Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge (IJTK)

Content December 2024

Charu Lata — 2024-12-18

Author Index December 2024

Charu Lata — 2024-12-18

Subject Index December 2024

Charu Lata — 2024-12-18

Annual Content December 2024

Charu Lata — 2024-12-18

Annual Author Index December 2024

Charu Lata — 2024-12-18

Annual Subject Index December 2024

Charu Lata — 2024-12-18

Annual Referee List January to December 2024

Charu Lata — 2024-12-18

A report on the International conference on “Communication and Dissemination of Traditional Knowledge (CDTK-2024)”

Charu Lata — 2024-12-18

Maesa benghalensis: Unlocking the hidden nutritional treasures and medicinal potential of an underutilized wild vegetable from Manipur, India

Ashiho Asosii Mao — 2024-12-18

This study assessed the nutritional composition, minerals, amino acids, anti-nutritional qualities, toxicity, and antioxidant activities of Maesa benghalensis, a wild edible plant from Manipur, India. Standard techniques were used for proximate analysis, minerals content, and anti-nutrient composition. HPLC analysis was conducted for vitamins, phenolics, and free amino acids using a Dionex Ultimate 3000 liquid chromatograph. The plant exhibited diverse mineral concentrations and a significant protein level (3.10±0.09%). Eighteen free amino acids were identified, with the highest amount of L-histidine (2.68 μg/mg) in the water extract and the lowest amount of L-methionine in the benzene extract. The aqueous extract showed substantial phenolic (36.08±1.92 mg/100g) and flavonoid (19.94±2.35 mg/100g) contents. Water-soluble B vitamins were present in varying amounts (0.24-18.49 mg/100g), along with a high concentration of vitamin C (93.67±4.12 mg/100g). The aqueous extract contained abundant phenolic compounds, such as syringic acid (18.01±0.33 µg/mg dry extract) and quercetin (37.56±0.53 µg/mg dry extract). The levels of antinutrients and heavy metals were below harmful thresholds, and the toxicity study confirmed the plant's safety for human consumption. These findings highlight the potential of M. benghalensis as a health food, nutraceutical, and dietary supplement, with prospects for development and commercialization in Manipur and neighboring regions.

The effectiveness of homeopathic food according to the Thai traditional medicine combined with the therapeutic lifestyle changes diet intervention in people with dyslipidemia

Alongkote Singhato — 2024-12-18

Thai traditional medicine (TTM) has the homeopathic food suggestion focusing on food taste derived from local herbs and vegetables used as food ingredients to encourage the health condition of each of 4 main elements; earth, aqua, wind, and heat. Dyslipidemia is one of the huge public health problems in Thailand that can be relieved by medical nutrition therapy (MNT) based on the therapeutic lifestyle changes diet (TLC diet) guideline. This study aimed to integrate homeopathic food according to TTM and MNT based on the TLC diet in people with dyslipidemia. Totally 192 participants were recruited and further sampled into 4 main element groups. In each group, participants were sampled into 2 subgroups (24 in each intervention group and 24 in each controlled group). Participants in the intervention groups received MNT based on the TLC diet by the dietitian and intake of the provided homeopathic foods according to their main element for 12 weeks, while control group received MNT based on TLC diet only. Results revealed that participants in the intervention groups were significantly lower on triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and total cholesterol than control group in almost all main element groups at the endpoint (p<0.05). In addition, participants in the intervention group of the wind element group were significantly higher on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) than controlled group at endpoint (p<0.05). The findings from this study concluded that integration between homeopathic food according to TTM and MNT based on TLC diet intervention is effective to improve blood lipid profiles in people with dyslipidemia.

Physical properties of selected South Indian heritage paddy varieties

Priya Dharshini Veerarragavan — 2024-12-18

There is an increasing trend in the production processing and marketing of traditional crops with a special focus on rice in the southern peninsular region of India. In this context, the current study was carried out to evaluate the dimensional, gravimetric, and frictional characteristics of selected eleven heritage paddy varieties in both raw and parboiled conditions adopting standard procedures. Among the dimensional properties, the L/B ratio classified Muttrinasannam, Thanga samba, and Basmati into an extra-long slender category with reduced volume both in the raw and parboiled conditions. In contrast, bold varieties (Mapillai samba) recorded an increase in volume both in raw and parboiled conditions. The geometric aspect ratio value recorded for Basmati was the lowest indicating good rolling properties in both the raw and parboiled conditions. The traditional rice varieties, Mapillai samba (30.18 g) and Kattuyaanam (30.03 g) scored high for thousand grain weight in raw and parboiled conditions respectively, which is a positive parameter for marketability. A strong correlation has been observed between volume with and surface area, volume with geometric mean diameter and surface area in both raw and parboiled conditions. The present study provides insights on varying post-harvest processing suitability of traditional rice varieties of south India.

Indigenous pest management practices in rice ecosystem of Assam, India

Indrajit Barman — 2024-12-18

The indigenous pest management practices (IPMPs) adopted in rice farming in Assam were identified along with the farmers’ perception levels on their efficacy and the scientific rationality as judged by the agricultural scientists. Data were collected from 120 farmers of Nalbari district and validated by 25 scientists of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat.
The result reveals that out of 33 identified practices, - 6 are highly effective and 10 are moderately effective as perceived by the farmers. A total of 21 practices have been rated to be rational by most of the scientists. Out of the 8 plant-origin IPMPs, all were rational with high and medium efficacy score, whereas out of 16 cultural IPMPs, only 6 (37.5%) were rational with only 2 practices with high and medium efficacy. No botanical practice was judged as irrelevant by any scientist.
The effective and rational practices may be validated further in other agro-climatic regions in order to popularize them as a part of Integrated Pest Management module. The rational IPMPs can also be screened to assess its efficacy against the recently invaded crop-pests in Assam.

The contribution of traditional knowledge systems to sustainable urban development: The case of the historic settlement of Sille

Gülşen Dişli — 2024-12-18

Traditional Knowledge Systems (TKS) encompass the indigenous knowledge, techniques, values, customs, and ethics developed and preserved by native inhabitants over centuries. Analyzing these systems helps transmit them to future generations while enhancing their adaptability to contemporary designs. This research focuses on TKS in Sille, a historical settlement in Konya, Türkiye, aiming to increase awareness and establish their connection with sustainable development. Through archival and literature research, field observations, and interviews, the study identifies Sille’s traditional construction techniques, cultural practices, and methods of food production and preservation. Findings reveal that these practices are deeply tied to the region’s natural environment, including its climate, topography, and ecology. They also align harmoniously with ancestral customs, traditions, and rituals. Despite their richness, Sille’s TKS face threats from modernization and the pressures of increased tourism. With each passing day, unique elements of this heritage are being lost, underscoring the urgent need for protection through qualified area management planning. This study highlights the importance of documenting and preserving Sille’s TKS to safeguard its original values. By integrating this knowledge into sustainable urban development strategies, the research also explores practical solutions compatible with the historic urban fabric of the region. Overall, it emphasizes the potential of blending traditional wisdom with contemporary approaches to address ecological and cultural challenges.

Traditional threads: Kovai Kora cotton saree

Kanimozhi J — 2024-12-18

Tamil Nadu boasts a rich cultural heritage that has developed over the years. Tamil Nadu's handicrafts and handcrafted clothing are arguably the most abundant expression of Tamil culture. Saree is considered to be an asset in Indian women’s life and it speaks about the art and culture. In Tamil Nadu, sarees show intricate design with unique characteristics
Tamil Nadu sarees are distinctive in their cultural significance, designs, and weaving techniques. The cultural identity has been preserved through the generations-long transmission of weaving techniques and patterns. These sarees plays a major role in weddings, Festivals like Pongal and Temple rituals, symbolizing purity and prosperity. Sarees like Kanjeevaram sarees are a staple for weddings and auspicious occasions, Chettinad cotton sarees represent traditional south
Indian Aesthetics, Madurai Sungudi sarees for casual and festive occasions, Kodambakkam silk Sarees bridge the
tradition with modern fashion Trend, Kovai Kora cotton valued for their comfort touch of tradition. This review articles deals with the historical origin, geographical indication, product specification, production process and uniqueness of
Kovai Kora cotton saree.

Defining creativity in Kangri: Innovation of change in the Kashmir Valley

Asim Sikandar Mir — 2024-12-18

This article explores an innovative solution to address a century-old design limitation in the traditional Kashmiri Kangri, a cherished winter essential in the region. The introduction of the "Spill-proof Kangri" design, based on the principles of gyroscopic effect and gimbal lock, has successfully mitigated the issue of spillage, making it safer and more user-friendly. The National Innovation Foundation - India (NIF) has filed and successfully defended a patent to protect this intellectual property and has actively supported its diffusion. Research into technology standardization and feedback from trials in the Kashmir valley have been encouraging, emphasizing the enhanced safety standards and potential for cultural preservation. The Spill-proof Kangri design represents a significant case of incremental innovation, highlighting the need for holistic development and adaptability in the value chain. It also underscores the importance of bridging the gap between innovations from the informal sector and formal scientific research. Collaboration is encouraged to disseminate this innovation and benefit end-users while preserving cultural traditions.