My Research Papers
Patachitra
The two subjects on which I have done research are: (a) The relation between patachitra (a form of art) and Sri Jagannatha, the Lord of the World, whose temple is in Puri, Orissa, and (b) Puranas, the huge mass of literature which are considered the fifth Veda.
Patachitra form of art is an ancient Indian system of painting, principally practised in a small village called Raghurajpur in Puri District of Orissa. It’s not known since when this form of art has been in existence. Each year, when the image of Sri Jagannatha stays outside the temple for a special celebration, thousands of people worship Jagannatha in this patachitra.
Since when has this patachitra form of art come into existence, how has it grown, which cultures has it associated itself with, how has it survived the test of times despite numerous political and social upheavals, what is its relationship with the royal lineage of Orissa, which form of Indian art as a whole is it giving importance to—all these were the topics of my research. The research now under publication in India..Not just that. The Government of India has given that village, where this ancient form of art is living even now, a heritage status. In view of this development, I have studied the changes that have come over in the lives of the artists and their art. My effort is to bring about faith in and respect for this ancient art form.
Puranas
My second research paper is concerning the Puranas, those texts which non-Asian countries name mythology. My idea is, these Puranas are not mere mythologies but ancient historical records. Even today, our social system, moral codes, daily life, and even medicines to cure various ailments depend on the Puranas. However, most people are not concerned about the Puranas. We do not respect the very civilization upon which we stand and the very civilization which nourishes us. My second research paper is about this.
Once upon a time South-East Asia had an advanced culture—perhaps the most advanced in the world. We get glimpses of this advanced culture in the Puranas. My work on this subject is thus a form of paying my tributes to this ancient civilization.
Ramayana
I was interested in how cultures have developed, and how civilizations have sustained themselves. I have studied the Puranas of India, and have understood that these ancient texts have greater value than being mere mythological stories.
When it comes to histories of ancient Aryavarta, the two epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, are enormous tales of the life of races long before our own. Ramayana, especially, though thousands of years old, has been influencing millions all over the world, especially the peoples of Asian countries. Thailand,and many more South East Asian country have their national epic which is based on Indian Epic Ramayana, ex.Thailand national epic is Ramakien, and through art, theatre, videos, and so on, the story of Rama is made living and inspiring to newer generations.
My field now is the study of how the Rama story is influencing races and generations. Completed a brief research on Ramayana influnce on South East Asian countries. It will published soon.
