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Submission Guidelines - Poorvam International Journal

Author Guidelines

विद्यां ददाति विनयं, विनयाद् याति पात्रताम्।
पात्रत्वात् धनमाप्नोति, धनात् धर्मं ततः सुखम्॥
Knowledge gives humility, from humility comes worthiness, from worthiness one attains wealth, from wealth one performs good deeds, and from that comes happiness.
Poorvam International Journal of Creative Arts and Cultural Expressions (PIJCACE) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published biannually by Dhvani Publication. We welcome original scholarly contributions that advance understanding of creative arts, cultural expressions, and humanities, with particular emphasis on South and East Asian perspectives. Please review these guidelines carefully before submitting your manuscript.

1. Scope and Focus Areas

PIJCACE publishes original research articles, critical essays, and review articles that engage with diverse themes in creative arts, cultural expressions, and humanities. The journal particularly welcomes contributions that illuminate the cultural, artistic, philosophical, and literary traditions of South and East Asia while fostering critical dialogues that transcend geographical boundaries.

Primary Subject Areas

Arts and Humanities: History (cultural history emphasis), Literature and Literary Theory, Philosophy (including Eastern traditions), Religious Studies, Visual Arts and Performing Arts

Social Sciences: Linguistics and Language, Cultural Studies, Anthropology of Art and Culture

Thematic Focus Areas

1. Aesthetics and Art Philosophy

  • Classical and contemporary aesthetic theories
  • Philosophy of art and artistic experience
  • Semiotics of art and performance
  • Indian, Eastern, and Indigenous aesthetic traditions
  • Postcolonial and decolonial aesthetic discourses

2. Art History and Historiography

  • Global art histories with focus on Eastern perspectives
  • Histories of theatre, dance, and music traditions
  • Literary and narrative histories
  • Evolution of architecture and design
  • Political and social histories of art

3. Visual and Material Culture

  • Theories of visual culture
  • Iconography and symbolism in art
  • Sacred and ritual art traditions
  • Cross-cultural artistic exchanges
  • Fashion, costume, and textile studies

4. Musicology and Sound Studies

  • Historical and ethnomusicology
  • Cultural and regional music traditions
  • Music and ritual practices
  • Sound studies and sonic environments
  • Music and identity studies

5. Performance Studies

  • Theories of performance and performativity
  • Gesture, movement, and embodiment
  • Ritual, ceremony, and theatricality
  • Body politics and identity in performance
  • Intersections of music, dance, and drama

6. Literary and Narrative Studies

  • Indian languages and literatures
  • Theories of narrative and fictionality
  • Poetics, rhetoric, and literary criticism
  • Comparative literature studies
  • Myth, folklore, and oral traditions

7. Media and Digital Studies

  • Film and television studies
  • Digital humanities and artistic research
  • Virtual and augmented reality in art
  • Computational creativity
  • Interactive media studies

8. Cultural and Political Perspectives

  • Art and activism
  • Public art and community engagement
  • Art and religion
  • Gender and queer studies in art
  • Decolonial art studies

9. Heritage and Museum Studies

  • Theories of museology and curation
  • Heritage and cultural practices
  • Art conservation studies
  • Cultural memory and archives
  • Ethical issues in art collection

10. Practice-Based Research

  • Methodologies in artistic research
  • Practice-as-research in the arts
  • Interdisciplinary art studies
  • Collaborative art practices
  • Documentation of embodied knowledge

11. Arts and Well-Being

  • Creative arts for holistic well-being
  • Psychocultural dimensions of art
  • Art and sustainability
  • Cultural interventions in climate change
  • Art in post-disaster contexts

12. Esoteric Aesthetics

  • Aesthetics of Tantra, Yoga, and mysticism
  • Ritual theory and transformation
  • Eastern esoteric traditions in art
  • Symbolism in sacred art
  • Philosophies of liberation and transcendence
Note: The journal welcomes high-quality visual illustrations to accompany scholarly articles. Authors are responsible for securing necessary reproduction rights.

2. Manuscript Types

Research Articles

Original empirical or theoretical studies presenting new findings or perspectives in the field.

Length: 5,000–8,000 words

Critical Essays

Analytical discussions examining artistic or cultural phenomena, movements, or theoretical frameworks.

Length: 3,000–5,000 words

Review Articles

Comprehensive synthesis and evaluation of existing literature on specific topics or debates.

Length: 1,500–3,000 words

Case Studies

In-depth examination of innovative practices, projects, or interventions in arts and cultural sectors.

Length: 3,000–4,000 words

Creative Works

Original poetry, fiction, or creative pieces accompanied by critical commentary situating the work contextually.

Creative work: 1,000–3,000 words + Commentary: 1,000–1,500 words

All manuscripts must present original scholarship not previously published or under consideration elsewhere. Word counts exclude abstract, references, and appendices.

3. Manuscript Preparation

Language and Style

Manuscripts must be written in clear, formal academic English with consistent spelling conventions (UK or US English throughout). All submissions must follow MLA 9th Edition style for citations, references, and formatting.

Complete Citation Style Guide

For comprehensive MLA 9th Edition formatting guidelines adapted for Sanskrit studies and Indological scholarship, including:

  • IAST transliteration standards and italicization rules
  • Footnote citation formats for classical texts
  • Works Cited entries for Upaniṣads, Smṛti texts, and commentaries
  • Sanskrit quotation formatting and block quotes
  • Treatment of traditional vs. authorless texts
  • Quick reference tables and pre-submission checklists
→ View Complete Citation Style Guide

Official Template

Required: All submissions must use the official PIJCACE Manuscript Template. Submissions not conforming to the template may be returned for revision before entering peer review.

Formatting Specifications

Document Setup

  • Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt
  • Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides
  • Line spacing: Double-spaced throughout (including block quotes and references)
  • Paragraphs: First line indent 0.5 inch; no additional spacing between paragraphs
  • Page numbers: Continuous numbering on all pages
  • Line numbers: Continuous line numbering for review process

Headings and Text Styling

  • Main headings: Bold, left-aligned, Title Case
  • Subheadings: Bold, left-aligned, Sentence case
  • Italics for titles of full works and non-English terms
  • Quotation marks for shorter works (articles, chapters, poems)
  • Footnotes: Use sparingly, only for explanatory content

Title Page (Separate Document)

Required: All submissions must use the official PIJCACE Title Page Template and upload it as a separate document during the submission process.

The title page must contain:
  • Full manuscript title
  • Full names of all authors
  • Institutional affiliations for each author
  • ORCID iDs for all authors (required)
  • Email address of corresponding author
  • Any acknowledgments or funding information
Important: Do not include author names or identifying information in the main manuscript file to ensure blind peer review. Author biographies (50–60 words each) will be requested upon acceptance.

Abstract and Keywords

Begin the manuscript with:

  • Abstract: 150–250 words summarizing research context, methodology, primary argument, and key conclusions
  • Keywords: 4–6 keywords or short phrases separated by semicolons, representing main topics and concepts

Main Text Structure

Organize content using clear, numbered section headings. Typical sections include:

  • Introduction (research context and objectives)
  • Literature Review or Theoretical Framework
  • Methodology (if applicable)
  • Analysis/Discussion/Findings
  • Conclusion (implications and future directions)
  • Acknowledgments (optional)
  • Works Cited
  • Appendices (if applicable)

Figures and Tables

Images and Figures:
  • Submit as separate high-resolution files (minimum 300 dpi)
  • Accepted formats: JPEG, PNG, TIFF
  • Maximum: 8 images per article
  • Each figure must have a caption and be referenced in text
  • Indicate placement with: [Insert Figure 1 here]

Tables:
  • Must be in editable text format (not images)
  • Include table number and descriptive title above table
  • Keep formatting simple and clear
Copyright Compliance: Authors are responsible for securing and documenting permission to reproduce any copyrighted images, figures, or extended quotations from other sources.

Citations and References

Follow MLA 9th Edition for all in-text citations and the Works Cited list:

  • In-text citations: Use parenthetical author-page format
  • Works Cited: Alphabetize entries by author surname
  • Use hanging indent (0.5 inch) for each entry
  • Include all sources cited in the text
  • Provide DOIs or stable URLs for online sources when available

File Naming Convention

Name your manuscript file as: Poorvam_FirstAuthor_ShortTitle.docx

4. Submission Process

How to Submit

All manuscripts must be submitted through the official online submission portal. Email submissions or submissions through other channels will not be accepted.

Required Materials

Mandatory Documents

  • Complete manuscript in DOCX format (using official manuscript template)
  • Separate title page using official title page template
  • Separate high-resolution image files (if applicable)
  • Completed submission form through the portal
Important: The title page must be uploaded as a separate document in the submission form. Do not include author information in the main manuscript file to ensure blind peer review.

Optional Documents

  • Cover letter highlighting the significance and contribution of the work
  • Suggested peer reviewers with contact information and expertise areas
  • Documentation of image reproduction permissions

Pre-Submission Checklist

Before submitting, ensure:
  • ✓ Manuscript uses the official PIJCACE template
  • ✓ Word count falls within specified limits for manuscript type
  • ✓ Abstract and keywords are included
  • ✓ All citations follow MLA 9th Edition format
  • ✓ Author information is removed from main manuscript (blind review)
  • ✓ All figures are high-resolution and properly referenced
  • ✓ Works Cited is complete and formatted correctly
  • ✓ ORCID iDs are provided for all authors
  • ✓ Manuscript has been proofread for language and clarity
  • ✓ Title page uses the official template and is uploaded separately
  • ✓ Word count falls within specified limits for manuscript type

5. Peer Review Process

Review Method

PIJCACE employs a rigorous double-blind peer review process to ensure scholarly quality and objectivity. All submissions are evaluated by at least two independent experts in the relevant field.

Review Timeline

Initial Screening: 1–2 weeks after submission (Editorial Office review for scope and format compliance)
Peer Review: 6–8 weeks (double-blind review by field experts)
Revision Period: 4–6 weeks (if revisions are requested)
Final Decision: Within 12–14 weeks of initial submission
For comprehensive details on our peer review and editorial policies:
→ Visit Review and Editorial Policy

6. Publication Ethics

Originality and Plagiarism

All manuscripts must represent original work. PIJCACE uses advanced plagiarism detection software to screen all submissions. Any form of plagiarism, self-plagiarism, or text recycling will result in immediate rejection.

Authors must ensure:

  • The work is entirely original and has not been published elsewhere
  • The manuscript is not under consideration by another journal
  • All sources are properly cited and credited
  • Quotations and paraphrasing follow appropriate citation practices
For detailed plagiarism policies and detection methods:
→ Visit Plagiarism Policy

Use of AI Tools

Disclosure Required: Authors must disclose the use of any AI-assisted tools in manuscript preparation. AI-generated content must not replace original scholarly thinking, analysis, or research integrity.

For comprehensive AI usage guidelines:
→ Visit AI Usage Policy

Research Ethics and Authorship

Authors must adhere to the highest ethical standards in research conduct, authorship attribution, and data integrity. This includes:

  • Accurate reporting of data and findings
  • Proper authorship attribution based on substantial contributions
  • Disclosure of conflicts of interest and funding sources
  • Obtaining necessary ethical approvals for human subjects research
  • Respecting cultural protocols when working with traditional knowledge
For complete ethical guidelines and policies:
→ Visit Review and Editorial Policy

7. Copyright and Licensing

Copyright Retention

Authors retain copyright of their work while granting PIJCACE the right to first publication. This allows authors to freely use their work for teaching, presentations, and future publications while ensuring proper attribution to PIJCACE as the original publisher.

Open Access License

All articles are published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license, ensuring free global access and maximum impact for your research.
For complete terms and conditions:
→ Visit Terms and Conditions

8. Article Processing Charges

No Submission Fees

PIJCACE does not charge any fees for manuscript submission or peer review. Authors only pay upon acceptance of their manuscript for publication.

Article Processing Charge (APC)

APC Rates:
  • Authors in India: ₹2,000 INR
  • International Authors: $40 USD

Payment is processed securely through the online portal after manuscript acceptance. A "Pay APC" button will appear in your author dashboard.

What APC Covers

The article processing charge supports:

  • Peer review coordination and editorial management
  • Professional copyediting and formatting
  • DOI registration and metadata management
  • Online publishing platform and hosting
  • Indexing in major academic databases
  • Long-term digital archiving and preservation
  • Marketing and dissemination activities
  • Technical support and maintenance

Waiver Policy

Financial Support Available: PIJCACE is committed to inclusive scholarly participation. Full or partial APC waivers may be granted for:
  • Graduate students and early-career researchers
  • Independent scholars without institutional support
  • Authors from economically developing regions
  • Exceptional circumstances demonstrating financial hardship

Waiver requests should be submitted with the manuscript and will be reviewed confidentially. Financial circumstances will not affect editorial decisions.

9. Publication and Indexing

Publication Schedule

PIJCACE publishes two issues per year (biannual publication):

  • Issue 1: January–June
  • Issue 2: July–December

Post-Acceptance Process

Copyediting: Professional editing for clarity, consistency, and adherence to journal style
Author Proofs: Authors review and approve formatted manuscript
DOI Assignment: Unique digital object identifier assigned
Publication: Article published online and indexed in academic databases

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

Every published article receives a unique DOI (prefix: 10.63752/pijcace), ensuring permanent identification and citability. DOIs facilitate long-term access and citation tracking.

Indexing and Discoverability

PIJCACE is committed to achieving indexing in major academic databases to ensure maximum visibility and impact for published research:

  • ISSN: 3107-6866 (registered and validated)
  • Metadata submitted to major academic search engines
  • Integration with scholarly reference management tools

Author Benefits Upon Publication

Published authors receive:
  • Digital Certificate: Downloadable PDF certificate available in author dashboard
  • Permanent URL: Stable link to published article
  • DOI Registration: Unique identifier for citations
  • Open Access: Free global access to your work
  • Author Profile: Public profile page showcasing your publications

Article Metrics and Impact

Authors can track their article's impact through the online platform, including:

  • Download statistics
  • Citation tracking
  • Social media mentions
  • Geographic distribution of readership

Ready to Submit?

Join our global community of scholars advancing knowledge in creative arts and cultural expressions.

Submit Your Manuscript

Questions or Support

For inquiries about the submission process, editorial policies, or technical support:

Email: editor@poorvam.com
Website: poorvam.com

Published by Dhvani Publication