Abstract
This paper compares the female protagonists in "The Barking" and "The Breast Giver" and highlights how these characters are placed in the stories as metaphors and symbols for the cultural divisions in their society. The paper demonstrates the large disparity between those from lower incomes vs. those living the life of wealth.

Outline:
Introduction
Thesis
Critique of the Protagonists

From the Paper
"A classic example of the cultural divide in post-colonial India is reflected in the actions of the son-in-law of the elite culture (the Haldar family is a microcosm). He runs over Jashoda's husband's feet and shins with an automobile. On page 226 Devi writes that the driver "...breathed relief as he saw that his Studebaker was not much damaged..." - and the upshot of his accident is that Jashoda is now forced to become a baby factory and to suckle dozens of babies."

Tags:culture, society, wealth, status, India, Germany

Abstract
The paper considers Devi's "Imaginary Maps" and Tagore's "The Home and the World", to illustrate how the experience of women under the conditions of colonialism is the very same under the contemporary circumstances of globalization. The paper explains how globalization allows multinational corporations to easily afford to outsource manufacturing operations, and describes how this causes the third world countries to be exploited, with the women who have to work who are the most harmed. The paper clearly shows how the creation of these globally-scaled economic circumstances is similar to colonialism, where exploitation is viewed as profitability.

From the Paper
"One of the inevitable consequences of a globalizing production market is its inevitable tilting of the economic scales even further in favor of larger retail operations at the direct expense of smaller ones. Independent businesses have struggled to compete with those multinational corporations that can so easily afford to outsource manufacturing operations to smaller markets where premium prices are more accessible. The consequence is a market created almost exclusively for competition between our largest firms, with one byproduct of this being an exploitation of the seemingly bottomless well of nations volunteering labor-based production operations at low, low costs."

Tags:multinational, corporations, outsourcing, human, rights, third, world

Abstract
This paper explains that "Ramayana" mirrors humanity perfectly: each of its main role players, including the monkey-king Hanuman, the King of Birds, Garuda, and even the lowly squirrel that helps Ram build the bridge to Lanka, are embodiments of the human characteristics of goodness. The author points out that this book is an enjoyable read, while sacrificing none of the religious, cultural, or moral aspects of the story. This paper explores the character of Ravana, the demon king, who is the very epitome of evil.

From the Paper
"The relationship between Ravana and his brothers is also intriguing. Vibishana was the very antithesis of Ravana. He loved his brother but was also disturbed by what he had done. He counseled his brother to return Sita to Rama. Failing that, he then went over the side of Rama. Vibishana was of tremendous help to the forces of good. He served in many significant ways. He confided in all of Ravana's strengths and weaknesses. In return, he was promised the throne of Lanka. On the other hand, Ravana's second brother Kumbhakarana was endowed with exclusively demonic attributes. Through years of meditation, he had elicited the boon of immortality. The Gods fearing this had caused him to sleep for millennia. Being awakened before his time would be his only Achilles heel."

Tags:ravana, king, brother, characteristics, devi

Abstract
In this paper the author examines how British rule has made an impact on Indian politics. Making comparison to Abdullah Hussein's characters in "Weary Generations", the author suggests that British rule, in modern Indian politics, continues to be "an unhappy marriage that still is not broken". The second section of the paper discusses political institutions in contemporary India and their relevance, whilst the third section looks at Indian ancient civilization which the author suggests has led to a modern day philosophy of non-violence, religious tolerance. The paper concludes with a look at democracy in India as compared to that in China and Japan.

From the paper:

"The English made many external changes that led to the Indian people's desire and ability to become their own unified country. Although unification may never have happened without the influence of the British, it was the Indians themselves that eventually achieved their unity. The British could not completely unify India."

Tags:abdullah, hussein, weary, generations, cannadienne, ornamentalism, empire, capitalism, rule, of, law, democracy, colonial, dalit, protective, discrimination, phoolan, devi, criminalization, gandhi, sakas, huns, pathans, mughals, rabindranath, tagore, bharat, tirtha, pilgrimage, china

Abstract
A very involved and thorough examination through both primary and secondary textual sources of the figure of the Goddess within Hindu tradition. A history of Hinduism and the development of its deity plurality is outlined, with specific reference to the many and varied female deities. A more detailed history of the development of goddesses is included, outlining the symbolic and mythical purpose of the female figure to the male figure. The Shakti principle is discussed, along with specific Hindu philosophy as found in the numerous Puranas, or Hindu texts. The importance of the female aspect in life as creator is highlighted specifically in regards to the Tantric tradition. The paper's final conclusion outlines the underlying, two-fold way in which the Goddess has gained theological significance within the Hindu tradition.

From the Paper
"Goddesses have been worshiped throughout the world for thousands of years. However unlike most cultures, goddess worship persisted within the Hindu tradition and continued in to modern times using a combination of both traditional and original forms. Today goddesses exist alongside masculine deities as some of the most important figures within the Hindu pantheon. The Hindu tradition itself has not remained unchanged however. What is understood as "Hinduism" today has been the result of a dynamic and ever-changing tradition which continues to evolve and adapt as time progresses. The nature of this spirituality is therefore such that it almost becomes impossible to identify one religion or one tradition that can be truly identified as "Hindu." Similarly, the concept of the goddess figure within this tradition has also changed, her theology evolving to reflect the differing stages of the Hindu tradition. As such, the significance of the goddess today does not reflect an accurate account of her historical place within this tradition. To discover the significance of the goddess today an exploration of the development of Hinduism is necessary, as well as an understanding of the transformation the goddess figure underwent from individuated identity to unified "goddess" energy. This will thus lay the foundation for an examination of the two prime theological functions to which the goddess became attached for within the Hindu tradition."

Tags:brahman, deities, devi, hinduism, purana, shakti, tantra