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Contents

Article Types

  1. Original Research Articles (4000–6000 words): Original studies with clear methodology and results.
  2. Review Articles (6000–8000 words): Comprehensive overviews with critical analysis.
  3. Short Communications (1500–2500 words): Preliminary findings or novel observations.
  4. Case Studies / Field Notes (2000–4000 words): Documenting specific practices, observations, or ethnographic insights.
  5. Perspectives / Commentaries (1500–2500 words): Expert opinions, policy insights, or reflective essays.

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1. Original Research Articles

Research articles should present novel and methodologically sound findings that significantly contribute to the field.

Structure & Word Count:

  • Title
  • Abstract (200 words)
  • Keywords (4–6)
  • Introduction
  • Materials and Methods / Methodology
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • Acknowledgments (if any)
  • References

Length: Typically 4,000–6,000 words (excluding references)
Figures/Tables: Up to 6 combined; more may be accepted if essential
Tables: Editable text, not embedded as images
Data Transparency: Authors are encouraged to share data or include links to digital repositories

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2. Review Articles

Review articles should provide critical overviews of significant themes, developments, or debates in the field. Authors should highlight gaps, synthesize key insights, and offer future research directions.

Structure:

  • Title
  • Abstract (200 words)
  • Keywords (4–6)
  • Introduction and Scope
  • Thematic Sections/Subheadings
  • Critical Analysis
  • Future Directions / Gaps
  • Conclusion
  • References

Length: 6,000–8,000 words (excluding references)
Visuals: Inclusion of thematic tables, diagrams, or timelines is encouraged

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3. Short Communications (1500–2500 words)

  • Purpose: Preliminary findings, novel observations, or pilot studies that may stimulate further research.
  • Structure:
    • Title page (title, author names, affiliations, corresponding author contact).
    • Abstract: ≤150 words, unstructured.
    • Keywords: 4–5.
    • Main text (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion).
    • References: max. 25, APA style.
  • Figures/Tables: Up to 2 figures/tables combined.
  • Supplementary Material: Allowed if essential.

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4. Case Studies / Field Notes (2000–4000 words)

  • Purpose: Documenting specific practices, ethnographic insights, or detailed field-based observations.
  • Structure:
    • Title page (title, author names, affiliations, corresponding author contact).
    • Abstract: ≤200 words, structured (Background, Observation, Significance).
    • Keywords: 4–6.
    • Main text: Introduction, Case/Field Description, Methodology, Observations, Discussion/Implications.
    • References: 20–40; APA style
  • Figures/Tables: Up to 4 (must be high-resolution).
  • Supplementary Material: Maps, audio-visual data, and field images must be submitted separately with captions.

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5. Perspectives / Commentaries (1500–2500 words)

  • Purpose: Expert opinions, conceptual discussions, policy recommendations, or reflective essays.
  • Structure:
    • Title page.
    • Abstract: ≤150 words.
    • Keywords: 3–5.
    • Main text: Unstructured, but may include Introduction, Argument/Discussion, Conclusion.
    • References: max. 20; APA style
  • Figures/Tables: Optional (≤2).
  • Tone: Engaging, accessible, with clear implications for research, policy, or practice.

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Formatting Guidelines

Please see the journal's formatting guidelines here.

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Ethical Considerations

  • All research involving human participants, communities, or traditional knowledge must follow ethical consent practices and, where applicable, prior informed consent must be submitted.
  • Authors must declare compliance with Nagoya Protocol and local/national regulations for biodiversity and knowledge use.
  • Any sensitive cultural knowledge should be shared with respect and in consultation with source communities.

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Plagiarism Policy

  • IJTK follows a strict plagiarism check using standard software.
  • Manuscripts with >15% overlap will be returned without review.

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Submission Process

  • Manuscripts for the inaugural issue are only by invitation and can be submitted via email to umakrishnan@sastra.edu
  • Manuscripts for the subsequent issues must be submitted via the Digital Commons platform of Elsevier
  • Peer Review: Double-blind, expert-reviewed with rapid turnaround

Article Processing Charges (APCs): None (Open Access with no fees)

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Peer Review Process

  • All submissions undergo double-blind peer review.
  • Reviewers are selected based on expertise in the subject area.
  • Initial editorial decision within 28 days of submission.

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Revision Process for Authors

Authors who are invited to revise their manuscript should carefully address all reviewer and editorial comments. To ensure smooth and timely handling of revisions, please follow the steps below:

  • Submit a detailed, point-by-point response letter (mandatory)
  • For each reviewer/editor comment, indicate how you have addressed it in the revised manuscript
  • If a comment cannot be addressed, provide a clear and concise justification
  • Submit a marked-up version showing changes (using track changes, highlights, or colored text)
  • Submitted updated figures, tables, or supplementary files, if applicable
  • Revisions are expected within 7 days for minor revisions and 21 days for major revisions.
  • Extensions may be requested in advance from the editorial office (email: umakrishnan@sastra.edu)
  • Ensure compliance with journal formatting, referencing style and ethical requirements
  • Double-check figure/table quality and consistency with the text

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Final Decision

  • The Editor-in-Chief makes the final acceptance decision, considering reviewers’ feedback and authors’ responses
  • Accepted papers proceed to copyediting and typesetting, during which authors will receive proofs for correction
  • Authors are expected to return corrected proofs within 3 days of receipt

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Contact

For queries, please contact:
Editorial Office – International Journal of Traditional Knowledge (IJTK)
Email:

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