Short Notes for MEG-16: Indian Folk Literature – Question 8
a) Desha, Kshetra, Nadu, Rajya
These four terms relate to traditional territorial and cultural divisions in India:
- Desha: Refers to a region or land, often used in a general sense to describe one’s homeland or cultural territory. In folklore, it represents the emotional and social connection to one’s native land.
- Kshetra: Refers to a sacred or spiritual space, often used to denote pilgrimage sites. In folk culture, it is associated with religious festivals and rituals.
- Nadu: A Tamil term meaning land or country. It usually refers to a local or administrative region. Folk traditions, songs, and festivals often have a strong Nadu-based identity.
- Rajya: Refers to a kingdom or governed territory. In historical and folk narratives, Rajya forms the backdrop for tales of kings, wars, and justice.
b) Jatra, Kathakali, Tamasha
These are traditional Indian folk theatre forms that combine music, dance, and storytelling:
- Jatra: A popular folk theatre form from Bengal and Odisha. It combines melodrama, music, and mythological themes. Jatra performances are lively, dramatic, and open-air.
- Kathakali: A classical dance-drama from Kerala. Though highly stylized, it has folk roots and incorporates elaborate costumes, face makeup, and gestures to tell stories from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
- Tamasha: A form of Marathi folk theatre that mixes dance, music, and bold social satire. It is known for its lavani dance performances and humorous scripts that often reflect current social issues.