Dr. Subhashis Banerjee, Dr. I. Talisenla Imsong
Abstract
This
research paper explores the oral narratives of the Birhor tribe in the Purulia
district of West Bengal, focusing on their cultural expressions, worldview, and
literary significance. Through their folktales, myths, and songs, the Birhor
people have preserved their unique identity and historical consciousness. The
study highlights how oral narratives function as both a repository of
indigenous knowledge and a reflection of socio-political realities. Through a
postcolonial lens, this paper examines the ways in which storytelling serves as
a means of cultural continuity, resistance against external influences, and a
voice for marginalized communities in a multicultural world. By engaging with
critical perspectives on oral traditions and indigenous literature, this study
contributes to the discourse on indigenous epistemology, literary traditions in
India, and the significance of preserving subaltern voices.
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Published: May 2025 [Vol. 08, No. 05]