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The Santal and
Oraon Cosmogonic Myths and Certain Parallels in China: A
Reflection of Socio-Cultural Realities
Priyadarśī Mukherji
This paper narrates, interprets and draws comparisons between
different versions of the cosmogonic myths popular with the two
most ancient tribal groups of eastern India—the Santal and the
Oraon. It also analyses the motives behind different narrations
and the actual intentions of the narrators and their cultural
symbolisms. The paper highlights the role of politico-religious
influence on later versions of the tribal myths. Social
realities and certain tribal knowledge of the surrounding nature
are also touched upon. While drawing parallels and contrasts
between the two Indian tribal cosmogonies and some versions of
the Chinese cosmogony, the paper points to several grey areas
emerging out of such comparative discourse—that actually stands
marginalised in the present context of globalisation, economic
growth and consumerist culture.
Key Words: Cosmogonic myths, Oral traditions, Chinese folk
literature, Tribal culture, Santals and Oraons. |
