Mandyam B Rajani

High-performance thin-layer chromatographic method for estimation of rutin in medicinal plants

A sensitive high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method has been developed for estimation of rutin. The method was validated for precision (intra- and inter-day), repeatability, and accuracy and then adopted for estimation of the rutin content of the leaves of Tephrosia purpurea, Leptadenia reticulata, and Ruta graveolens. The method was found to be accurate, precise, and suitable for estimation of rutin in medicinal plants.

Epicentres of missing daughters: Geo-spatial dimensions of the child sex ratio in India

The spatial spread of the female child deficit in India has been explored in terms of hot spots (with high deficits) and cold spots (with more female-favourable child sex ratios). It has been argued, using the Census of India data from individual censuses, that there is a contagion effect for both hot spots and cold spots. This paper takes this discussion forward by asking whether such an effect can be seen across censuses. To do so, it develops the concept of an epicentre to see whether a hot or cold spot in one census spreads shock waves across a wider region in later censuses. The longitudinal analysis of child sex ratios over three censuses—1991, 2001 and 2011—shows that the hot spots are epicentres for the spread of female child deficits, while the cold spots display a reverse effect.

Multispectral Remote Sensing Data Analysis and Application for Detecting Moats Around Medieval Settlements in South India

This work explores the potential of multispectral imagery in identifying dried and buried moats, and possibly any adjacent fortifications of medieval sites in South India. Vegetation marks in the form of geometrical patterns have been one of the key signatures indicating archaeological sites. To explore this three of well known sites from Karnataka in south India–Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura–were chosen as their historical accounts mention that they were townships which had circumscribing artefacts such as fort/wall or moats that at present are not easily detected from conventional exploration. These three sites belong to Hoysala dynasty, a period when a systematic town planning was followed based on cultural aspects such as the religion or faith followed by the inhabitants of respective sites. Traces of specific configuration of moats can be detected around each of them. The present work investigates the possibility of identifying these artefacts on space imageries through spatial and spectral distinction along with synoptic views and use of appropriate image processing and analysis techniques.

The need for a National Archaeological database

India’s economic development is evident in its industrial growth, extensive transportation network, and rapidly expanding cities, towns and villages. While this growth has numerous positive aspects, it also has the potential to cause irrevocable damage (directly or indirectly) to rich archaeological heritage of the country. The present study makes three contributions. First, it examines several archaeological sites where economic developmental activities have caused significant damage. Second, it demonstrates how the risk of further damage can be minimized using geospatial solutions to protect and manage such sites. Third, it conceptualizes a framework for incorporating spatial and non-spatial knowledge of archaeological sites into a National Archaeological Database. We propose that this national archive should be made publicly accessible under the Digital India programme, where it can assist decision makers (development authorities, state departments, etc.) and help citizens plan for future economic growth while preserving the fragile remnants of our past.