Timeless Traditions

Crafts express a community's true cultural identity. Traditional craft works often depict the social and aesthetic character of a society, and have been sustained over time not only because of their rich symbolic content, but also because of their contribution to the socio-economic growth of the region. The rich cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh is evident from the variety of traditional arts and crafts produced in the state -- from textiles to woodwork, jewellery to leather products, and toys to bamboo products and tribal arts, Madhya Pradesh is a cornucopia of artisanal excellence. Its erstwhile royal rulers were enthusiastic patrons of the arts, commissioning exquisite sculptures, paintings, embroidered textiles and jewellery. This book attempts to bring out the strong socio-economic and cultural factors that have been the inspiration for the evolution of the rich tradition of arts and crafts in Madhya Pradesh. Keeping the. historical and cultural perspective in mind the book looks at how these arts and crafts have developed over time, what their status is today and what the future holds for these aesthetic creations.

The book explores the concept of "luxuries of the past" by delving into 100 aspects of life that were once considered normal but are now regarded as luxuries. Ranging from simple pleasures like leisurely walks to profound experiences like enduring love, each chapter examines how societal shifts, technological advancements, and changing values have transformed these once commonplace elements into rare treasures. Through insightful reflections and engaging anecdotes, the book prompts readers to reconsider their perspectives on modern living and appreciate the richness of life's simple joys. It emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, gratitude, and connection in navigating the complexities of contemporary society while celebrating the enduring value of timeless traditions and human experiences.

This book is about European IR theoretical traditions, their origins, and key figures. Theorizing is among the most important activities that take place within scientific disciplines. Scholars therefore routinely talk/debate about the discipline of IR and its theories, theories are often used to form the pedagogical backbone of IR and theories are also a key part of scholarly identities. Over time, theories crystalize in to schools of thought, strands of theorizing and theoretical traditions. This book and the volumes that will follow focus on the origins and trajectories of theoretical traditions, and key figures of IR thought in Europe in the 20th Century. The authors are situated in Europe, and it is thus the origins and trajectories of European theoretical traditions, its intellectual history and contemporary forms of theoretical knowledge today, that are on the agenda. In order to achieve this ambitious aim, we opt for a transnational sociological history approach, thus going beyond the national lens through which IR has been predominantly studied. The series will have an integrative function and contribute to a globalized discourse on IR as a discipline. The key benefits of this first volume is that it outlines IR theoretical traditions for the first time ever, provides a novel framework for exploring IR’s theories, and contributes to define and strengthen the European identity of IR. This book is an invaluable resource for scholars of IR.

Textiles play a decisive role in history: attire not only indicates status, gender, ethnicity, and religion but illustrates how such boundaries are continuously being negotiated, shifted, and recreated. Fashionable Traditions captures the complex reality of Asian handmade textile production and consumption. From traditionalist discourse and cultural authenticity to fashion and market trends, the contributors to this collection demonstrate the multilayered influence of often contradictory forces. In-depth, ethnographic case studies reveal the entangled relationships between local artisans, external interventions, and consumers, while acknowledging the broader frameworks in which such relationships are situated. Together these stories offer a vivid account of the socio-economic, political, and cultural dynamics in various parts of Asia and emphasize that fashion is neither a Western prerogative nor do its roots reside solely in the West.

"Examples of faux authenticity abound in today's marketplace. Trading on the commercial appeal of the ersatz real, however, is far from a twenty-first century invention. As Consuming Traditions investigates, the allure of commodified nostalgia and the selling of the "genuine" article emerged as powerful forces in early twentieth-century Britain." "Elizabeth Outka redefines the debates surrounding literary modernism and the market as she explores the marketing of authenticity, a crucial but overlooked development in the history of modernity. With an interdisciplinary approach that probes novels, plays, advertisements, and architecture, Consuming Traditions presents a convincing case for how the "commodified authentic" - the selling of objects and places allegedly free of commercial taint - marks a critical turn in modern culture and offers a new way to understand literary modernism and its complex negotiation of tradition and novelty. Drawing on cultural studies, theories of consumerism, and works by Shaw, Forster, Woolf, Joyce, and others, Outka examines how literature both enacted and critiqued the larger revolution in material culture."--BOOK JACKET.

Embark on a captivating journey through the kaleidoscope of Indian wedding traditions with "From Haldi to Honeymoon." This comprehensive guide offers an immersive exploration of the rich tapestry that weaves together the diverse rituals and customs embedded in the fabric of Indian matrimonial celebrations. Delve into the heart of cultural significance as you unravel the pages, beginning with the pre-wedding rituals like the vibrant Haldi ceremony and moving through the sacred vows of the wedding ceremony steeped in Vedic traditions. Traverse the labyrinth of post-wedding customs, savor the opulence of attire and jewelry, and get lost in the enchanting cadence of music, dance, and decor that characterize Indian nuptials. Discover the symphony of flavors in the extensive chapter dedicated to the culinary delights of Indian weddings, from traditional feasts to modern culinary innovations. Immerse yourself in the intricacies of wedding invitations and stationery, and gain valuable insights into managing finances and budgeting for the grand celebration. As the narrative unfolds, witness the evolution of Indian weddings through Chapter 10, exploring modern trends and innovations that are reshaping the landscape of the wedding industry. Navigate the delicate nuances of cultural sensitivities and overcome challenges with grace in Chapter 11. "From Haldi to Honeymoon" is not just a book; it's an odyssey, a visual and intellectual feast that captures the essence of Indian weddings in all their splendor. Whether you're a bride-to-be, a cultural enthusiast, or simply a lover of vibrant traditions, this book promises to be your ultimate guide, offering a panoramic view of the sacred and celebratory moments that define the journey from Haldi to Honeymoon.

As the foundations of the modern world were being laid at the beginning of the 19th century, Annapolis, Maryland, identified itself as the Ancient City. This unusual appellation has served Annapolis into the present as a city that has consistently defined and redefined for itself what being ancient means. The process of historical recognition and preservation that has played out in Annapolis provides valuable insights into the way modern Americans in general have come to know and use the past. Though often conceived to be in opposition, modernity and tradition can be paired as cultural strategies that allow the modern world to be articulated with the tradition it hoped to replace. The multiple histories and historic landscapes derived from archaeological investigations in Annapolis are presented to show that the physical world below the surface of the city has been defined by constructions of modernity in tandem with the survival of certain traditions.