3 Review(s)

This beautiful collection of folk tales is a valuable addition to a not so rich Indian Folk Literature available in English, particularly of tribal communities. This painstakingly collected and edited collection of Folk tales of Santal Parganas must be a collector’s item for all those, who are keenly interested in Indian Folk Literature in general and the Tribal folklore in particular. This book is a unique gift for the awakened and educated individuals among Santals, who feel proud of their aboriginal culture, art and literature. Simultaneously, this work is an asset for all lovers of literature in India and abroad and for all the scholars working in the areas of art, culture, civilization, literature and indology in a broader sense. The stories mainly revolving around Santali (and Munda) tribe, have been clarified into six parts, on the basis of topicality and its backdrop, which make it easier for the reader to pick up his choice in acordance with his or her interest or mood. About The Author: CECIL HENRY BOMPAS, an orientalist, great scholar, authority on Tribal studies was an officer in Indian Civil Service during British days. He fell in love with santali culture and language, while he was posted in Bengal Presidency. Then he walked extensively in Singhbhum and Manbhum districts. He was immensely interested in the Folklore, so he decided to translate the selected Folk tales of the area into English. Subsequently he edited and compiled the stories into book form in a very scientific and scholarly manners. In his academic pursuit, the veteran author worked in association with the Asiatic Society of Bengal, in order to make his scholarly works with authenticity and greater credibility. Once retired C. H. Bompas devoted his entire time and energy to literary and Scholarly pursuits, till he breathed his last, as an honoured and contented man. Contents: PART I: • BAJUN AND JHORE • ANUWA AND HIS MOTHER • LEDHA AND THE LEOPARD • THE CRUEL STEPMOTHER • KARMU AND DHARMU