Give a Brief Overview of the Growth of Folklore Studies in India
Folklore studies in India have a rich and complex history, rooted deeply in the country’s vast cultural and linguistic diversity. The study of folklore in India evolved from ancient oral traditions, religious practices, and community customs to a more formal academic discipline. This growth has taken place in phases and reflects both indigenous scholarly traditions and modern interdisciplinary research methods.
1. Early Beginnings in Traditional Knowledge
India has had a long-standing tradition of oral literature, including myths, legends, ballads, riddles, proverbs, and folk songs. These were often passed down from generation to generation and were closely tied to community rituals, festivals, and social norms. However, formal study of folklore was not documented until colonial times.
2. Colonial Period
During British rule, many British administrators, missionaries, and scholars began to document Indian folk culture. Their interest was both academic and administrative. Folktales and legends were translated into English, and several collections were published. Some early efforts were seen in journals such as the Indian Antiquary and Journal of the Asiatic Society.
While colonial folklore studies contributed to preserving folk materials, they were often filtered through Western perspectives, with an emphasis on exoticism and the ‘primitive’ nature of Indian communities. Nevertheless, these early efforts laid the groundwork for the academic discipline.
3. Post-Independence Period
After India’s independence in 1947, there was a strong push to reassert indigenous knowledge systems. Indian scholars began to take a more serious interest in folklore as an academic discipline. Universities started including folklore in literature and language departments, especially in regional institutions.
- Scholars like P.K. Nair, A.K. Ramanujan, and Komal Kothari made significant contributions by analyzing folktales, oral narratives, and performance traditions.
- Institutions like the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) in Mysuru and Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi began to support folklore research.
4. Interdisciplinary Approaches
Modern folklore studies in India have expanded to include perspectives from anthropology, sociology, linguistics, performance studies, and history. This has helped scholars explore how folklore reflects caste, gender, religion, and class dynamics.
One notable shift has been the recognition of folklore as dynamic rather than static. Scholars now study how folklore adapts to social and technological changes, including its presence on digital platforms and in mass media.
5. Regional Contributions
India’s linguistic diversity has led to the development of strong regional traditions in folklore studies. For example:
- Kerala: Rich research in performance forms like Theyyam and Padayani.
- West Bengal: Studies in Baul songs, Jatra theatre, and folk deities.
- Rajasthan and Gujarat: Deep engagement with oral epics and ballad traditions.
6. Contemporary Developments
Today, folklore studies in India are recognized as essential to understanding the country’s cultural heritage. Scholars also focus on the politics of representation—who tells the folk stories, whose voices are heard, and how tribal and marginalized communities are portrayed.
Digital archives and ethnographic documentaries are also contributing to the preservation and dissemination of folk traditions. Research is no longer confined to libraries but now extends to fieldwork, interviews, and community participation.
Conclusion
The growth of folklore studies in India is a journey from preserving old tales to critically analyzing living traditions. What began as documentation has evolved into a vibrant field that not only safeguards India’s intangible heritage but also questions the cultural narratives that shape identities and social structures. The future of folklore studies in India lies in inclusive, interdisciplinary research that honors both tradition and change.