Literature of Lang II — Folk Songs, Oral Traditions and Major Writers
Overview
Literature of Language II forms a crucial component of JTET Paper I and II, testing candidates on the rich literary heritage of Jharkhand's tribal and regional languages. This topic covers the oral and written traditions of languages like Santhali, Mundari, Ho, Kharia, Kurukh, Khortha, Nagpuri, Panchpargania, Bengali, Odia, Urdu, and English.
For JTET aspirants, this section carries direct questions on folk songs, oral literature forms, and contributions of major writers. Understanding this topic is essential because Jharkhand's identity is deeply rooted in its tribal literary traditions — the state's formation itself was shaped by cultural movements expressed through these literatures. Examiners often test recognition of literary forms, matching authors with works, and understanding the cultural significance of oral traditions.
Mastery requires knowing the distinctive features of your chosen Lang II's literature, key writers and their seminal works, and the social functions of folk literature in tribal communities.
Key Concepts
- Oral tradition as primary literature: Most tribal languages of Jharkhand preserved knowledge, history, and values through oral transmission for centuries before written scripts were developed or adopted. This oral corpus is considered authentic literature.
- Folk songs serve multiple functions: They are not mere entertainment — they mark agricultural seasons, accompany rituals, preserve community history, express collective emotions during festivals, and transmit moral values across generations.
- Distinction between folk and classical literature: Folk literature is community-authored, anonymous, and transmitted orally; modern written literature has identifiable authors and fixed texts.
- Script development as literary milestone: The creation of Ol Chiki script for Santhali (by Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925) and adoption of Devanagari for other tribal languages enabled written literary traditions.
- Themes in tribal literature: Nature worship, animism, community bonds, agricultural life, resistance against exploitation, and celebration of tribal identity dominate both oral and written forms.
- Regional languages reflect local ethos: Khortha, Nagpuri, and Panchpargania literatures capture the life of non-tribal rural Jharkhand, with distinct vocabulary and imagery rooted in Chota Nagpur plateau life.
- Contemporary tribal writing addresses modern concerns: Post-independence writers address displacement, identity crisis, education, and preservation of culture alongside traditional themes.
Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Santhali — Ol Chiki Script | Created by Pandit Raghunath Murmu (1925); Santhali became 22nd language in Eighth Schedule (2003) |
| Major Santhali Writers | Pandit Raghunath Murmu (Bidu Chandan, Kherwal Bir), Sadhu Ramchand Murmu, Doman Sahu Samir |
| Santhali Folk Forms | Dong (love songs), Lagre (harvest songs), Baha (spring festival songs), Karam geet |
| Mundari Literature | Folk songs — Jadur, Karam; Writers — Father John Hoffmann (Mundari Grammar and Dictionary) |
| Ho Language | Oral traditions include Mage songs, Ba Porob songs; Lako Bodra developed Ho alphabet |
| Kurukh (Oraon) | Rich Karam and Sarhul songs; Bhagwat Prasad Sahu — major modern writer |
| Kharia Literature | Predominantly oral; songs for Karam, Jitia festivals |
| Khortha Literature | Shri Niwas Panuri, Binod Kumar Bihari; poems on rural Jharkhand life |
| Nagpuri Literature | Geet-Natki tradition; Ghasi Ram Mahli, Baijnath Bhuiyan; famous: Nagpuri Lok Geet |
| Panchpargania | Folk narratives and songs; relatively less documented literary tradition |
Folk Song Categories (Common Across Tribal Languages)
| Category | Occasion/Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Seasonal songs | Sowing, harvesting, monsoon | Lagre, Ashadhi geet |
| Festival songs | Sarhul, Karam, Sohrai, Baha | Karam geet, Baha geet |
| Ritual songs | Birth, marriage, death | Bapla (marriage) songs |
| Work songs | Collective labour in fields | Jhumar, Domkach |
| Dance songs | Community celebrations | Paika, Chhau accompanying songs |
Worked Examples
Example 1: A question asks — "Which script was developed by Pandit Raghunath Murmu for the Santhali language?"
Solution: The answer is Ol Chiki script, developed in 1925. Remember: Ol Chiki has 30 letters and was designed specifically for Santhali phonology. Murmu is called the father of Santhali literature.
Example 2: Match the following —
| Writer | Contribution |
|---|---|
| A. Lako Bodra | 1. Nagpuri literature |
| B. Ghasi Ram Mahli | 2. Ho alphabet |
| C. Shri Niwas Panuri | 3. Khortha poetry |
Solution: A-2 (Lako Bodra developed Ho script), B-1 (Ghasi Ram Mahli — Nagpuri), C-3 (Shri Niwas Panuri — Khortha)
Example 3: "Karam geet are associated with which festival?"
Solution: Karam geet are sung during the Karam festival (Karma Puja), celebrated in Bhadra month (August-September) by Oraon, Munda, and other tribes. These songs invoke the Karam tree deity for prosperity.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing Ol Chiki with Devanagari for Santhali → While Santhali can be written in Devanagari, Ol Chiki is the script specifically created for it. JTET questions specifically ask about Ol Chiki as the "developed script."
- Mixing up writers across languages → Students often confuse Pandit Raghunath Murmu (Santhali) with other tribal writers. Create separate mental boxes for each language's key figures.
- Treating all folk songs as identical → Different song types serve different functions. Lagre is for harvest, Dong for romantic expression, Baha for spring festival — knowing the specific occasion matters.
- Ignoring regional (non-tribal) languages → Candidates choosing Khortha, Nagpuri, or Panchpargania sometimes over-prepare tribal content. Focus on your specific Lang II choice.
- Underestimating oral tradition questions → Many candidates prepare only for written literature. JTET gives equal weight to oral forms — know the names and purposes of major folk song types.
Quick Reference
- Ol Chiki — Santhali script — Pandit Raghunath Murmu — 1925
- Santhali in Eighth Schedule — 2003 (22nd language added)
- Karam songs — Sung across Munda, Oraon, Santhal tribes during Karam festival (August-September)
- Baha Parab — Santhali spring festival — associated with Baha songs celebrating sal flower blooming
- Father John Hoffmann — Documented Mundari language through grammar and encyclopaedia
- Nagpuri Geet-Natki — Distinctive Nagpuri folk drama tradition combining song and acting