Introduction
This answer differentiates between four important pairs of concepts in folklore and cultural studies: major and minor Indian languages, folk in pre-modern and modern Indian literature, verbal/oral and non-verbal folk forms, and Sanskritization vs great-little traditions. The differences are explained in simple, student-friendly language.
(A) ‘Minor’ and ‘Major’ Indian Languages
Major Indian Languages:
- Spoken by a large population across multiple states or regions.
- Recognized in the Constitution under the Eighth Schedule.
- Used in administration, education, media, and literature.
Examples: Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Urdu.
Minor Indian Languages:
- Spoken by smaller communities or in limited geographic areas.
- Often not officially recognized or represented in major platforms.
- May lack formal grammar, literature, or writing systems.
Examples: Bhojpuri, Tulu, Gondi, Santhali (some are gaining recognition).
(B) ‘Folk’ in Pre-modern and Modern Indian Literature
Pre-modern Indian Literature:
- Folk elements were integrated into oral traditions like ballads, myths, legends, and religious songs.
- Stories reflected community life, morals, and spiritual beliefs.
- Oral traditions were passed down without writing.
Examples: Bhakti poetry, Jataka tales, Panchatantra, and epics with folk variations.
Modern Indian Literature:
- Written using print technology and influenced by nationalism, reform, and modern life.
- Folk characters and themes are adapted for novels, plays, films, and poetry.
- Writers use folk culture for identity, resistance, and creativity.
Examples: Use of folk themes in works by Mahasweta Devi, Habib Tanvir, or regional-language writers.
(C) Folk Forms: Verbal / Oral and Non-verbal
Verbal / Oral Folk Forms:
- Passed down through speech and performance.
- Include stories, proverbs, riddles, folk songs, chants, and epics.
Examples: Baul songs, lullabies, myths, storytelling traditions like Kathakatha or Harikatha.
Non-verbal Folk Forms:
- Expressed through action, body language, objects, or visuals.
- Include folk dances, rituals, paintings, handcrafts, gestures, and body art.
Examples: Warli art, Bihu dance, tribal tattoos, rangoli, puppetry.
(D) Sanskritization and Great-Little Traditions
Sanskritization:
- Social process where lower castes or tribes adopt customs of upper castes to gain higher status.
- Includes changes in food, dress, rituals, language, and even religious beliefs.
- Coined by M.N. Srinivas.
Example: A tribal group starting to worship Hindu gods and following Brahmanical rituals.
Great and Little Traditions:
- Concept introduced by Robert Redfield.
- Great tradition: Sanskritic, elite, formal culture found in texts and temples.
- Little tradition: Local, village-level practices and beliefs often informal or oral.
Example: Worship of Krishna in temples (great) vs local village deity in a tree shrine (little).
Conclusion
Understanding these paired concepts helps students recognize the complexity and richness of Indian culture. From language diversity to folk expression, and from ritual traditions to cultural mobility, these differences reflect how dynamic and layered Indian society truly is.