Introduction Folk theatre forms like Jatra, Kathakali, Tamasha, and Nautanki are powerful embodiments of the fusion between folklore and formal theatre traditions in India. Each of these art forms has its roots in oral storytelling, traditional music, local customs, and regional mythologies. They serve as bridges between the rural folk world and the aesthetic richness […]
Introduction Paula Richman is a renowned scholar in the field of South Asian studies, known for her significant contributions to the study and documentation of oral traditions, especially those related to the Ramayana. Her work has brought attention to the diverse and localized versions of this epic across India and South Asia. Through her academic
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Introduction The Mahabharata is not just an ancient epic but a living tradition that continues to influence literature, performance, and culture in India. Alf Hiltebeitel’s seminal work, “Mahabharata: Ginge to Kurukshetra,” explores this narrative from a fresh, critical perspective. His analysis goes beyond the classical text to examine its folk, oral, and performative dimensions, especially
Introduction The Ramayana is not just a religious text in India—it is a living cultural tradition that exists in multiple forms across regions, languages, and communities. While Valmiki’s Sanskrit Ramayana is considered the classical version, numerous folk Ramayanas are found in oral traditions, songs, plays, and performances. These versions, often called folk Ramayana songs, hold
Introduction “The Awakened Wind: The Oral Poetry of the Indian Tribes” by Sitakant Mahapatra is a significant contribution to Indian folklore studies. This work showcases the richness of tribal oral traditions and emphasizes their poetic and philosophical depth. Mahapatra, an eminent poet and folklorist, collected and interpreted the oral poetry of various tribal communities across
MFC-007: Theories and Pedagogy of Folklore – Assignment Answer Index Below is the complete list of answers for IGNOU’s MFC-007 Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA) for 2024–25. Each answer is written in over 600 words using simple and student-friendly language. Highlight the salient features of different schools of thought in folklore studies. What are the impacts
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Introduction In the field of folklore and cultural studies, memory plays a powerful role in shaping tradition and identity. This memory-based transmission of culture is known as Mnemoculture. It includes stories, symbols, rituals, and artistic expressions passed down from generation to generation. A beautiful example of mnemoculture in India is found in Mithila paintings of
Introduction Folklore studies often analyze the relationship between dominant and marginal cultures. Two important dichotomies that explain this dynamic are Marga-Deshi and Great-Little Traditions. These terms help scholars understand how classical (elite) and folk (local) cultures interact, overlap, or differ. This answer presents a critical note on these concepts, their similarities, differences, and relevance in
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Introduction Dreams have always fascinated human beings. In many cultures, dreams are seen as messages from the gods, ancestors, or the inner mind. In folklore studies, dreams play a significant role in the creation and understanding of myths. Sigmund Freud, a key figure in psychoanalysis, provided deep insights into the interpretation of dreams and their
Introduction Folklore is the collective knowledge, practices, and cultural expressions passed down through generations in a community. Over time, scholars have interpreted folklore through different theoretical lenses. Two important yet contrasting perspectives are the evolutionary and devolutionary ideas. These ideas significantly influenced the development of folklore studies in both the West and India. This answer
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