Member-only story

Gender and Genre in the Folklore of Middle India: Myth and Poetics

E.M. Forster

·10.2k Followers· Follow

Published in Gender And Genre In The Folklore Of Middle India (Myth And Poetics)

5 min read

1k View Claps

56 Respond

Save

Listen

The folklore of Middle India, a vast and diverse region encompassing the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and parts of Maharashtra, offers a rich repository of tales, songs, and rituals that illuminate the intricate interplay between gender and genre. Gender, as a social construct, shapes and is shaped by the cultural expressions of a society, while genre provides a framework for understanding and interpreting these expressions. By examining the gendered narratives and aesthetic conventions in Middle Indian folklore, we gain valuable insights into the cultural constructions of femininity and masculinity, as well as the ways in which these constructions are challenged and reinforced through storytelling.

Myth and Gendered Narratives

Myths, as foundational stories that explain the origins of the world and human existence, often embody cultural beliefs and values about gender. In Middle Indian folklore, myths typically portray women as nurturers and caretakers, while men are depicted as protectors and providers. For instance, the creation myth of the Gond tribe recounts the story of Lingo Pen, a female deity who gives birth to the earth and all its creatures. Similarly, in the myth of the Pardhan tribe, the goddess Matarani is depicted as the protector of the people, providing sustenance and guidance.

Gender and Genre in the Folklore of Middle India (Myth and Poetics)

by Joyce Burkhalter Flueckiger

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2254 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	381 pages

However, these gendered narratives are not always straightforward. The myth of the Baiga tribe, for example, tells the story of Bhima, a male hero who is renowned for his strength and courage. Yet, in a twist to the traditional narrative, Bhima is also depicted as a caring and nurturing figure, who is willing to sacrifice himself for the well-being of his people. This subversion of gender roles suggests a more nuanced understanding of femininity and masculinity within Middle Indian culture.

Genre and Gendered Aesthetics

Genre, as a literary or artistic category, provides a framework for understanding the form and function of cultural expressions. In Middle Indian folklore, different genres are often associated with specific gender roles and identities. For instance, epic ballads, which recount the heroic deeds of warriors and kings, are typically performed by male singers, reinforcing the association between masculinity and physical prowess. In contrast, lyrical folksongs, which express themes of love, longing, and separation, are predominantly sung by women, reflecting the association between femininity and emotional expression.

However, this gendered division is not absolute. In some contexts, women have also taken up the role of epic singers, challenging the traditional boundaries between genres and genders. The Pardhan tribe, for example, has a tradition of female singers who perform epic ballads, known as "pandavani." These singers, known as "peedni," use their powerful voices and elaborate gestures to bring the epic tales to life, demonstrating the fluidity of gender roles and the capacity of women to transgress traditional boundaries.

Gender and Ritual Performance

Rituals, as formalized and symbolic acts, often encode cultural beliefs and values about gender. In Middle Indian folklore, rituals play a crucial role in shaping gender identities and reinforcing social hierarchies. For instance, in the Karma ritual performed by the Gond tribe, young women participate in a ritual dance that celebrates their transition into adulthood and prepares them for marriage. Similarly, in the Gedi ritual performed by the Baiga tribe, men undergo a ritual hunt that tests their courage and hunting skills, confirming their status as protectors of the community.

However, here too, we find instances of gender fluidity and transgression. In some communities, women also participate in hunting rituals, challenging the exclusive association of hunting with masculinity. The Baiga tribe, for example, has a tradition of female hunters known as "sheranis," who are renowned for their skill and bravery in hunting tigers. These examples highlight the complex and dynamic nature of gender roles in Middle Indian culture, where traditional boundaries are sometimes blurred and transgressed.

The folklore of Middle India offers a rich and diverse tapestry of tales, songs, and rituals that illuminate the intricate interplay between gender and genre. By examining the gendered narratives, aesthetic conventions, and ritual practices in this region, we gain valuable insights into the cultural constructions of femininity and masculinity, as well as the ways in which these constructions are challenged and reinforced through storytelling. These expressions provide a window into a world where gender roles are fluid, and where women and men navigate social and cultural expectations in a variety of ways, demonstrating the enduring power of folklore to reflect and shape the human experience.

Gender and Genre in the Folklore of Middle India (Myth and Poetics)

by Joyce Burkhalter Flueckiger

4.1 out of 5