Cultural Research of Nayar of India

Cultural Research of Nayar of India This research paper provides insights into the Political Organization, Gender Relations, and Beliefs and Values of the agrarian state and cultural practices of the Nayar people of southwestern India. By understanding the Nayar culture, people may better understand and appreciate cultural differences between the Nayar culture and that of their own. In the essay, Some Aspects of Nayar Life Panikkar (1918) states, The Nayars are at present an essentially agricultural population. The vast majority of them are peasant proprietors owning small farms. Rice and coco-nuts are the chief things cultivated, though in North Malabar pepper and card oman have also their share (p.285). It should also be noted that states are much more complex and stratified than chiefdoms, so it is not feasible to rely solely on kinship as a recruitment method. In state systems, land ownership and occupation are at least as important as kinship as a system of organization; the state itself becomes a key institution of organization. (Nowak, et al., 2010, ch.7.8, n. p.). Of particular interest is the fact that the Nayar as with other caste societies, marry within their own caste. While this similarity with other endogamous societies helps to preserve the class of people, the Nayar marriage practices vary considerably from other agrarian states and caste for which I explain later. Political Organization The political system among the Nayar people has as with most cultures that have been the target of colonialism and capitalism, seen considerable change over last several hundred years. Much of the former kinship, matrilineal and political structures and systems of the Nayar culture have all but vanished. Kathleen Gough (1952), stated that Later in the nineteenth century, more deep-rooted economic changes took place, and these have increased in momentum until all the traditional groupings of caste, village and lineage are dis-integrating (p. 79). The political and economic influence during the later part of 19th century by the British probably had the most notable impact on the Nayar people. European military forces and government structures as well as the introduction of machines played a significant role in the changing political and economic structures and systems as well as building of permanent roads and railroads. The introduction of new trading opportunities, realignment of jobs, tighter controls to ensure peace, increased use of monetary currency, and broader reaching governmental jurisdiction across caste and villages played a vital role in redesigning the Nayar culture and politics as well. Evidence of this breaking down of prior systems has been described as The expansion of trade, the introduction of new technological devices, and the opening up of new occupations, produce new economic classes between which there is mobility, and which to some extent cut across the affiliations and ranking of caste. (Gough, 1952, p. 81). Through the elimination of caste ranking, socioeconomic and sociopolitical class rankings no longer limit Nayar people from changing class levels and limits have become more aligned with performance and education. With the introduction of formal government, monetary systems, increased import and export as well as technological advances, the former Nayar methods of controlling the distribution of wealth, food and other trade labor as well as class distinctions have resulted in a more capitalistic society. Along with these changes, the Nayar people are increasingly integrating practices common in more advanced capitalistic and socialistic society forms of government, business, and family relationships. Gender Relations Anthropologists studying the Nayar society of southwestern India continue to struggle with defining certain aspects of gender relations in a western context. One such area of significant interest and difficulty is in contrasting Nayar marriage with marriage in western society and terms. While marriage may be seen by many as a cultural universal even in consideration of variations such as polygamy, the Nayar marriage purpose and experience is quite different from marriages in most other societies. Perhaps, such significant differences would be more understandable if a different term other than marriage was used to represent Nayar marriage. One example of the differences in Nayar marriages as stated by Miriam Koktvedgaard (2008) was that The Nayar of India practiced a form of non-fraternal polyandry in which several men were simultaneously the husbands of one wife. Usually only the first husband underwent a ritual marriage with the woman before she entered puberty (p.11). This cultural practice appears to be an extraordinary characteristic of the Nayar unlike most other marriage constructs. Not so much perhaps as a woman having multiple simultaneous husbands although rare, but having ritual marriages with a woman that has not reached puberty. In order to further elaborate on the marriage of girls that have not yet reach puberty, I should explain that Before a girl reaches puberty, a Nayar girl is married to a man as a rite of passage. The man she marries has no rights to the girl, and she has no obligation to him. When she is older, the girl is allowed to enter into other marriages and have children with those husbands. (Nowak, et al., 2010, ch 7.8, n.p.) Anthropologist suspect that by maintain a loosely committed marriage relationship with both men and women being sexually active with other mates or spouses, it allows men to stay away for long periods of time with little affect on the family system. Another characteristic of the Nayar gender relationship was with regard to the definition of the domestic unit or nuclear family in that The central Nayar domestic unit consisted of a mother, her daughters and their children; husbands and wife did not set up house together (Koktvedgaard, 2008, p. 11). While for some it may be difficult to show proper respect for the differences in marriage practices and to fully comprehend how the standard definition of a domestic unit that does not include a husband or father could exist, these are important distinctions remain. Interactions by an outsider with beliefs that differ from Nayar gender relations and beliefs could easily produce criticisms or a sense of condemnation which could quickly derail otherwise honest attempts at gaining progress or cooperation. It has been recognized however that the influence of British colonization and the exposing of criticisms and by force that the matrilineal change to patrilineal form of family organization has been made. Beliefs and Values Over thousands of years of considerable influence by mainstream religious faith denominations such as Christianity, Judaism, and Hinduism, the Nayar have been substantially un-phased in adopting one of the recognized religions. Evidence of the lack of adoption of a primary religion by the Nayar is stated as Nothing shows so much the extreme persistence of primitive culture, even in the face of higher civilising agencies, than the wide and almost universal acceptance of spirit-worship, and the almost entire absence of religious life among the Nayars after at least twenty centuries of contact with Hinduism Panikkar, (1918), p.277. While the Nayar do use Hindu temples for worship and ceremonies, the nature of these particular practices are not recognized under any Hindu creed or other religion for that matter. The Nayar belief in magic and spirit worship continues although they are recognized leaders in literature and music within their culture and subsequently would not be considered uncivilized. Another characteristic of the Nayar people is where they fit within a caste society. A caste is an endogamous social grouping into which a person is born and within which a person remains throughout his or her lifetime. It is an ascribed position. (Nowak, et al., 2010, ch 7.8, n.p.). Within these groupings, marriages and other interactions which were tightly controlled even forbid physical touch across caste. With the capitalistic evolution and exposure to western culture, the adherence too many of the cross-caste practices continue to see change. The impact on discussions or considerations concerning life, business or religion with Nayar people considering both the likely absence of common religious beliefs and belief in magic and spirit worship could be significant. Consider a Christian believer entering into discussion with a Nayar community by condemning Nayar core religious beliefs in hopes of collecting contributions for acquiring land for a new church. In this example, it is unlikely this approach would succeed given criticism of beliefs as a basis for support. If religious beliefs vary as significantly as I have described, what is valued is also in conflict. These differences would then become obstacles in coming together towards common goals if not taken into consideration prior to presenting a position introducing mutually beneficial outcomes in which both parties increase items or results of value. Conclusion The Nayar depended largely on rice for food and to a lesser extent vegetables, fish, and poultry. The formation and growth of families was largely relative to the amount of land they owned and the class of house. The ownership or family structure that developed as a result was more of a community or corporate type of ownership model which was significantly linked to the women and her side of the family in years past. The Nayar are heavily involved in politics and other forms of industrialized production observable by the number of local printing businesses while continuing their tradition of agriculture. In many ways, the Nayar people and culture has adopted many aspects of American and European culture. By gaining a better understanding of the Nayar political organizations, gender relations, and beliefs and values, people from other cultures will better understand and appreciate the cultural differences. This enhanced awareness will be beneficial in helping to offer solutions to problems in government, business growth, housing, and as other forms of industry are introduced or sought out.

Renaissance and Discovery

Renaissance and Discovery I The Renaissance in Italy A. The renaissance was the period when people began to adopt a rational and statistical approach to reality and rediscovered the worth and creativity of the individual. Most scholars agree that the Renaissance (which meaner â€Å"rebirth† in French) was a transition from medieval to modern times. Before the change, Europe was a fragmented feudal society with an agricultural economy with a church who dominated their thoughts and culture. Once the change happened, Europe was a growing nation, an urban economy, and people had new opinions on thought, culture, and religion.The Italian Renaissance began with the deaths of Patriarch (the â€Å"father† of humanism) and Biochip (author of the Decadence). With that, the Florentine humanist culture spread through Italy and into northern Europe. Scholars considered ‘civic humanism' describe the coalescence of humanism and civic reform. 1 . The Renaissance first shaped up w ithin the merchant cities of late medieval Italy. Italy had a cultural advantage over the rest of Europe because it had a natural gateway between East and West.Once commerce revived on a large scale, their merchants quickly mastered the business skills in organization, book keeping, cutting new markets, and securing monopolies. The trade-rich cities became powerful city-states and dominated the political and economic life around the area. The endemic warfare spawned assisted the growth of Italian cities and urban culture. The factions might have subdued the cities as they permitted each other to concentrate on. Instead, they decided to weaken each other which strengthened the merchant oligarchies of the cities.Unlike cities which were dominated by kings and princes, the Italian cities remained free to expand their own. Five major, competitive tastes evolved: the duchy of Milan, the republics of Florence and Venice, the Papal States, and the kingdom of Naples. Social strife and compe tition for political power intensified that most evolved into despotisms in order to survive. Florence was the best example of social division and anarchy. Four social groups existed within the city; the old rich, or grand, the nobles, and merchants who ruled the city.In the late 13th and early 14th centuries they began to challenge the old rich for political power. In 1457 about 30,000 people were officially considered paupers, which meant having no wealth at all. These divisions caused conflict to every level of society which added to fear of foreign intrigue. True stability did not return until the ascent to power of the Florentine banker and statesman in 1434. Medici was the wealthiest Florentine and natural statesman who controlled the city internally behind the scenes, manipulating the constitution and influencing elections.A council which was known as the Signora governed the city, these men were chosen from the most powerful guilds representing the major clothing industries, or other groups like bankers, judges, and doctors. Medici was able to keep councilors loyal to him in the Signora. His grandson Lorenz the Magnificent ruled Florence in almost totalitarian fashion during the last chaotic quarter of the 15th century. To prevent internal social conflict and foreign intrigue from stopping their cities, the dominant groups installed hi strongmen or despots. Their purpose was to maintain law and order.Since despots couldn't count on the loyalty of the populace, they worked through mercenary armies through military brokers known as conditioner. Not only was a despot subject to dismissal by oligarchies which hired him, but he was also a popular object of assassination attempts. Most city-states' ambassadors not only represented them in ceremonies and negotiations, but became their watchful eyes and ears at rival courts. Such widespread support occurred because of the main requirement for patronage of the arts and letters was what Italian cities had in abu ndance:great wealth. . Some scholars believe humanists were the champions of Catholic Christianity, opposed to the pagan teachings of Aristotle and the Scholasticism his writings nurtured. To others, it was a neutral form of historical scholarship adopted to promote above all sense of responsibility and political liberty. Humanism was the study of the Latin and Greek classics and the ancient Church Fathers for its own sake and in hope of reviving respect ancient norms and values. The Florentine Leonardo Bruin gave the name humanists to the learning that resulted from scholarly pursuits.Bruin was a star student of Manuel Chrysalis, the Byzantine scholar who opened the world of Greek scholarship to humanists when he taught in Florence. The first humanists were orators and poets who wrote original literature in classical and vernacular languages inspired by and modeled on the newly discovered works of the ancients. The study of classical and Christian antiquity existed before the Itali an Renaissance. These precedents only partially compared with the achievements of the Italian Renaissance of the 14th/1 5th centuries.Unlike their Scholastic rivals, humanists were less bound to recent tradition; nor did they focus their attention on summarizing and comparing the views of recognized authorities. Italian humanists made the full riches of Greek and Latin antiquity available to contemporary scholars. Patriarch was the â€Å"father of humanism. † He was involved in a popular revolt in Rome and served the Viscount family in Milan. His most famous contemporary work was a collection of highly introspective love sonnets to a certain Laura, who was a married woman he romantically admired from a distance.His critical textual studies, elitism, and contempt for the learning of the Scholastics were later shared by humanists. He was far more secular in orientation than his near-contemporary Dante Aligner. He had also been an avid collector of manuscripts and also assembled an encyclopedia of Greek and Roman mythology. The goal of humanist studies was wisdom eloquently spoken, both knowledge of the good and the ability to move others to sire it. Pitter Paolo Verger left a summary of the humanist concept of a liberal education. The ideal of a useful education and well rounded people inspired far- reaching reforms in traditional education.Vitiation ad Felt exemplified the ideals of humanist teaching. He had his students read the difficult works of various writers and subjected his students to vigorous physical exercise and games. Balderdash Castigation's Book of the Courtier illustrates, the rediscovered knowledge of the past was a model and a challenge to the present. The successful courtier is to be one who knows how to integrate knowledge of ancient languages and history with athletic, military, and musical skills, while at the same time practicing good manners and exhibiting a high moral character.After the fall of Constantinople to the Turks, many Greek scholars fled to Florence for refuge. This became the background against which the Florentine Platonic Academy evolved under the patronage of Cosmic De' Medici and the vision of Amarillo Fiction and Pico Della Miranda. Renaissance thinkers were attracted to the Platonic tradition and to those Church Fathers who tried to synthesize Platonic philosophy with Christian teaching. The appeal of Platonism lay in its flattering view of human nature.It's distinguished between an eternal sphere of being and the perishable world in which humans lived. Strong Platonic influence is evident in Picot's Oration on the Dignity of Man. Pico wrote the Oration as an introduction to his pretentious collection of nine hundred theses. Palpation's teaching depicted humans as the only creatures in the world who possessed the freedom to be whatever they chose and be at will to rise to the heights of angels. The humanists could become critics of tradition even when that was not their intention.Dispassio nate critical scholarship shook long standing foundations, not at the least of which were those of the medieval church. Lorenz Villa revealed the explosive character of the new learning. Although a Catholic, he became a hero to Protestant reformers. Humanists believed education should promote individual virtue and public service, hence civic humanism. Toward the end of the Renaissance, many humanists became cliquish and snobbish, and intellectual elite more concerned with narrow scholarly interests and writing pure, classical Latin than with revitalization civic and social life. . In Renaissance Italy, the values and interests of the laity were no longer subordinated to those of the clergy. This development was due in part to the church's loss of international power during the great crises of the late Middle Ages. This new perspective on life is prominent in the painting and sculpture of the high Renaissance when art and sculpture reached their full maturity. Renaissance artists wer e helped by the development of new technical skills during the 1 5th century in addition to the availability of new materials.Leonardo ad Vinci was a true master of many skills and one of the greatest painters of all time. His inventive mind foresaw modern machines as airplanes and submarines. Raphael was a man of kindness and a painter of great sensitivity, he is famous for his tender Madonna's and the great fresco in the Vatican which was a perfect example of Renaissance technique. Michelangelo excelled in a variety of arts and crafts. His David showed a great example of Renaissance devotion to harmony, symmetry, and proportion, all serving the glorification of the human form.His works were later more complex and suggested deep personal changes which marked artistically and philosophically, the passing of High Renaissance painting and the advent of a new Tyler. 4. Throughout the Renaissance, slavery flourished Just as extravagantly as art and culture did. Contemporaries looked on such slavery as a merciful act since their captors would otherwise have killed the captives. After the Black Death reduced the supply of laborers, the demand for slaves became higher. Slaves were imported from Africa, the Balkans, Constantinople, Cyprus, Crete, and the lands surrounding the Black Sea.Owners had complete dominion over their slaves which meant the power to â€Å"have, hold, sell, alienate, exchange, enjoy, rent or UN-rent, dispose of in their wills, edge soul and body, and do with in perpetuity whatsoever may please them and their heirs and no man may gainsay them. † Tartars and Africans appeared to have been the worst treated but in ancient Greece and Rome, slaves were generally accepted as family members and integrated into households. Not few women slaves became mothers of their masters' children.Fathers often adopted children of such unions and raised them as their legitimate heirs. Slaves remained a foreign and suspected presence in Italian society as upro oted and resentful people. B. Italy's Political Decline: The French Invasions (1494-1527) . Italy had always relied on internal cooperation for its peace and safety from foreign invasion (by the Turks). This was maintained during the second half of the fifteenth century thanks to an alliance known as the Treaty of Load. Around 1490 hostilities between Milan and Naples resumed.The peace that the Treaty of Load made possible ended in 1494 when Naples threatened Milan. Ludicrous made made a fatal response to these political alignments by appealing to the French for aid. Breaking an Italian rule, he invited the French to re-enter Italy and revive their dynastic claim to Naples. He hadn't noticed that France also had dynastic claims to Milan or how there would be more French territory once they encamped in Italy. 2. The French king Louis XSL resisted the temptation to invade Italy while keeping French dynastic claims in Italy alive.Such appeasement only brought about Pier's exile by a ci tizenry that was revolutionized by a radical Dominican preacher (Savonarola). Savonarola convinced the fearful Florentine that the French kings arrival was a long-delayed and fully Justified divine vengeance on their immorality. This allowed Charles to enter Florence without resistance. N the end, the Florentine proved not to be the stuff theocracies are made of. After the Italian cities reunited and ousted the French invader, Savonarola days were numbered. Eventually he was imprisoned and executed. Ludicrous IL Moor desired a French invasion only so long as it weakened his enemies, he saw events created by himself which threatened Milan. In reaction, he Joined the League of Venice which was strong enough to send Charles into retreat and end the menace he posed to Italy. 3. The French returned to Italy under Charlie's successor, Louis XII. Probably the cost corrupt pope who ever sat on the papal throne, he openly promoted the political careers of Cesar and Lucrative Boring.In Roman the pope's ally within the League of Venice continued to contest the Papal States for their loyalty. Seeing that French alliance would allow him to reestablish control, Alexander secured French favor. He annulled Louis Xi's marriage to Charles Vic's sister so he could marry Charlie's widow (Anne of Brittany). Most important Alexander agreed to abandon the League of Venice. In exchange, Cesar Boring received the sister of the king of Invader. Cesar also received land grants from Louis XII and the promise of French military aid in Roman.All was a scandalous trade-off that made it possible for the French king and the pope to realize their ambitions within Italy. In 1500 Louis and Ferdinand of Argon divided Naples between them and the pop and Cesar Boring conquered the cities of Roman without opposition. Alexander victorious son was given the title â€Å"duke of Roman. † 4. Cardinal Giuliani Della Rover succeeded Alexander VI as Pope Julius II. Julius raised the Renaissance papac y to its peak of military prowess and diplomatic intrigue, gaining him the title of â€Å"warrior pope. This humorous account purported to describe the pope's unsuccessful efforts to convince Saint Peter that he was worthy of admission to Heaven. Pop Julius drove the Venetians out of Roman and fully secured the Papal States. Realizing this long sought papal goal, he turned to the second major undertaking of his pontificate: ridding Italy of his former ally, the French invader. The French were nothing besides persistent. They invaded Italy a third time under Louse's successor, Francis l. The victory won the Concordat of Bologna from the pope in August 1516.This concordat helped keep France Catholic after the outbreak of the Protestant Reformation, but the new French entry into Italy set the stage for the first of four major wars with Spain in the first half of the sixteenth century. 5. The foreign invasions made shambles out of Italy. Machiavelli was more convinced through the more he saw. He became the Italian political unity and independence were ends which Justified any meaner. Machiavelli was impressed by the way Roman rulers and citizens defended their homeland. They possessed the ability to act decisively and heroically for the good of their country.Such romanticizes of the Roman past exaggerated both ancient virtue and contemporary failings. He also held republican ideals which he didn't want to vanish from Italy. He believed a strong and determined people could struggle successfully with fortune. He scolded the Italian people for the self-destruction their own internal feuding was causing. He wanted an end to that behavior so a reunited Italy could drive all foreign armies out. It's been argued that he wrote The Prince as a cynical satire on the way rulers behave and not as a serious recommendation of unprincipled despotic rule.But Machiavelli seems to have been in earnest when he advised rulers to discover the advantages of fraud and brutality. He app arently hoped to see a strong ruler emerge from the Medici family which had captured the papacy with the pontificate. At the same time, they retained control over the powerful territorial state in Florence. The Prince was pointedly dedicated to Lorenz De' Medici, duke of Robin, and grandson of Lorenz the Magnificent. The second Medici pope watched helplessly as the army of Emperor Charles V sacked Rome was also the year of Machiavellian death.

A Secret Weapon for Toefl Essay Topics Examples

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USDA Loans and Grants for Single Family Home Repair

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers low-interest loans and grants to very-low-income homeowners in eligible rural areas for certain improvements to their homes. Specifically, the USDA’s Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants Program offers: Loans to qualified very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes. Loans may be used to repair, improve, or modernize the home, or to remove health and safety hazards from the home.Grants to qualified elderly very-low-income homeowners. Grants must be used to remove health and safety hazards from the home. Who Can Apply? In order to qualify for loans or grants, applicants must: Be the homeowner and actually live in the home;Be a citizen of the United States or reside in the United States after having been granted legal permanent resident (green card) status;Be financially unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere;Have a combined family income below 50% of the area median income; andFor grants, be age 62 or older and be financially unable to repay a conventional home repair loan. What is an Eligible Area? USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants Program loans and grants are generally available to homeowners in rural areas with community populations of less than 35,000. The USDA provides a web page where prospective applicants can check their address to determine their eligibility online. Within the population limit, loans and grants are available in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas and the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands. How Much Money is Available? Loans of up to $20,000 and grants of up to $7,500 are available. However, a person age 62 or older may be eligible for combined loans and grants totaling up to $27,500. What are the Terms of the Loans or Grants? Compared to conventional home repair loans, with interest rates averaging over 4.5%, the terms of the USDA loans are very attractive. Loan interest rates are fixed at 1%.Loans can be repaid over a period of 20 years.Full title service is required for loans of $7,500 or more. (Title service fees are costs associated with issuing a title insurance policy for the lender.)Grants have a lifetime limit of $7,500.Grants do not have to be repaid unless the house is sold in less than 3 years.If the applicant can repay part, but not all of the costs, the applicant may be offered a combination of a loan and a grant. Are There Deadlines to Apply? As long as Congress continues to fund the program in the annual federal budget, applications for the loans and grants can be submitted year around. How Long Does the Application Take? Applications for loans and grants are processed in the order they are received. Processing times may vary depending on the availability of funds in the applicant’s area. How Do You Apply? To begin the process, applicants should meet with a USDA home loan specialist in their area for help with the application. What Laws Govern this Program? The Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants Program is authorized and regulated under the Housing Act of 1949 as amended (7 CFR, Part 3550) and House Bill HB-1-3550 - Direct Single Family Housing Loans and Grants Field Office Handbook. Note: Since the above laws are subject to amendment, applicants should contact USDA home loan specialist in their area for current program details.   Other Government Sources of Loans and Incentives Besides the USDA’s home repair loans and grants programs, financial help for home repairs or modifications is available from other government sources. Some programs are available nationwide, while others are only available at the state or county level. The HUD Title 1 Property Improvement Loan program offers loan amounts and repayment terms based on the type of property. HUD insures private lenders against loss on property improvement loans they make.HUD’s 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program allows qualified homebuyers and homeowners to finance up to $35,000 into their mortgage to repair, improve, or upgrade their home.Information about home repair or improvement assistance available through local county government housing departments can be found at the various state Department of Housing and Urban Development offices. Help for Certain Demographic Groups The Department of Veterans Affairs Home Loans Service offers loans for all qualified veterans and specially adapted housing grants to disabled servicemembers and veterans to help purchase or construct an adapted home, or modify an existing home to accommodate their disability.The U.S. government’s Eldercare Locator website offers tips on home safety and assistance in finding local home improvement loan programs in its Home Repair and Modification section.Native Americans can learn more about how to qualify and get housing improvement grants and loans from the Public and Indian Housing (PIH) Customer Service Center.