The Richness of Indian Folklore

• The ancient Indian art forms were predominantly folk-based. Sama Veda, one of the oldest forms of folk music, is a testament to this fact. The saints, scholars, and writers have played a crucial role in preserving the traditional oral stories and folklores.
• The Indian epics, such as the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and collections like Jataka tales, Panchatantras, have been written by scholars to conserve the traditional essence. The enchanting ‘Baul’ songs of Bengal and other works in various languages have contributed significantly to the heritage of folklore.
• The unique aspect of Indian Literature and Folklore is the pivotal role of women in preserving this folklore. Notable women who have contributed to this cause include Maitreyi and Gargi of Tamil Nadu, Lalleshwari of Kashmir, Akka Mahadevi of Karnataka, and Molla of Andhra Pradesh, to name a few.
• Apart from folktales, India is also home to a vast collection of aphorisms, proverbs, songs, street plays on folk culture, anecdotes, and more. Many folk plays, such as Veethi Naatakam and Chaakiyar Koothu, mirror the political and social realities through their satirical performances.

The Evolution of Indian Literature

• Indian literature has played a significant role in preserving and propagating folklore and oral myths. The world can gain insights into India's rich culture and art through literature. The true essence of Indian literature can be understood through the literary works spanning from medieval times to the 20th century.
• Even as the folklores began to fade with the spread of European culture, the traditions that were orally spread were preserved in the writings. Sahitya Akademi, India's premier institution of literature, is primarily dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Indian literature.
• The main objective of this institution is to foster cultural unity through Indian Literature and Folklore.
• Sahitya Akademi recognizes and rewards minor languages, tribal dialects, and folk literature. It also organizes conventions to encourage and promote Indian literature.
• The earliest literature written in Sanskrit includes the Vedas and the Upanishads. The tradition of literature in English was also established in India during the British rule.

The Significance of Indian Literature and Folklore

• Indian literature and folklore convey powerful messages to the regions of the world that have gradually lost their art and culture due to globalisation and industrialisation.
• The art form of folk literature and its manifestations lay emphasis on potent self-reflection and profound depth that can be found in every word and sentence. The traditional stories portray a path of righteousness and self-reflection, which are the pillars of a simple life.

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