Poetry on the beauty of nature and its close association with mankind: “Tribal literature is as rich as any other literature in the world”

Mizo writer Darchhawna, who was awarded the Padmashree recently, praised tribal literature at a conference here today. He spoke on the concluding day of the Tribal Literary Conference and said tribal literature is as rich as any other literature in the world. Referring to elements of poetry in tribal literature, he said a poem describes … Read more

Adivasi poetry that “expresses unwillingness and disagreement”: Probing into the culture of the ex-tea garden labourers – Assam

On second day of TLF, session on “Young Tribal Writers; Their Themes, Issues and Challenges was organized.” The session was chaired by Prof. Sivashish Biswas, Assam University, Assam. During the session, five speakers talked about the emerging young writers from the tribal communities. Dr. Jamuna Bini gave some accounts of eminent tribal poets and writers beginning … Read more

Audio & eBook | Kota music and “signs of indigeneity” in the Nilgiri Hills – Tamil Nadu

Listen to “Konjenetre bommeyetre mānte nōṭē” and other beautiful songs of the Kota community (with detailed explanations) on Kota God Song >> Richard K. Wolf (Harvard University) and Frank Heidemann (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich) | Read the full introduction >> […] Many tribals also engage in activities that articulate tribal values in intra-community and … Read more

Video | Santal Puppetry documented by Daricha Foundation: Chadar Badni (Chadar Badar) by Sahadev Kisku & group –  Jharkhand & West Bengal

Chadar Bad(o)ni is a form of traditional Santal puppetry, practised by just a few members of the community. Performance by Sahadev Kisku and his group. Chadar Badni often referred to as Chadar Badar is a unique form of puppetry that is practiced by just a few members of the Santal community. Practically extinct among the … Read more

Video | “Banam Raja”: Lutes and fiddles by Adivaani – Jharkhand and West Bengal

Banam Raja from adivaani on Vimeo. Banams are the lutes and the fiddles of the Santal people. They are made from locally available material–wood, vegetables and animal hide. The most common banams still made and played by Santals are the Dhodro Banam, the Reta Banam and the Phentor Banam. […]