Control in the Kathāsaritsāgara
Patriarchal society have always felt the need to impose its hegemony over Women and her Sexuality. Hence, it is on women where rests men’s fear of transgression as well. This fear of women’s uncontrolled sexuality demands an efficient control on the part of the patriarchs to guard them. In India more than anywhere else in the world, we find these controls being more rigid, structured and embedded within the societal framework. As, the structurization and standardization here materialises from the ancient law books and literatures that sets an archetypal of a so called ‘Ideal- Woman’ and ‘Womanhood’. Therefore, Controls (both individual and social) are apparent in the lives of women which again is achieved through their subordination at large; and manifested through several patterns, agencies and collective consciousness. This paper attempts to focus on these patterns of control and the underlying attempts of modifying women’s behaviour and channelizing of her sexual prowess as seen in the ancient Indian texts with special reference to the Kathāsaritsāgara. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/182
The advents of the Aryans mark a formative chapter in the history of ancient India. The period saw the development of a patriarchal social structure, yet women enjoyed a very respected position in society. The birth of a male progeny was celebrated, and many verses of the Vedas were also dedicated to the birth of a male child. Yet, despite the dominance of the male authority, the presence of female seers and the Brahmavādinīs reflects the intellectual agency available to women during the Vedic period. This paper explores the status of women in the Vedic period as mentioned in the hymns of the Vedas and their active participation in day-to-day activities within the patriarchal social structure. This study examines the position, roles, and representations of women in the Vedas and highlights the diverse roles of women in various fields. Hence, by drawing inspiration from the Vedic hymns dedicated to women, modern society can inculcate and show respect for maintaining the dignity of women, creating a better and stronger future. Based on the references from the Vedas, including the verses, ritual prescriptions, and narrative accounts, the study highlights the diverse roles played by women. However, there was a continuous change in the status and roles of women in Ancient India, as their position was not static and underwent a process of continuous evolution. By the later Vedic period, increasing social hierarchy and a rigid varna system diminished the status of women in society. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/181
This study documents caste-differentiated patterns of information acquisition, Political socialization, and participation among Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) members in rural Haryana. Information ecologies vary across Dalit/Scheduled Caste groups: some rely primarily on newspapers, others on radio broadcasts or locally posted signboards to guide electoral choices. Entry into electoral competition is most often attributed to family political capital and intrinsic interest in politics, and voting is predominantly deliberative, with majorities reporting pre-vote discussion. Repertoires of participation likewise diverge—spanning routine party work to episodic mobilization—yielding uneven levels of activism, organizational embeddedness, and contact with elected representatives (MPs/MLAs). Notably, respondents from several castes report experiences of psychological harassment by dominant-caste actors and exclusion from decision-making fora; however, affiliation with social and political organizations appears to mitigate these disadvantages by cultivating political consciousness. The findings underscore marked intra-Dalit heterogeneity in media use, motivations, and modes of action, with implications for representation and local governance. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/180
Archaeology offers insights into past societies through the study of material remains, but understanding how contemporary audiences perceive and emotionally engage with heritage sites requires an interdisciplinary approach. This study adopts a social science perspective to examine the impact of digital representations of heritage sites in Kerala on memory retention and emotional connection. A structured digital questionnaire was designed to capture participant responses across multiple dimensions, including demographic information, prior engagement with heritage sites, exposure to digital media, memory retention, emotional response, and overall perception of digitally mediated experiences. The survey targeted a diverse sample, encompassing a variety of age groups, genders, professions, and residents from all districts of Kerala. Participants were exposed to virtual reconstructions, 3D models, and multimedia presentations of archaeological sites, and their responses were analysed to identify patterns in recall of historical and architectural details, cognitive understanding, and emotional engagement. The findings indicate that immersive digital experiences enhance memory retention, facilitate comprehension of archaeological information, and foster stronger emotional and cultural connections to heritage sites.This research illustrates the potential of combining archaeological knowledge with social science methodologies to evaluate human engagement with heritage in a systematic way. By providing insights into how digital tools can complement physical site visits, the study offers guidance for educators, heritage managers, and digital developers in designing impactful experiences that promote learning, emotional resonance, and appreciation of Kerala’s rich archaeological heritage. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/179
Black and Red Ware (BRW) represents one of South Asia’s most enduring ceramic traditions, spanning from the third millennium BCE to the Early Historic period. Beyond its typological or chronological importance, BRW offers a rare opportunity to explore the cognitive and neuroarchaeological dimensions of technology how ancient minds interacted with materials, and how such interactions shaped patterns of thought. Drawing on Lambros Malafouris’ Material Engagement Theory (MET) and the core concept of the chaîne opératoire, this paper interprets BRW not merely as a cultural artefact but as a cognitive instrument, revealing how perception, motor control, and symbolic reasoning co-evolved through craft. The framework of MET places cognition in a feedback loop involving brain, body and matter, implying that the act of repeatedly shaping clay, controlling fire, and witnessing the colour shift was not only a technical success but also a neural and sensory experience that reorganised attention and instantiated knowledge. In examining the development of the technology of BRW, the regional difference and symbolic expression, the paper demonstrates that the mind and material are interlocked with each other so that potters could project the abstract concept of change and continuity into clay. By doing so, it argues for an integrated approach where cognitive archaeology and neuroarchaeology converge, revealing that the creation of pottery was also the creation of the mind. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/178
Elephants in India occupied a central position in Military traditions, serving not only as a fearsome animal but also as a symbol of power, majesty, and terror. From as early 4th century BCE, their use in battlefield and siege operations reflects their strength and performance in Indian Warfare. Their presence on the battlefield projected power but also created vulnerabilities which foreign invaders skilfully exploited. This study begins with the early military elephants in Indian warfare, highlighting their use as a mobile fortress and psychological weapons. It then examines how the Ghaznavids adopted and adapted elephants into their tactical systems, and how Ghori transformed elephants from instruments of dominance into liabilities during the Battle of Tarian. Then, how elephants played a strategic defence against the Mongols during the reign of Alauddin, and emblems of sovereignty were maintained through Pil Khana. The study concludes with the invasion of Timur, demonstrating the overdependence of Rulers on elephants and marking the near end of their dominance in Indian Military History. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/177
Awareness and Perception about Cervical Cancer Preventive Vaccines among Women Aged 18-60 in Chennai
Cervical cancer is the second leading cancer among women in India, and the cancer incidence rate in India has increased in the past few years. Cervical cancer-causing infection is known as Human Papillomavirus infection (HPV). The World Health Organisation suggests that vaccination and early screening can prevent the disease. In this regard, the objective of the present study is to examine the awareness and perception of cervical cancer and its related vaccines among women in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. A cross-sectional study was conducted among women aged 18-60. The study is based on Health Belief Model constructs to analyse individuals’ opinions regarding cervical cancer and its preventive vaccine and how government intervention can increase awareness and reduce the cost burden. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/176
The India Middle East Europe Corridor is a watershed moment in the history of Indian economy. It is an ambitious project which aims to bridge the resource rich Middle East to the developing and economically potent India. The dispute between Israel and Palestine has become a major hindrance to the execution of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), thus affecting the trade, logistics, and energy routes connectivity in the whole region. The recommendations for the policy front suggest that, in order to make IMEC's future less vulnerable to the ongoing political and security dilemmas in the Middle East, one should concentrate on enhancing the diplomatic presence, increasing the use of alternate trading routes, and setting up joint logistics systems. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/175
This article examines the synergistic soft power dynamics between India and South Korea, two nations with complementary cultural strengths that enhance bilateral relations and global influence. Drawing on Joseph Nye’s framework, it highlights India’s soft power rooted in ancient heritage—Bollywood’s global appeal, yoga’s universal wellness ethos, and spiritual philosophy, contrasted with South Korea’s modern Hallyu wave, encompassing K-pop, K-dramas, and technological innovation exemplified by brands like Samsung. Historical ties, from 4th-century Buddhist transmission to the legendary Princess Suriratna, provide a foundational anchor, reinforced by modern milestones such as the 1973 diplomatic relations, 2009 CEPA trade agreement, and 2015 Korea-India Friendship Year. The analysis explores institutional mechanisms like the Indian Cultural Center in Seoul and the Korean Cultural Center in New Delhi, which facilitate joint festivals, film co-productions, and educational exchanges. Economic interdependence, with bilateral trade exceeding $23 billion by 2023, amplifies cultural outreach through diaspora networks and corporate initiatives. Shared democratic values and non-alignment principles further solidify this partnership, evident in multilateral forums like ASEAN and the UN. Despite strengths, challenges persist: India grapples with domestic inequalities undermining its image and limited media penetration, while South Korea risks over-reliance on Hallyu amid geopolitical tensions with North Korea and China. Mutual perceptions reveal urban-youth fascination with Korean pop culture in India and growing yoga/Bollywood appreciation in South Korea, though stereotypes linger. Case studies, including the Queen Heo Memorial in Ayodhya and K-pop-Bollywood collaborations, illustrate practical synergy. A comparative assessment underscores opportunities for mutual learning—India adopting South Korea’s coordinated public-private cultural promotion, and South Korea diversifying beyond pop culture with traditional elements. Recommendations urge expanded joint media projects, scholarship programs, and tourism initiatives to sustain momentum. Ultimately, this soft power alliance positions India and South Korea as counterweights to Western cultural dominance, fostering a resilient, multipolar diplomatic model in Asia. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/174
A Study of Western and Traditional Medical Facilities in Jaipur Princely State
Before 1910, healthcare in Jaipur was rooted in indigenous medical traditions. Ayurvedic and Unani practitioners, known as Vaids and Hakims, provided treatments based on centuries-old methods. These practitioners operated without any kind of administration, and were often supported by local communities and patronized by the nobility. The crystallisation of medical services in the Jaipur princely state was done by the efficient administrative setup. The Indian Medical Services and the medical department in Jaipur developed closely together. Highlighting the significance of medical facilities in Jaipur Princely State, this paper explores the comprehensive history of medical facilities in the Jaipur princely state. It focuses on investigating key institutions associated with both modern and traditional medical practices, assessing their contributions to Jaipur's welfare. The study relies heavily on primary sources, including Mahkama Khas documents and Foreign Political Consultation records from Rajasthan State Archives Department website. Additionally, it draws on significant reports such as the Report on the Administration of the Jaipur State, the Annual Report of the Jeypore Medical and Meteorological Institutions, and the Reports on Political Administration of Rajputana States. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/173
This article presents the historical journey of the Magadha Empire's capitals, from Rajagriha to Pataliputra and later to Vidisha. This is not merely a story of capital change, but a symbol of the ongoing process of political, administrative, and cultural development in ancient India. Udayin, ruler of the early Haryanka dynasty, shifted the capital from Rajagriha to Pataliputra around 460 BCE. While Rajagriha's hills provided security, they were obstacles for the expansion and administrative control of the empire. Pataliputra, located at the confluence of the Ganges, Son, and Gandak rivers, made it an excellent hub for trade, communication, and military operations. It was the reason that led to Magadha's emergence as a major power in India, as well as under the Nanda dynasty and then the Mauryan dynasty, Pataliputra flourished and held strong political power. Chandragupta Maurya laid the foundation of a vast empire from here, while under Emperor Ashoka, the city became a centre of governance, religion, art, and international contacts. After the decline of the Mauryan Empire, power passed to Pushyamitra Shunga. The early rulers of the Shunga dynasty, including Pushyamitra and Agnimitra, etc, ruled from Pataliputra, but their political centre gradually shifted to Vidisha in central India. The Besnagar inscription during the reign of Bhagvat Shunga mentions that Vidisha had become the new capital, not only religiously but also politically. Thus, this journey from the natural mountainous security of Rajagriha to the river-based prosperity of Pataliputra and the central Indian stability of Vidisha tells a vivid story of the changing priorities and political conditions of the Magadha Empire and the evolution of the Indian polity. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/172
This paper explores the political nature of cultural identities through the historical development of the Namasudras of Bengal as a socio-political community. Drawing on Antonio Gramsci’s concept of “contradictory consciousness” and insights from Subaltern Studies scholars, it examines how caste, culture, and politics intersected in colonial Bengal to shape the Namasudras’ path from outcast status to an organised political group. The article situates the Namasudra experience within broader theoretical debates on identity, power, and resistance — engaging thinkers such as Louis Dumont, Partha Chatterjee, and Sekhar Bandyopadhyay, alongside global theorists like Benedict Anderson, Ernest Gellner, and Stuart Hall. Through a historical-sociological analysis, it argues that the Namasudra movement exemplifies how cultural identity, far from being an apolitical construct, is produced and transformed through contestations over hierarchy, recognition, and representation. The paper concludes that the Namasudra narrative embodies the essence of Gramsci’s “contradictory consciousness,” in which subaltern political awakening coexists with the internalization of dominant ideology, thereby revealing the dual, dynamic nature of identity politics in colonial and postcolonial India. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/171
Algorithmic Voters and the Future of Democracy in India
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a defining force in India’s electoral democracy, transforming how citizens encounter information, engage politically, and make electoral decisions. The rise of algorithmic campaigning through predictive analytics, deepfakes, and behavioural microtargeting has produced the “algorithmic voter”: a citizen whose political agency is inferred and shaped through opaque computational systems. This paper examines the normative and legal implications of these transformations, analysing India’s evolving data governance architecture, including the IT Rules. Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023, the Information Technology Act, and the Election Commission’s digital conduct rules. Through a comparative lens, it contrasts India’s framework with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to identify key regulatory gaps in addressing algorithmic manipulation and electoral integrity. The analysis argues that India’s current legal order remains largely procedural and reactive, insufficient to protect voter autonomy, informational equality, and democratic legitimacy. It concludes that protecting democracy in the algorithmic age requires not only reforming data protection and electoral laws but reimagining data governance as a domain of democratic accountability. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/170
The paper explores the intricate relationship between history and biography, arguing that biography is not a mere part of history but an integral tool for the reconstruction of the historical past that acts as one of the foundation builders for history writing. It challenges the traditional notion of biography, which many historians considto beo beas nothing but a melodrama of narration full of per details. The study emphasizes the role of biographical writing from the 18th century and by the 20th century how it became an important historiographical tool. This paper raises some of the important questions such as how can a biography act as history? If so, then how? How can it be regarded as one of the primary sources or the secondary sources in writing history? The answer to these questions is drawn upon by studying and analyzing the biographical works on Bhagat Singh which also illustrates how biographical works can shape historical understanding through the lens of an individual’s ideology, motives, and perspectives. This paper also challenges the stereotype that many historians believe that biography is an “inferior type of history” and also highlights the concept of “new biography” that shaped modern feminist ideas. The main feature of this paper is that it explains biography as history through the lens of the Indian context through the example of Bhagat Singh’s life which shaped the social and political history of India. It shows how the biography on Bhagat Singh has led to the rise of concepts such as socialism, marxism, and radicalism in Indian minds and their effects. It rejects the notion that biography is separate from history, but it carries certain limitations that should be kept in mind. DOI: 10.46700/asssr/2025/v7/i2/169