Musicology

“It is by now common knowledge that Adivasi artistic-creative traditions have been organically interwoven into a total way of life, which has, over generations, been developed on the basis of an eco-centric world view that considers the human world and nature as parts of the same continuum. Such traditions, whether wall/floor decorations, iconography, fine and/or performing arts, are deeply related to one another, and all of them are related to the everyday Adivasi way of life.” – Jayasri Banerjee in “Adivasi music and the public stage” (Indian Folklife, January 2002)
https://indiantribalheritage.org/?p=6448

Santal creation myth in “Painted Songs”: an exhibition and publication on Bengali picture-scroll traditions – Zurich (Switzerland)

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Painted Songs: Continuity and Change in an Indian Folk Art by Thomas Kaiser (192 pages, 22 x 30 cm, 196 mostly coloured illustrations). Stuttgart and Zürich 2012. ISBN 9783897903661. Note: A major chapter (pp. 88-123) consists of illustrations of the “Santal Creation Myth”. More information: ARNOLDSCHE Art Publishers A wide range of themes, formats and techniques are covered both in … Read more

Architectural marvels from different communities: Tribal Habitat, “a laboratory for various practical experiences” (National Museum of Mankind, IGRMS Bhopal) – Madhya Pradesh

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This exhibitions includes the unique dwelling types of architectural marvels from different tribal communities from the Gangetic plains of Uttaranchal, lush green forest areas of North-east India, the arid region of western India, plateau region of central India, hilly tracts of eastern India, the Nilgiri (blue-mountain) tracts of South western India etc. Presently, there are … Read more

Tip | Anthropology and more

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Learn more about India’s tribal communities – their cultural heritage, current conditions and aspirations – with the help of the links seen below Despite their vast differences, anthropologists, including [Verrier] Elwin and [G.S.] Ghurye, as well as Srinivas and other Indian public figures and intellectuals, effectively erased or negated tribes’ worldviews and beliefs. When discussing … Read more

Tip | The distinction between “folk” and “tribal” music: Cultures that are very different

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OVERVIEW OF INDIAN FOLK MUSIC by David Courtney | View his illustrated, up-to-date version here >> India has a very rich tradition of folk music.  The extreme cultural diversity creates endless varieties of folk styles.  Each region has its own particular style. There is a tendency to lump folk music along with tribal music.  There … Read more

Video | Growing interest in rural and tribal culture: Where men, women and children dance together on many occasions

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Sample from the search results for “santal dance video”: Women and men practicing  “Santal Folk Dance” together in a public park – Published by ansigovin on Nov 2, 2012 “Traditional Dance in South Asia” by Rolf Killius Dance and music are the oldest and most original art forms in the world and especially numerous and developed in South Asia. Thus … Read more