Introduction
Dalit folklore and cultural expression play a vital role in shaping the identity, resistance, and worldview of the Dalit community. These forms of cultural expression are powerful tools for storytelling, self-assertion, and reclaiming history from a Dalit perspective.
Understanding Dalit Folklore
Dalit folklore includes songs, stories, proverbs, rituals, and oral traditions that are passed down through generations. These narratives are rooted in the lived experiences of Dalit people and offer a counter-narrative to dominant caste histories.
Functions of Dalit Folklore
1. Historical Memory
Folklore preserves the memory of Dalit heroes, struggles, and wisdom. It challenges caste-based versions of history and celebrates Dalit resilience.
2. Cultural Identity
Dalit folklore reaffirms cultural pride and a sense of belonging. It helps Dalits reconnect with their roots and resist cultural erasure.
3. Protest and Resistance
Through songs, theatre, and dance, folklore becomes a medium for expressing protest against caste discrimination and oppression. Cultural expression turns into political resistance.
Examples of Dalit Cultural Expression
- Paraiyattam: A traditional drum dance that was once stigmatized but is now used in Dalit assertion.
- Dalit Literature: Written works, though more recent, are inspired by folk traditions and oral storytelling.
Significance
Dalit folklore connects the community to its past, builds collective memory, and nurtures a spirit of resistance. It bridges the personal and political, the past and the future, and offers hope and dignity.
Conclusion
Dalit folklore and cultural expression are more than art forms — they are acts of survival, protest, and empowerment. They challenge dominant narratives and pave the way for social change and equality.