Sugar is a commonplace item in daily life. Local varieties of sugar have been used before colonial times, i.e. 1757. This study explores the colonial sugar industry’s production methods, trading networks, and socio-cultural impact in Kotchandpur, which is part of the Jashore district of Bangladesh. Bengal’s sugar industry, especially the date palm-based ‘Dhulua sugar,’ has received little scholarly attention, while the state’s salt sector has been extensively recorded. This study recounts the early participation of European traders who switched from indigo to sugar production following the Indigo Revolt and locates relics of 19th-century sugar factories, particularly in Solemanpur, using historical documents, archaeological evidence, and ground surveys. Kotchandpur became a significant hub for the production and trade of sugar, exporting to Kolkata and Nalchiti through rail and river systems. It looks at how manufacturing methods have changed throughout time, highlighting the shift from conventional practices to contemporary sugar mills following World War I. The study focuses upon an attempt to understand the impact of the sugar industry on social life, such as on local employment, education, entertainment, and urban growth. How the Newhouse-McLeod family’s participation had a big impact on Kotchandpur’s 1883 transition from a rural village to a municipal town, observing this was also a focus. Overall, this research work highlights the social impact and conserving the industry’s legacy and suggests methods for reviving the defunct sugar industry using contemporary methods and cultural preservation.

Keywords: date-sugar industry, colonial period sugar history, dhulua sugar, trade system, social impact.

The research paper describes the iconographic form and characteristics of a sculpture displayed in the Rani Mahal Museum located in Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh. This rare sculpture is related to the story of the birth of Shri Krishna, one of the most important deities in Hinduism. This sculpture is unique in itself because such a sculpture has probably not been found from any other place. On the basis of iconographic characteristics, the museum has dated the sculpture as belonging to the Chandela period. According to ancient Indian literary texts such as the Bhagavata Purana and other ancient texts, Krishna was born in the ancient city of Mathura and his parents’ names were Devaki and Vasudeva, but he was brought up by Yashoda and Nanda, residents of Gokul. Krishna’s birth is celebrated as a symbol of divine love and wisdom and the victory of good over evil. This story highlights the cosmic struggle between divine forces and demonic forces embodied by King Kansa. King Kansa was the brother of Devaki and maternal uncle of Krishna. This paper explores the mythological and symbolic significance of Krishna’s birth, and its relevance to Hindu theology, philosophy and culture. It also analyses the cultural and artistic expressions of Krishna’s birth. This research paper is based on the historical research methodology of social sciences.

Keywords: Indian Art, Iconography, iconography of Krishna Birth, Hindu Mythology, Ancient literature.

Buddhism, originating in the sixth century BCE in India under Gautama Siddharta, not only emerged as a transformative religious and philosophical system but also functioned as a conduit for cultural exchange and diplomacy across Asia. Rooted in principles such as the Four Noble Truths, the Middle Path, and the Bodhisattva ideal, Buddhism gained prominence through royal patronage from Indian dynasties including the Mauryas, Shungas, and Guptas, which facilitated the construction of stupas, monasteries, and educational centres like Nalanda. Ancient travelers and scholars, notably Fa Hien, Sung Yun, and Xuanzang, documented these developments while transmitting Buddhist texts, relics, and art to China, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, highlighting the religion’s role in fostering interregional connections. The diffusion of Buddhist iconography, literature, and practices across kingdoms illustrates its capacity to unify diverse cultures while encouraging intellectual and artistic growth. The paper also briefly examines contemporary manifestations, including Buddhist tourism and global summits, reflecting enduring influence. This study aims to explore Buddhism as both a spiritual tradition and a bridge connecting ancient India to the wider world.

Keywords: Ancient India, Buddhism, Culture, Diplomacy, Silk Road, World.

The sector of fisheries and aquaculture provides employment to over 600 millionpeople across the globe. As per the 2024 reports of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), women constitute almost half of the total workforce in this sector. In India, the contribution of women exceeds that of more than 66% of the total workforce. Women in this sector often face sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace that not only affect their professional growth but also leave psychological impacts as well. In this paper the issues faced by fisherwomen of India will be discussed with the help of the artworks of B. Prabha, which act as the reflections of the social realities of Indian fisherwomen. She, being one of the foremost modern women painters of India, consistently depicted fisherwomen as central subjects in her canvases. Through elongated forms, subdued tones, and a focus on everyday toil, she gave visibility and dignity to women otherwise sidelined in both art and society.

Keywords: B. Prabha, Fisherwomen, Gender in art, Invisible Labour, Modern Painting.

The term ‘early medieval’is applied in Indian history to the period extending from circa 600 to 1200 CE. It symbolises a phase of transition between the ancient and the medieval times that was not only marked by the emergence of distinctive regional entities but also witnessed the evolution of different regional temple styles in different parts of the Indian subcontinent. The Nagara style of temple architecture saw its fully matured form in the temples of Orissa and Khajuraho and its influence spread across the temples of eastern India i.e. Bengal and Assam. Regional variations nevertheless marked the Nagara temple architecturalstyle of Eastern India.In this regard, the region of lower Assam—especially in the undivided Goalpara district comprising of Goalpara, Pancharatna, and Abhayapur has provided evidence of several temples that were constructed in imitation of the temples of Odisha and Khajuraho. Among these, the Ganesh Temple of Abhayapuri–Lalmati stands out for its architectural and stylistic uniqueness. The present paper makes an attempt to identify the distinctive architectural features of the temple and also to examine its regional traits.

Keywords: Architecture, Sculpture, Temple, Regional, Medieval.

During the period fourth-eighth century CE, the taxation system of Nepal was regulated according to Hindu tradition. From literary works and inscriptional evidences, it is recognised that Bh?gabhoga-Kara-Pi??aka taxes were well known at that time both in India and in Nepal. But the terms such as Si?tukara (tax on fowls) ,Chailakara (tax on clothes), Mallakara (tax on fishes or animals) etc are found only in the inscriptions from Nepal. In this paper an attempt has been made to discuss about the different types of taxes imposed upon the people of Nepal (naipalebhya) at that time on the basis of inscriptional evidences. The main objective of the taxation system of the Lichchhavi period was to strengthen the public treasury. They donated lands for repairing temples, canals etc. and declared that from the earnings of the lands general people have to continue further repairing.

Keywords: Bh?gabhoga-Kara-Pi??aka, Mallakara, Chailakara, Nepal, Inscription.

Burhiaai’r Xadhu, a collection of stories compiled by Lakshminath Bezbarua was published in 1911 and is seen as an important cornerstone of Assamese literature. The stories contained therein have been narrated to every child within an Assamese household since then and are seen as an integral part of the Assamese folk lore tradition. Most of these stories are part of an oral tradition, reflecting the cultural norms of the region which Bezbarua collected and presented in an accessible form to an audience, thereby establishing a canon of children’s literature. Since these stories are reflective of everyday life of the common folk of Assamese society, this paper will seek to critically analyze certain aspects of gender and patriarchy that are embedded within these tales. Ideas of traditional femininity and the imposition of a patriarchal code of conduct where a woman’s worth is dependent upon her looks, behavior or modesty, is a recurring trope of these tales. Similarly the binaries of ‘good women’ and ‘bad women’ are introduced to children through these stories where invariably the ‘bad women’ always get punished for their transgressions. Marriage is portrayed as the ultimate reward while violence and suffering are shown as tests of virtue that contribute to their moral development. Male characters in the stories are often portrayed in a powerful position- as a father or king/prince who determines the woman’s fate. Since these are stories narrated to children, they also serve as tools of gender specialization and a reflection of 20th century gender norms.

Keywords: Folklore, Literature, Gender, Patriarchy.