What kind of saying is it?
We ask whether an item is a traditional proverb, a proverbial expression, a quotation, a line of song, a modern slogan or a saying remembered within a family.
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF PAREMIOLOGY
Old wisdom, newly seen.
We turn proverbs into pictures—preserving memory and cultural heritage as we do.
A few words can cross a kitchen, a village, a language, a border or a century. Proverbs deserve to be found, recorded, understood and enjoyed.
We are beginning with AKHAAN — Punjab Illustrated. Join us at the start of the journey as the collection, resources and public record grow with the work.
A BRIEF INTRODUCTION
What on earth is paremiology?
1 / 8
ABOUT
A passion with a home.
The idea grew from a love of proverbs and a belief that they deserve to be recorded, understood and enjoyed.
The Indian Institute of Paremiology gives that passion a home—a place where people can share what they know, contribute sayings and help the work grow.
The Institute is an independent educational resource and research project based in Goa. It is not a university, awarding body, government agency or representative organisation.
Its purpose is simple: to preserve proverbial traditions, make them enjoyable and accessible, and leave a public record that others can examine, question and build upon.
OUR FIRST STEP
AKHAAN — Punjab Illustrated
Every journey begins with a first step. This is ours.
The work starts at home—in this case, with Punjab and the Punjabi proverbial tradition. We will work steadily, learn as we proceed and see where the journey leads.
For now, our attention is Punjabi. Work in other languages may follow only when the knowledge, sources and relationships are there to do it properly.
One proverb at a time.
We begin with the Punjabi saying in Gurmukhi, find the clearest English rendering we can, and create an original illustration that carries its meaning. Behind each picture, we check whether the saying is genuinely traditional, look for different versions and record what we find.
Language moves, memories differ and the same proverb may change from one village or family to another. When that happens, the differences are part of the story.
Join AKHAAN — Punjab Illustrated on FacebookHOW WE WORK
Careful with the words. Clear about the evidence.
We welcome memory, experience and family knowledge. We also distinguish between what is remembered, what can be traced in a source and what remains uncertain. That distinction protects the record without diminishing anyone's contribution.
What do we actually know?
We note the wording, script, translation, meaning, place, speaker, context, variants and any printed or oral source that can be found.
What should we say publicly?
We separate evidence from interpretation, acknowledge uncertainty and correct the record when stronger information becomes available.
Translation is an interpretation. We aim for clear English while keeping the character of the Punjabi. Where one version cannot carry every shade of meaning, we say so.
CORRECTIONS AND DISAGREEMENT
Evidence is welcome.
Proverbial traditions do not always offer a single, final answer. A saying may have several accepted forms, or its use may change across region, generation, community and circumstance. We record meaningful differences rather than forcing them into false agreement.
If you believe an entry is wrong or incomplete, send the wording you propose, why it matters and any source or context you can provide. We will consider it fairly and amend the public record where the evidence warrants it.
Editorial decisions rest with the Institute. We will explain the basis of the work, but we do not enter into repeated argument about a decision once it has been considered.
RESOURCES
A growing shelf.
This part of the Institute will grow alongside the work. It will bring together clear introductions, working methods and useful routes into the study of proverbs as material becomes ready. We welcome contact from researchers, collectors, translators, teachers and others who may wish to share relevant work or tell us about current projects.
New · Research Note 01
Proverbs Are More Serious Than They Look
A first look at the research landscape
What began as a search for context opened onto linguistics, folklore, courts, visual culture, anti-proverbs, computational research and even an LSD cult. This note gives a flavour of the field and explains what it means for the Institute’s direction of travel.
Read or download the PDFPublished September 2026. A fuller, organised research section will follow as the Institute’s work develops.
Free illustrated publication
Who Invented the First Proverb?
How old sayings travel, change and outlive their speakers
Nobody knows who spoke the first proverb. This short illustrated introduction explores the earliest surviving collections, how sayings move between people and generations, and why the Institute was created.
The PDF opens in an ordinary browser. The EPUB is an optional download for people who already use an e-reader.
What is paremiology?
Paremiology is the study of proverbs: their form, meaning, use, history and movement between people, places and languages.
Methods and standards
Our starting framework is set out above: identify the kind of saying, record what is known and distinguish evidence from interpretation.
Read how we workWriting around the work
Wider reflection and discussion connected with the project can be found at Loose Sikh Canon.
Visit Loose Sikh CanonUSE, CREDIT AND TECHNOLOGY
Share carefully. Credit clearly.
We want the work to be useful. When sharing Institute material, please name the Indian Institute of Paremiology, link to the original item where possible, and make clear if you have shortened, translated or changed it. Images, quotations and source material may carry separate rights, which should be respected.
Our use of AI. Digital and AI tools may assist with searching, comparison, transcription, translation, drafting or illustration. They are tools, not authorities or sources. Human judgement remains responsible for what the Institute records and publishes.
Accessibility. We aim to use readable layouts, plain explanations, meaningful image descriptions and transliteration or translation where it helps people enter the work.
TAKE PART
Bring us what you know.
Our Facebook group is the public gallery and discussion space for AKHAAN — Punjab Illustrated. Please read the group rules carefully before joining. By joining, you agree to be bound by them. Personal attacks, abuse, repeated argument and communal hostility have zero tolerance.
You do not need to use Facebook to contribute. Private submissions, expressions of interest in peer review, and offers of research or practical support may be sent through this website. The Institute welcomes useful contact but does not conduct continuing public debate by email or direct message.
Everything we receive is considered under the Institute's criteria. Submission does not guarantee verification or publication, and editorial decisions rest with the Institute.
Institute on Facebook
Join the AKHAAN Facebook group
Some enquiries will produce clear answers; others may remain open. Both belong in an honest record.
OUR POSITION
Open about difficult histories.
Proverbs are part of human history. Their research and interpretation may lead us into difficult questions of discrimination, injustice, persecution, caste, gender, religion or power. We will not avoid these subjects when they are relevant. We will examine them openly, fairly and on the available evidence.
We do not engage in party politics, political campaigning or advocacy on behalf of any political organisation. Our work is guided by our values and published standards, rather than by a political position.
The Indian Institute of Paremiology is a project of Loose Sikh Canon, where wider reflection and discussion take place.
COME AND HELP
Where have you found a proverb?
Tell us the saying as you remember it, who used it, where it was heard and what it meant.
We are also looking for the places where proverbs already live: in oral tradition, manuscripts and books; on temple walls, in murals or graffiti; and in textiles, household objects, sketches and other art. A memory, photograph, reference, location or fragment may all help us understand how a proverb travels and survives.
All these traces form the rich palette from which a new illustration can grow. For peer review, research support or any private contribution, contact the Institute directly.