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Scholar@UOC is the primary academic repository of the University of Calicut.

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Arabic poetry in Kerala and its role in documenting events and calamities with special reference to poet Kottoor Alavikkutty Moulavi
(Madeenathul Uloom Arabic College, University of Calicut, 2025) Muhammed Ali M.; Muhammes Ali, N.
This dissertation examines Arabic poetry in Kerala and its role in documenting events and calamities, with special reference to the poet Kottoor Alavi Kutty Moulavi It is an academic study that highlights the status of Arabic poetry in Kerala and its cultural and documentary role across the ages. The research has been prepared for submission to the Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Arabic Language and Literature at Madeenathul Uloom Arabic College, Pulikkal, affiliated with the University of Calicut, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Arabic Language and Literature. The study demonstrates that Arabic poetry in Kerala originated and flourished more than five centuries ago in a fertile scholarly and cultural environment, which contributed to the emergence of a large number of writers and poets who gained renown in both Arab and non-Arab circles. The scholars of Kerala adopted Arabic as a medium to express their ideas, emotions, and aspirations, indicating the deep-rooted presence of the Arabic language in religious, social, and intellectual life, and its use in everyday interactions as well as in scholarly and literary composition. The research also highlights the distinguished position attained by poetic works produced in Kerala, in terms of the diversity of their themes and their adherence to the various classical Arabic metres. At the same time, these works employed local melodies and rhythmic patterns that reflect the cultural specificity of Keralite society. The themes of this poetry range from religious and social concerns to national issues, in addition to the expression of individual and collective experiences, reflecting the vitality of the poetic scene and the multiplicity of its intellectual and artistic trends. The study focuses on the analysis of selected contemporary poetic samples collected from primary sources through personal interviews and digital communication. It provides biographical accounts of the poets and an assessment of their literary contributions, along with an analysis of the thematic content of their poetry, particularly in relation to the poetic documentation of events and calamities in a powerful and evocative style. Among the most prominent poets examined is Kottoor Alavi Kutty Moulavi, whose poetry encompasses a wide range of social, political, cultural, religious, educational, and historical themes. He also composed short didactic poems for children in concise metres and limited lines, incorporating educational content and riddles, set to short chants based on metres such as ramal, hazaj, and rajaz. The study is divided into four main chapters. The first chapter explores the emergence of Arabic poetry in Kerala and its development under the influence of Islamic presence and educational traditions that contributed to the flourishing of the Arabic language. The second chapter discusses the role of Kerala’s poets in documenting historical events and natural and social calamities through their poems, which combined aesthetic expression with a documentary function. The third chapter is devoted to the life of Moulavi Alavi Kutty Kotturi, examining his educational background, literary activities, and the distinctive features of his poetic personality. The fourth chapter presents an analysis of a selection of his poems that address events and calamities experienced in Kerala, highlighting how the poet portrayed collective suffering and articulated it in a poetic language with both humanistic and documentary dimensions. The study concludes that Arabic poetry in Kerala—particularly the poetry of Moulavi Alavi Kutty Kotturi—has played a significant role in documenting the social and emotional history of the Muslim community. It deserves further scholarly attention as an integral part of the Arab-Islamic heritage in the Indian subcontinent
Pharmacognostic characterization phytochemical profiling and biological activities of selected species of syzygium gaertner myrtaceae endemic to western ghats
(Government Victoria College Palakkad, University of Calicut, 2026) Snehalatha, V. R.; Rasmi, A. R.
The genus Syzygium, known for its diverse medicinal applications, is represented by numerous endemic species in the Western Ghats. This study focused on the morpho- anatomical, pharmacognostic, and bioactive profiling of three such endemic species: S. laetum, S. occidentale, and S. palghatense. Detailed macroscopic examination revealed distinctive morphological features, including leaf shape, venation, and flower structure, that aid in species differentiation. Microscopically, variations in stomatal type, secretory structures, and crystal deposition were observed, reflecting their adaptation to the humid evergreen forest ecosystem. Histochemical studies demonstrated the presence of pharmacologically significant compounds such as tannins and oils, while powder microscopy and fluorescence analysis provided unique diagnostic markers for quality control. Physicochemical analyses showed significant nutritional and chemical differences across species, with S. laetum leaves rich in phenolics and vitamin C, S. occidentale bark high in fibre and minerals, and S. palghatense bark showing elevated extractive values and mineral content. A novel aspect of this study was the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using methanol extracts of S. palghatense bark. Comprehensive bioactivity assays revealed that these AgNPs exhibit potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, and anticancer activities. The antioxidant capacity of the AgNPs surpassed standard antioxidants in free radical scavenging assays, while antimicrobial tests demonstrated broad-spectrum efficacy, including disruption of biofilms by pathogenic bacteria. Anti-inflammatory assays showed multi-target enzyme inhibition comparable or superior to conventional drugs. The anthelmintic effect on Lumbricus terrestris was rapid and potent, and cytotoxicity assays on cancer cell lines indicated significant induction of apoptosis. The biological activity studies revealed that silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from the methanol extract of S. palghatense bark exhibited significantly higher activity than both the isolated compound and the crude methanol extract alone. The enhanced efficacy of AgNPs is due to their nanoscale size, which improves bioavailability and interaction with biological targets. Among tested activities, AgNPs showed superior antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, andanticancer effects, followed by the isolated compound and lastly the crude extract. This demonstrates the promising potential of green-synthesized nanoparticles to amplify the therapeutic effects of natural plant compounds. Complementing experimental work, molecular docking and dynamic simulations provided mechanistic insights into the interaction of key phytochemicals and isolated compounds with protein targets, advancing the potential for drug discovery. The compound 2-Phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one, isolated from S. palghatense, consistently exhibited strong bioactivities across assays. This study not only clarifies taxonomic ambiguities through integrated morpho-anatomical and pharmacognostic data but also highlights the high medicinal potential and ecological importance of these Western Ghats endemics. Ultimately, the research supports their sustainable utilization in developing novel phytomedicines and nanomedicines, fostering conservation and validating traditional medicinal claims.
Access participation and diversity among learners in primary schools of Kerala
(Department of Education University of Calicut, 2026) Abdunnasar N; Hameed, A
Education plays an important role in promoting equality, social justice, and unity in a diverse society like India. Schools are the first formal institutions where children from different socio-cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds come together and learn to live in harmony. In recent years, concerns about increasing private unaided schools and related issues have been raised by many social critics like Soman Kadalur and others, which may lead to cultural compartmentalisation and reduce interaction among students from different socio-cultural and religious backgrounds. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to examine the extent of access, participation, and socio-cultural and religious diversity among learners in different types of schools in Kerala. Several educational reforms and programmes have been implemented to improve the quality of school facilities in Kerala. The ASER report (2024) shows that enrolment among childrenaged 6-14 remains above 98% in Kerala. But disparities are still reported in infrastructural facilities, curricular and co-curricular opportunities, and inclusion of diverse practices. Since the primary level is an important stage for social development, the study was carried out to understand how far schools in Kerala provide access, encourage participation, and give students opportunities to experience socio-cultural and religious diversity through their practices and programmes. Therefore, a systematic study on access, participation, and diversity in primary schools in Kerala is necessary to understand the existing situation and to suggest measures for improvement.
A study on ecology conservation and utilization of Diospyros Crumenata thwaites in Kerala an endangered tree of the Western Ghats
(Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, University of Calicut., 2025) Rahul Jose; Anilkumar C.; Jothish P. S.
An extensive field survey of Diospyros crumenata, a threatened tree distributed in theWestern Ghats of Kerala, identified major populations in the Vazhachal, Peechi-Pattikkadforests and isolated individuals in the Chimmony WLS in Thrissur District. Based onpopulation size, the species was assessed as Critically Endangered. The low percentage of pre-reproductive trees, as assessed by an inverted J-shaped curve, lower values of the ImportanceValue Index (IVI), and poor seedling counts indicate a declining trend in the population. Thespecies primarily inhabits wet soils and watercourse areas, serving as microhabitats. Thespecies' habitats are under threat due to power projects, road expansion, and the risk of forestfires. The dioecious trees showed irregularities in flowering, abnormal abscission of flowersand immature fruits, assumed to be ineffective pollination due to insufficient insect pollinatorsin a short period of blooming. The sweet, aromatic, fleshy fruit pulp was consumed along withthe seeds by mammals, resulting in an estimated 70% seed loss, which negatively impacted thesoil seed bank and seedling regeneration. The recalcitrant seeds on scarification followed bysoaking in tap water for 24 hours improved germination to 100% within 15 days compared to66% germination within 24 days of sowing in control sets. The seeds stored in closedpolycarbonate containers in the controlled conditions of the seed bank, 20± 2°C; 40% RH,showed extended viability for up to 10 months. The application of auxin, IBA at 3000 ppm,resulted in stem rooting of 70% within 60-70 days under controlled nursery conditions,compared to 20% in the control set. Air -layering success of 100% was achieved with NAA at5000 ppm, while the control set did not induce rooting. Acute oral toxicity tests of the ripe fruitpulp on adult Wistar rats revealed no toxicity. The nutritional analysis of the ripe fruitsindicated that they are more nutrient-dense than commonly cultivated fruits. The evaluation ofthe seeds revealed significant mineral content, chemical content, antioxidant activity, and thepresence of promising bioactive compounds. The habitat distribution model, developed usingMaxEnt software, identified potential distribution areas in the Western Ghats of Kerala,pinpointing suitable niche models for species reintroduction. Seed and seedling infestationscaused by fungal pathogens were identified at the molecular level, enabling effective diseasemanagement.
Financial literacy and financial inclusion among the tribal communities in Kerala
(Government College Kodanchery, University of Calicut, 2026) Muhammed Shamil M N.; Anil Kumar. K
Financial literacy refers to the set of skills and knowledge that allows an individual tomake informed and effective decisions with all of their financial resources. It is thecapacity to have familiarity with and understanding of financial products and services.Financial inclusion is the process of delivering affordable financial products andservices to underprivileged and low-income groups within a population. Theseservices include savings, remittances, payments, insurance, loans and all the financialadvisory support facilitated by the formal financial system. Access to a bank accountinstills a sense of recognition, identity, trust and empowerment in the minds of themarginalised communities. The objectives of the study are: to assess the level offinancial literacy and the level of financial inclusion among the tribal communities inKerala, to analyse the role of financial literacy in promoting financial inclusion amongthe tribal communities and to examine the status of financial planning, financialanxiety and financial confidence among the tribal households. The sampling unit forthe study consists of the financial heads of households from tribal communities inKerala and the determined sample size for the study is 450. Multistage RandomSampling Method has been used in this study and nine tribal communities wereselected accordingly. Descriptive statistics such as: frequencies, percentages, mean,and standard deviation were used for the purposes of summarising socio-demographiccharacteristics and for displaying the general states of financial literacy and inclusion.Inferential statistical methods including independent samples t-tests, chi-square tests,One-Way Analysis of Variance (One-Way ANOVA), Friedman test, Scheffe’s post-hoc test, Sobel test, Pearson correlation, Simple linear regression, Multiple linearregression and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were used in accordance with theobjectives of the study. The results of the study revealed that, despite considerableadvancements in enhancing access to financial services for Scheduled Tribes inKerala, significant deficiencies remain in terms of usage, effectiveness andsustainability. The levels of financial literacy were found notably low across various communities with disparities influenced by factors such as education, income, age,occupation and regional factors. This limited financial literacy adversely impacts bothbasic digital financial literacy and financial inclusion which emphasizes the necessityfor integrated approaches rather than isolated initiatives. Strengthening financialliteracy, generating confidence in financial decision-making and minimisingprocedural barriers are requisites for transforming passive access into meaningfulinclusion. At the same time, enhancing insurance coverage, encouraging diversifiedsavings practices and promoting trust through culturally sensitive service delivery cansignificantly contribute to long-term financial security. Policy-level interventions,community-based initiatives and innovative financial products must work in synergymode to bridge existing inequalities.