A study on the cultural heritage of Santals.pptx

A brief study of the Santal Tribe in the Indian Subcontinent

1. A Study about The Cultural Heritage of Santals Name- Pubali Santra Subject- English Course- Eng 105 Roll No- 19 PG 1 st Semester

2. I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to the PG Department of English for me giving this opportunity to broaden my insight and explore upon this topic, “A Study about the Cultural Heritage of Santal.” I am highly indebted to our respected Principal and our English teacher Arpita Ma’am for guiding and providing me with valuable advice and suggestions during the course of the project. While doing this project I came across many facts and amazing aspects that enriched my knowledge and enhance my understanding of the matter and content so that I could work better. Last but not the least I would like to thank my parents and friends who stayed with me altogether and for being supportive. They helped me a lot in finalizing the project within the limited time frame. Acknowledgement

3. The presentation comprises the following contents: Introduction Geographical Regions Origin of Santal Tribe an the Backstory Behind their Language Santali Song, Poem and their English Translation Folktale and Mythical story regarding Santali Heritage Vocabulary Conclusion Bibliography Index

4. Santal heritage is a rich and vibrant cultural tapestry that encompasses various aspects of their history, traditions, beliefs, arts, and social structure. Through centuries, the Santal people, one of the largest indigenous communities in South Asia, have preserved their unique identity despite facing numerous challenges. One of the key elements of Santal heritage is their deep connection to nature, reflected in their folklore, rituals, and agricultural practices. Their belief systems are often intertwined with animism and ancestor worship, emphasizing harmony with the environment and the spirits that inhabit it. The Santal community has a distinct oral tradition, with rich folklore, songs, and dances that celebrate their heritage and provide a sense of belonging and identity. Music and dance play a vital role in their social and religious gatherings, serving as a means of storytelling and cultural expression. The traditional Santal way of life is organized around tight-knit communities governed by customary laws and councils. Despite modern influences, many Santal people continue to uphold their traditional practices and maintain a strong sense of solidarity within their communities. Introduction

5. Geographical regions The Santhal Tribe one of the largest indigenous communities in India, primarily resides in the Eastern part of the country. Their geographical region spans across the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and Assam. The Santals are also in the part of other counties like Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Mauritius etc. The Santal tribe has historical cultural ties to the region and their communities are often found in close proximity to rivers. The river Mayurakshi for example plays a crucial role in the life of the Santal in West Bengal. The Santal have also adapted to changing times and many of them are now engaged to various occupation such as forestry, handcrafts, and other rural and urban livelihoods. The Santhals’ presence in multiple states and their ability to maintain their cultural identity in a rapidly changing world reflect their resilience and the significance of their geographical region in shaping their history and lifestyle.

6. Origin of Santal Tribe and the Backstory behind their Language Origin of the Santal tribe The Santal people are an indigenous ethnic group primarily found in the Indian subcontinent, with a significant population in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. They on of the largest tribal community in India. The Santal people have a rich cultural heritage and a long history of inhabiting the Chotanagpur Plateau region, which includes parts of the Indian states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Bihar.

7. Origin of the Santali language: The language spoken by the Santal tribe is known as Santali. It belongs to Austroasiatic language family, specifically the Munda branch. The Santali language is an important aspect of their identity. It is written in the Ol Chiki script which was created by Pandit Raghunath Murmu, a Santal teacher and social reformer, in the early 20 th century. This script is used for writing Santali and has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting the language.  

8. Santali Folksong English Translation All mena tama Ror mena tama Dharam mena tama Aam hon menam , All lem aad lere Ror em asole Dharam lem aad lere Aam honm aad . Ama ora lagid Ama duour lagid Mathai d bar creled Amgem creled . Ama jiti lagid Mathai d Bai creled Amgem crelme . You have your script You have your language You have your religion You too are alive If the script is lost If the language is lost If your religion is lost You will be lost too For your home For your gateway No one will take care You should be responsible For your caste, For your religion No one will take care You should be responsible. Santali Song and Poem and their Translations

9. Santali Poem English Translation Hane crel kan Guru gomke Hane crel kan Buru crel kan Otkhonod usul akan Hende gay crel kan. Dare ko crel mena Dhiri ko mena Kul bana ko mena ko Haiti ko mena ko Hane crel kan Serma crel kan. A Poem by Pandit Raghunath Murmu There we can see, The mountain can be seen Raised from the ground Looks like black. Plants are there Stones are there Lion, Bear are there Elephants are also there There we can see The sky is spreaded blue Can be seen far away. There is a Sun God The Moon is also there There is also air and clouds.

10. Folktale and Mythical Story regarding the Santal Heritage The Santal indigenous community to India and Bangladesh has a rich cultural heritage with many folktales that reflect their beliefs. Values. And way of life. One such folktale is “THE BONGA EXORCISED”. A very poor man was once ploughing his field and as he ploughed the share caught fast in something. At first he thought that it was a root and tried to divide it with his axe; but as he could not cut it he looked closer and found that it was a copper chain. He followed the chain along and at either end he found a brass pot full of rupees. Delighted with his luck he wrapped the pots in his cloth and hurried home. Then he and his wife counted the money and buried it under the floor of their house. From that time the man began to prosper; his crops were always good; and his cattle increased and multiplied; he had many children and they grew up strong and healthy and were married and had children of their own. Folktale

11. But after many years luck changed. The family was constantly ill and every year a child died. The jan guru who was consulted declared that a Kisar bonga was responsible for their misfortunes. He told the sons how their father had found the money in the ground and said that the bonga to whom the money belonged was responsible for their misfortunes and was named Mainomati .   He told them how to get rid of the bonga . They were to dig up the buried money and place it in bags; and load it on the back of a young heifer, and take five brass nails and four copper nails, and two rams. If the bonga was willing to leave the house the heifer would walk away to another village directly the bags were placed on its back; but if the bonga would not go the heifer would not move.   So they did as the jan guru advised and when the bags were placed on the heifer it walked away to a large peepul tree growing on the banks of a stream in another village and there it stopped. Then they sacrificed the rams and uttering vows over the nails drove them into the peepul tree and went home, turning the heifer loose. From that time their troubles ceased.

12. Mythical story “ Hans and Hansli ” is a popular mythical story among the Santal tribe, and it revolves around the origin of human beings. Here’s a summary of the story: The supreme deity, Thakur Jiu or Marang Buru , granted their wish. Hans and Hansli descended from the heavens and took the form of humans named Pilchuharam (male) and Pilchuburi (female )on Earth. As they arrived, they discovered the beauty and challenges of the earthly life. The story unfolds as they navigate through the experiences of joy, sorrow, love, and hardship. Throughout their journey, Hans and Hansli contribute to the creation of the Santal way of life, introducing customs, rituals, and traditions that form the cultural fabric of the Santal community. Their experiences serve as a guide for the Santal people, emphasizing the importance of living in harmony with nature, respecting each other, and acknowledging the cyclical nature of life. This mythical story, like many others in indigenous cultures, carries moral and cultural teachings. It underscores the interconnectedness of humans with the divine, nature, and each other. The characters of Hans and Hansli symbolize the dualities and complexities of human existence and the journey of self-discovery. It's Important to note that the specifics of the “ Hans and Hansli ” story may vary among different subgroups of the Santal tribe, as oral traditions often allow for variations and adaptations over time.

13. Vocabulary   Terms related to Relationship Santali Words English Translation Ba Father Aayo / Go Mother Hopon Ba Uncle Hopon Aayo Aunt Marang Ba Elder Uncle Marang Aayo Elder Aunt Bokoyn Brother Mishra Sister Dada Elder Brother Dawi Elder Sister Santali words English Translation Sing Bonga Day Indoi Night Ayub Evening Tikin Noon Tarasing Afternoon Tarang Hour Tiring Minute Tipij Second Terms related to Time:

14. Santali Words English translation Singe Maha Sunday Ote Maha Monday Bale Maha Tuesday Sagun Maha Wednesday Sardi Maha Thursday Jarum Maha   Friday Cruhum Maha Saturday Santali Words English Translation Tasak Dhamsa Tumda Madol Regra Dhak Jhomor Jhumur Terms related to days in week Terms related to Instruments

15. The study on the cultural heritage of the Santal people offers valuable insights into their rich traditions, beliefs, and practices. Nowadays, the Santal heritage is not without challenges. Economic marginalization, displacement from their ancestral lands, and cultural assimilation pose threats to their way of life and cultural identity. Through meticulous research and analysis, the project has illuminated various aspects of Santal culture, including their language, folklore, rituals, music, and art forms. By documenting and preserving these cultural elements, the study not only contributes to the broader understanding of Santal heritage but also aids in safeguarding it for future generations. Furthermore, the project underscores the significance of cultural diversity and the need for its recognition and protection. Overall, the findings of this study serve as a foundation for fostering appreciation, respect, and dialogue surrounding the Santal cultural heritage, ultimately promoting intercultural understanding and societal cohesion.   Glossary: 1) Bapla - It means Marriage in Santali. 2) Maha - It means Day in Santali. 3) Bonga - God of Santal Tradition. Conclusion

16. Bibliography In the course of this presentation, I have taken information from the following sources: www.Wikipedia.org www.jamesclerk.co indiantribalheritage.org