Summary of the Article on Translation in South Asia

In a lecture during the 1990s in Montreal, author Amitav Ghosh explored the literary roots of his career, emphasizing the significant role of translation in connecting diverse stories across cultures and languages. He highlighted two fundamental influences—European novels translated into Bengali and ancient Indian tales, such as the Panchatantra, which traveled through centuries and various languages. Ghosh posited that the essence of many narratives resides in translation, a perspective supported by researcher Hephzibah Israel, who articulated the complexities involved in the process, particularly in the Tamil context where translation is viewed as a disruptive act.

Key Points:

• Amitav Ghosh cited European novels and ancient Indian tales as early literary influences.
• Translation serves as a crucial link across diverse cultures and narratives.
• The Tamil term for translation, "molipeyarppu," implies a nuanced understanding of translation as a transformational act.

Translator Arunava Sinha's realization of the distinct process of translation was sparked by reading Gabriel García Márquez’s "One Hundred Years of Solitude," which he understood was originally written in Spanish. This acknowledgment pushed him towards a career in translation, raising essential questions about language, agency, and accessibility in a linguistically diverse South Asia.

Key Points:

• Sinha's encounter with Márquez’s work opened his awareness to the process of translation.
• Questions of language selection and accessibility remain pertinent, especially for India’s non-scheduled languages.

Rita Kothari acknowledged the challenges in pinpointing the origins of translation in South Asia. The interplay between oral and written traditions complicates traditional views of translation. Kothari emphasized how oral narratives coexisted with written forms, shaping the region's identity through translation long before formal practices emerged.

Key Points:

• Identifying a singular origin for translation in South Asia is complex due to oral traditions.
• Oral translations challenge the legitimacy attributed to written forms.

Notably, Emperor Ashoka's edicts, which were multilingual, reflect early translation practices, as do interpretations seen during the Bhakti movement. The complex relationship between translations from Sanskrit and other languages during colonial times, particularly as a method of control and codification of local cultures, further illustrates the politics of translation.

Key Points:

• Emperor Ashoka's inscriptions serve as early examples of multilingual translation.
• Translation played a critical role in colonial governance, impacting cultural perceptions and legal systems.

Throughout the 20th century, translation activities became increasingly intertwined with cultural identity and politics. However, the practical realities of translation remain problematic, with imbalances in representation among regional languages apparent in translated works.

Key Points:

• Translation became a symbol of cultural identity and patriotism in 20th-century India.
• Disparities exist in translation prevalence among regional languages, with some receiving significantly more attention than others.

As challenges persist, including the impact of AI on translation, both Sinha and Siddiqi voiced concerns over the limitations of AI in capturing the emotional and cultural nuances essential to literary translation.

Key Points:

• AI struggles to translate literary texts accurately due to its inability to grasp cultural nuances.
• Experienced translators emphasize the importance of emotional depth in translations.

In conclusion, translation remains an intricate act, rich with cultural significance and creative potential, highlighting the intertwined identities of languages and communities in South Asia. The evolution of translation continues to shape literary landscapes while revealing the intricacies of cultural transmission.

Key Points:

• Translation is a creative act that enhances the original text.
• A good translator must engage deeply with the source material, suggesting that love for the text is crucial for effective translation.

A recent gathering of the Toda tribe, one of the oldest indigenous groups in The Nilgiris, took place in the ancient hamlet of Melgaa(r)sh for a sacred ritual known as a re-thatching ceremony of a Toda temple. This event occurs every 15 years and is significant in maintaining the cultural practices of the Toda community.

Key Points:

• Significance of Location: The ceremony took place at Melgaa(r)sh, the main hamlet of the Toda patriclan, located above the Ooty Botanical Garden.
• Ceremonial Attire: Men participated in traditional ceremonial shawls alongside avful, a special swamp grass endemic to The Nilgiris.
• Traditional Architecture: While modern homes have replaced traditional bamboo-vaulted structures, the temples still follow ancient building practices using local materials like cane, bamboo, and avful.
• Ceremony Details: The re-thatching ceremony consists of multiple stages, involving specific rituals such as bending bamboo (theff) and using avful for thatching, all of which are integral to the structure's resilience and shape.
• Cultural Importance: Elderly men of the clan are responsible for intricate thatching tasks and maintain oral traditions through songs during construction. The Toda culture intertwines significantly with the local environment, reflecting a long-standing connection with the natural world.
• Ecological Concerns: The availability of essential materials like rattan cane and avful has diminished due to environmental changes, including the flooding of wetlands and the rise of plantations, impacting the Toda's access to traditional building resources.
• Community Preservation: The Toda Nalavaazhvu Sangam, led by figures such as Tarun Chhabra, works actively to preserve the culture and ecological knowledge of the Todas, reinforcing their traditional practices while promoting conservation efforts.

This sacred tradition exemplifies the rich cultural legacy of the Toda tribe and underscores the challenges they face regarding ecological changes and modernity.