Ink-uilab

Ink-uilab delves into an eclectic mix of topics spanning cultural critiques, historical insights, personal narratives, and literary explorations, interweaving themes like the nuances of Indian culture, the impact of colonialism, the intersection of art and science, and the spiritual realm of music and poetry.

Indian Culture and History Colonial Legacy and Post-colonialism Art, Literature, and Science Music and Spirituality Political Movements and Ideologies Cultural Significance and Social Commentary Exploration and Discovery Personal Narratives and Folklore Technology and AI

The hottest Substack posts of Ink-uilab

And their main takeaways

On Seeking Sufis, Soundscapes, and The Self (Ch. 17)

19 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Music Devotion Tradition Poetry
  1. Begin the journey of seeking by immersing yourself in the cultural and spiritual experience of qawwali performances.
  2. Appreciate the deep-rooted traditions and generational ties of qawwali performers, honoring their dedication to the art form.
  3. Understand the profound impact of Sufism on qawwali, where music transcends the auditory to become a spiritual and communal experience.

Of Maharajas and (Modern) Men (Ch. 9)

39 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture History Literature Art & Illustration Philosophy
  1. The post discusses the historical significance of the Second Round Table Conferences in the 1930s for India's struggle for freedom.
  2. Emery Kelen's satirical caricatures captured the essence of the Indian Round Table Conferences during that era.
  3. Sir Mohd. Iqbal's perspectives on the 'Modern Man' presented at the conference are highlighted through poetry.

On Polar Explorers and the Philology of the Plum (Ch. 8)

39 implied HN points • 24 Jan 23
  1. Reflecting on the genre of explorer documentaries in the 20th century.
  2. An exploration into linguistic connections driven by a craving for plums.
  3. Appreciating T.S. Eliot's complex poem 'The Little Gidding' and its themes of hope and exploration.
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On Collectors, Communalism, and a Clamorous Chicken (Ch. 6)

39 implied HN points • 07 Dec 22
  1. The article discusses the paradoxes of mystical poetry and Indian secularism.
  2. It also features a domesticated chicken in the narrative.
  3. There is mention of the archetype of a 'collector' and a classification related to it.

On Balloons, Brinjals and 'Do Something, Brother' (Ch. 4)

39 implied HN points • 20 Oct 22
  1. Ink-uilab has migrated to Substack with a new logo and header.
  2. There is a pondering on the relevance of texts sharing the title 'What Is to Be Done?'
  3. The newsletter discusses balloons, boyhood, and includes some closing verses.

On Satire, the Sauds, and Sheikh Chilli (Ch. 10)

19 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Satire Folktales Literature Cultural Identity Journey
  1. The author reflects on their trip to Saudi Arabia, particularly their spiritual journey to Mecca and Medina.
  2. The folklore character Sheikh Chilli, known for his comedic tales, has origins tied to a 17th-century Sufi scholar.
  3. There are similarities between Sheikh Chilli and Mullah Nasreddin, both being comical and wise figures in their respective cultural folklore.

A Paean to the Paanwallah (Ch. 7)

19 implied HN points • 09 Dec 22
  1. The essay explores the cultural significance of paan and the role of the paanwallah in Indian society.
  2. The paanwallah is depicted as a multifaceted figure who bridges hedonistic refreshment, social interaction, and cultural tradition.
  3. Paan consumption is presented as a communal activity that reflects the idiosyncrasies of society.

On Chatbots, Chilean Cybernetics and a Collision (Ch. 5)

19 implied HN points • 10 Nov 22
  1. An article discussing the challenges faced by customers of Second Sight, a company that produced bionic eyes.
  2. Artificial Intelligence in 2022 involves AI art renditions like 'Yale University in the style of a Mughal miniature painting'.
  3. A poetic sign-off mentioning 'BM' and laundry in the musty basement of Bingham Hall.

An Experiment in Punctuality (Ch. 1)

19 implied HN points • 10 Aug 22
  1. The newsletter is a mix of varied content like reads, verse, and commentary.
  2. The author uses a unique wordplay in the name Ink-uilab.
  3. Readers are encouraged to subscribe and provide feedback.

On Oppenheimer, Odours, and an Opiate Oeuvre (Ch. 12)

2 HN points • 23 May 23
📚 Literature Philosophy History Science Poetry
  1. The chapter explores intellectual history, philosophy, and literature through the narratives of J. Robert Oppenheimer, Patrick S\u00fcskind, and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
  2. J. Robert Oppenheimer, known as the father of the atomic bomb, had a fascinating life that intertwined science, art, and personal exploits.
  3. Patrick S\u00fcskind's 'Perfume' and Samuel Taylor Coleridge's opium-influenced 'Kubla Khan' delve into the sensory and imaginative realms of literature.

A Quartet of Musical-Movies (Ch. 15)

0 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🎶 Music Classical Film Literature Verse
  1. The newsletter highlights the beauty of Hindustani Classical Music through four different films.
  2. Physician-writers have made significant contributions to literature, blending their medical knowledge with their artistic endeavors.
  3. Authors like Atul Gawande and Siddhartha Mukherjee have used their medical experiences to write non-fiction books.

On Timepass and Tutankhamun's Transcendent Tunes (Ch. 11)

0 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Music Poetry Literature Performance Cultural critique
  1. The newsletter delves into the concept of 'timepass' and discusses the speech given at the Yale College Henry James TenEyck Prize Competition on the topic.
  2. Philip Glass' opera Akhnaten is explored, highlighting its mystical and historical themes, including the use of ancient languages in the production.
  3. The newsletter also touches upon the work of Agha Shahid Ali and his contributions to New Formalism, particularly focusing on the 'English ghazal' poetry form.

The Ink-uilab Index (Ch. 16)

0 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Literature Music Philosophy History
  1. The newsletter is exploring various themes, characters, and places in a unique and creative way.
  2. The Ink-uilab Index serves as a compendium of raw data on different topics discussed in the newsletter's chapters.
  3. The content ranges from poems, mystic poets, and explorers to philosophical concepts, historical figures, and pop culture references.

On Nostalgia and the Nature of Archives (Ch. 2)

0 implied HN points • 01 Sep 22
  1. The post is about nostalgia and the nature of archives.
  2. There will be more original writing and fewer but detailed points in the newsletter.
  3. The author includes a closing verse in the post.