Beyond Devotional Egalitarianism: Matua Sangeet and the Socio-Cultural Reconfiguration of Faith, Caste, and Community in Bengal

Author(s): Ranjit Biswas

Abstract:

The lower caste Chandals, mostly agriculturists, migrated to West Bengal and other parts of India since 1949, bringing their memories through the songs. Many of them stayed there in contemporary East Pakistan and retained the same cultural rhythm. These songs connected the community beyond international borders and different societal environments. This paper explores the unexplored tradition, culture, and protest against societal discrimination, implementing the songs written by the Chandal themselves. These attributed songs were not only songs, but they also preserve the history of togetherness. On the subject of representation, it appears to be unanimously acknowledged that a dominating race or religion cannot represent minority populations in any way. The patterns of cultural representation of disadvantaged people across the world begin with their folk culture. The evidence of mobilised voice against the long prevalent caste system in which they abandoned the superstitious god and goddesses, and rather started worshipping a human social reformer, Harichand Thakur. This was very striking for the traditional society, as a lower caste, an unconscious community developed a sense in all milieus.

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Pages: 48-52     |    2 View     |    0 Download