“Rhythm,” “Beat,” and “Freedom” in South Asian Musical Traditions

2019 ◽  
pp. 314-336
Author(s):  
Richard K. Wolf
Keyword(s):  
South Asia ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Regional Differences ◽  
South India ◽  
Art Music ◽  
Musical Traditions ◽  
Asian Music ◽  
North And South

This chapter argues that a family of common rhythmic conceptions underlies many of the musical traditions of South Asia despite sometimes dramatic regional differences in language, culture, and religion. Two contrasting kinds of rhythmic representation are examined: one that objectifies through names and numbers, and one that points toward freedom and resists numeration. Evidence for the first is drawn from the analysis of ritual drumming in India and Pakistan as well as concepts and structures in the art music traditions of North and South India. The second concerns both drumming and the elastic rhythm of rāga ālāpana. Examination of a range of data turns many common conceptions of rhythm, beat, and freedom in South Asian music on their heads.

South Asia

2020 ◽  
pp. 542-573
Author(s):  
Mehrdad Shokoohy ◽  
Natalie H. Shokoohy
Keyword(s):  
South Asia ◽  
South Asian ◽  
South India ◽  
Uttar Pradesh ◽  
Second Century ◽  
Archaeological Survey ◽  
Historic Sites ◽  
North And South ◽  
The Way

In South Asian archaeology, Buddhist and Hindu sites and monuments dominate, while Muslim ones, with the exception of a few grand edifices, have never been given the priority they deserve. In India, there has been little significant excavation of any Muslim sites, but during the British period the major ones were gradually identified, some of the better-preserved monuments were restored, while the ruins, if regarded as significant, were cleared of debris and rudimentary efforts made to preserve the standing remains. After Partition, the Archaeological Survey of India continued to maintain Muslim sites such as those in Delhi; the forts and monuments of Bidar, Bijapur, Daulatabad, and Gulbarga in the Deccan; scattered remains in Gaur and Pandua (the site of Laknautī, the Muslim capital of Bengal); and the monuments in Jaunpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Sasaram in Bihar. The monuments of Ahmadabad and some other towns of Gujarat have been more extensively studied. Whatever has been undertaken in the way of fresh exploration in North and South India has been mainly by independent scholars and experts. In Pakistan, some excavation has been carried out in the early Muslim sites, including at Banbhore, the site of the ancient port of Daibul, and at Brahmanābād, the site of al-Manṣūra, the seat of the Arab governor of Sind, both dating from the first and second century of the Hijra. In Bangladesh, the historic sites already restored before Partition have been maintained, but funds and resources to carry out fresh excavations or restoration are lacking. Much is left for present and future archaeologists to explore.

scholarly journals Tracing the biogeographical origin of South Asian populations using DNA SatNav

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ranajit Das ◽  
Priyanka Upadhyai
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
South Asian ◽  
South India ◽  
Indian Subcontinent ◽  
Population History ◽  
Genetic Admixture ◽  
Indian Populations ◽  
Asian Populations ◽  
South Indian ◽  
North And South

AbstractThe Indian subcontinent includes India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka that collectively share common anthropological and cultural roots. Given the enigmatic population structure, complex history and genetic heterogeneity of populations from this region, their biogeographical origin and history remain a fascinating question. In this study we carried out an in-depth genetic comparison of the five South Asian populations available in the 1000 Genomes Project, namely Gujarati Indians from Houston, Texas (GIH), Punjabis from Lahore (PJL), Indian Telugus from UK (ITU), Sri Lankan Tamils from UK (STU) and Bengalis from Bangladesh (BEB), tracing their putative biogeographical origin using a DNA SatNav algorithm - Geographical Population Structure (GPS). GPS positioned >70% of GIH and PJL genomes in North India and >80% of ITU and STU samples in South India. All South Asian genomes appeared to be assigned with reasonable accuracy, along trade routes that thrived in the ancient Mauryan Empire, which had played a significant role in unifying the Indian subcontinent and in the process brought the ancient North and South Indian populations in close proximity, promoting admixture between them, ~2300 years before present (YBP). Our findings suggest that the genetic admixture between ancient North and South Indian populations likely first occurred along the Godavari and Krishna river basin in Central-South India. Finally our biogeographical analyses provide critical insights into the population history and sociocultural forces driving migration patterns that may have been instrumental in shaping the population structure of the Indian subcontinent.

scholarly journals Metrical Distinctiveness of Indian Crania Demonstrated through Stepwise Multivariate Classification

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 69
Author(s):  
Pathmanathan Raghavan ◽  
Gayathiri Pathmanathan
Keyword(s):  
South Asia ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Discriminant Function Analysis ◽  
South India ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Great Variability ◽  
Correct Identification ◽  
Correct Classification ◽  
Index Analysis

Our previous metrical study of Indian crania from across the South Asian subcontinent found great variability within all of the series, combined with average trends whereby the Indian series resemble each other and contrast with series outside of South Asia. This contribution confirms the craniometric distinctiveness of Indian crania, notwithstanding their intra-series variability, through stepwise discriminant function analysis of the six best sampled series from northern and South India. The proportion of crania from places beyond South Asia classified as Indian is negligible, while over 90% of Indian crania are correctly identified as Indian. This correct identification of Indian crania is enhanced amongst those specimens whose possession of pronouncedly Indian craniometric attributes is revealed through index analysis. By extrapolation, index analysis may also assist the correct classification of non-Indian populations that also are craniometrically distinct. Further, Indians’ craniometric distinctiveness aligns with genetic evidence for the predominantly indigenous ancestry of Indians who speak Indo-Aryan and especially Dravidian languages.

Regional differences in ischemic stroke in India (north vs. south)

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 706-714 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vishnu Y Venugopalan ◽  
Rohit Bhatia ◽  
Jeyaraj Pandian ◽  
Dheeraj Khurana ◽  
Subhash Kaul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Regional Differences ◽  
South India ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
National Level ◽  
Large Artery ◽  
Large Country ◽  
Indian Patients ◽  
North And South

Background India is a large country with geographically diverse populations and varying risk factors. Identification of regional differences can improve healthcare policy decisions. Aim To study regional differences in stroke between North and South India. Methods We analyzed data from the Indo-US Collaborative Stroke Project, a National Institute of Health-funded multicentre prospective study conducted in five academic centers in India with a US-based coordinating center. Risk factors, severity, mechanisms, management, complications, and outcomes among ischemic stroke patients were compared between North and South Indian centers. Results Of the 2066 patients enrolled from North ( n = 1060) and South India ( n = 1006), North Indian patients were significantly older with fewer men and had lower rates of diabetes (32.8% vs. 38.7%, p < 0.01), dyslipidemia (3.5% vs. 25.7%, p < 0.01), tobacco use (27% vs. 38%, p < 0.001), and alcohol use (30.1% vs. 38.6%, p < 0.01). North Indian patients had higher median National Institute of Health stroke scale scores (10 vs. 9, p < 0.01), more frequent large-artery atherosclerosis mechanism (34% vs. 25.6%, p < 0.001), intravenous thrombolysis (14.0% vs. 6.1%, p < 0.001), and lower rates of pneumonia (10.5% vs. 15.1%, p = 0.02). The three-month outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2, 45.8% vs. 50.3%, p = 0.08) did not differ; however, North Indian patients had higher 90-day mortality (23.5% vs. 13.5%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions The substantial regional differences in stroke risk factors and mechanisms may be partly explained by factors such as differing dietary habits and lifestyle, which can be addressed at a national level. Differences in acute and inpatient stroke care suggest a need for better adoption of national stroke management guidelines.

scholarly journals Is Complex Music Socially Significant? Doing Ethnomusicology in South Asia

2013 ◽  
pp. 44-69
Author(s):  
Regula Burckhardt Qureshi
Keyword(s):  
South Asian ◽  
Music Theory ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Social Orientation ◽  
Culturally Appropriate ◽  
Complementary Role ◽  
The Social ◽  
Musical Traditions ◽  
Asian Music

In this article, four cases of ethnomusicological research on South Asian music are presented to substantiate the social essentiality (Wesentlichkeit) of music, and therefore the complementary role of a socially-grounded approach to studying complex musical traditions. Historiographically, it is argued that this social orientation progresses logically from, and is in keeping with, the growing cosmopolitan reality of musical scholarship and of music itself. Ethnomusicology draws resourcefully from its rich, inter-disciplinary heritage of musicology, music theory, anthropology, and area studies to yield tools of musical description and analysis that are culturally appropriate, culture-specific and yet cross-cultural, this paving a foundation for a truly comparative—and "Adlerian"— musicology.

«Имперский синдром»: концепция османского халифата на Ближнем Востоке и в Южной Азии (первая четверть XX в.)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.A. Kirillina ◽  
A.L. Safronova ◽  
V.V. Orlov
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
South Asia ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Political Role ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Aspect Interaction ◽  
Muhammad Rashid Rida ◽  
Political Actions

Аннотация В статье изучены общие и специфические черты идейных воззрений, пропагандистской риторики и политических действий представителей халифатистского движения на Ближнем Востоке и в Южной Азии. В ретроспективном ключе прослеживается эволюция представлений о сущности и необходимости возрождения института халифата в трудах исламских идеологов, реформаторов и политиков Джамал ад-Дина ал-Афгани, Абд ар-Рахмана ал-Кавакиби, Мухаммада Рашида Риды, Абул Калама Азада. Внимание авторов сосредоточено на общественно-политических дискуссиях 2030-х годов XX столетия, а также на повестке дня халифатистских конгрессов и конференций этого периода. На них вырабатывались первые представления современников о пост-османском формате мусульманского единства и идейно-политической роли будущего халифата. Авторы демонстрируют различие между моделями реакции мусульман Ближнего Востока и Южной Азии на упразднение османского халифата республиканским руководством Турции. Установлена многоаспектная взаимосвязь между халифатистскими ценностями, проосманскими настроениями и формами самоотождествления, которые сложились в арабских и южноазиатских обществах. Отдельно намечено соотношение между подъемом халифатистских настроений и радикализацией антиколониальных действий мусульман Индостана.Abstract The article deals with analysis of common and specific features of ideas, propaganda, rhetoric and political actions taken by representatives of the movement for defense of the Caliphate in the Middle East and South Asia. The retrospection showing the transformation of conception of the Caliphate and the necessity of its revival in the works of eminent ideologists and politicians of the Muslim world Jamal al-Din al-Afghani, Abd al-Rahman al-Kawakibi, Muhammad Rashid Rida and Abul Kalam Azad, is also given in the article. The authors also focus on the social and political discussions of the 1920s 1930s, as well as on the agenda of Caliphatist congresses and conferences of this period. They helped to elaborate the early representations of post-Ottoman pattern of the Muslim unity and the ideological and political role of the future Caliphate. The authors demonstrate the difference between the forms of reaction of Muslims in the Middle East and South Asia to the repudiation of the Caliphate by the Republican leaders of Turkey. The article establishes a multi-aspect interaction between the Caliphatist values and forms of self-identification, emerged in Arab and South Asian societies. The correlation between the rise of Caliphatist attitudes and radicalization of anti-colonial actions of South Asian Muslims is also outlined.

Emerging Trends of Artificial Intelligence in South Asia and its Implications for Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaza Arif
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
South Asia ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Counter Measures ◽  
China And India ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
Military Modernization ◽  
Offensive Realism ◽  
Strategic Balance ◽  
Full Swing

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a breakthrough technology which is astonishingly impressive. Major world powers are rapidly integrating AI in their military doctrines. This trend of militarization of AI can be seen in the South Asian region as well. Following the theoretical approach of offensive realism, China and India are in full swing to revolutionize their militaries with this emerging trend in order to accumulate maximum power and to satisfy their various interests. Consequently, Indian military modernization has the potential to provoke Pakistan to take counter measures. Pakistan is already encountering a number of challenges in economic sector and will face the strenuous task of accommodating a handsome financial share for the development of its AI capabilities. South Asia is a very turbulent region characterized by arch rivals who are also nuclear powers and have repeatedly indulged in various crises over the years. Introduction of AI in South Asia will have significant repercussions as it will trigger an arms race and at the same time disturb the strategic balance in the region.

Influence of Ageing and Regional Differences on Draught Performance of Umblachery Cattle

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (02) ◽  
pp. 42-45
Author(s):  
Devi M Kousalya ◽  
S.M K Karthickeyan ◽  
R Venkataramanan ◽  
S N Sivaselvam ◽  
K G Tirumurugaan
Keyword(s):  
Pulse Rate ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Regional Differences ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
South India ◽  
Middle Age ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Morphometric Traits ◽  
Maximum Power Output ◽  
Effects Of Aging

An attempt was made to assess the effects of aging, regional differences, and draught load applied on draught potential of Umblachery cattle, an important draught breed of South India. Age had a highly significant effect (p less than 0.01) on all morphometric traits, stride length, and significant effect (p less than 0.05) on pulse rate after work. The middle age group (5.0 to 7.5 years) with more substantial stride length was identified as the critical productive age group for draught ability. Regional differences had a highly significant (p less than 0.01) influence on stride length, horsepower, and a significant effect (p less than 0.05) on pulse rate after work. The optimum draught load with which Umblachery breed could give uniform and maximum power output was found to be around 75 to 78 kg.

The Baluch, Sunnism and the State in Iran

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphane A. Dudoignon
Keyword(s):  
South Asia ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Social Life ◽  
The State ◽  
First Century ◽  
Local Democracy ◽  
Oasis Area ◽  
Shed Light

Since 2002, Sunni jihadi groups have been active in Iranian Baluchistan without managing to plunge the region into chaos. This book suggests that a reason for this, besides Tehran’s military responses, has been the quality of Khomeini and Khamenei’s relationship with a network of South-Asia-educated Sunni ulama (mawlawis) originating from the Sarbaz oasis area, in the south of Baluchistan. Educated in the religiously reformist, socially conservative South Asian Deoband School, which puts the madrasa at the centre of social life, the Sarbazi ulama had taken advantage, in Iranian territory, of the eclipse of Baluch tribal might under the Pahlavi monarchy (1925-79). They emerged then as a bulwark against Soviet influence and progressive ideologies, before rallying to Khomeini in 1979. Since the turn of the twenty-first century, they have been playing the role of a rampart against Salafi propaganda and Saudi intrigues. The book shows that, through their alliance with an Iranian Kurdish-born Muslim-Brother movement and through the promotion of a distinct ‘Sunni vote’, they have since the early 2000s contributed towards – and benefitted from – the defence by the Reformist presidents Khatami (1997-2005) and Ruhani (since 2013) of local democracy and of the minorities’ rights. They endeavoured to help, at the same time, preventing the propagation of jihadism and Sunni radicalisation to Iran – at least until the ISIS/Daesh-claimed attacks of June 2017, in Tehran, shed light on the limits of the Islamic Republic’s strategy of reliance on Deobandi ulama and Muslim-Brother preachers in the country’s Sunni-peopled peripheries.

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