Lok Kathar Satkahan by Barun Kumar Chakraborty Bengali PDF.
Title — Lok Kathar Satkahan,
Edited by — Barun Kumar Chakraborty,
Genre — Lok Katha (Folklore), Edited Books,
Book Format — PDF,
Exploring the Richness of Folk Narratives: “Lok Kathar Satkahan” Edited by Barun Kumar Chakraborty
Folk literature has long stood as a silent pillar of our cultural heritage — revered in essence but often overlooked in academic and literary circles. While both West Bengal and Bangladesh have produced various collections and compilations of folktales, there has historically been a lack of comprehensive analytical discourse surrounding these narratives.
Lok Kathar Satkahan
Lok Kathar Satkahan, edited by Barun Kumar Chakraborty, seeks to fill that gap. This landmark volume brings together critical analyses and diverse perspectives on folk narratives, making it an essential contribution to the field of folklore studies in the Bengali-speaking world and beyond.
Structured Analysis of Folktale Genres
The book organizes folktales into distinct thematic and stylistic categories for better understanding and discussion. Key genres explored include:
- Fairy Tales
- Animal Stories
- Ritual tales (Brata-katha)
- Humorous Stories
- Legends and Myths
- Tales with Proverbial Significance
- Ballad-based Narratives
Each form is dissected not just for its literary style but also for its socio-cultural context and embedded symbolism.
Folk Narratives from Diverse Ethnic Communities
In its second section, the book delves into the folk traditions of various indigenous and marginalized communities such as the Mech, Lepcha, Oraon, Lodha, Sabar, Munda, Toto, and Lawa. These tales open a window into the lives, beliefs, and oral traditions of these communities.
In addition to Indian tribal narratives, the book features folktales from other regions including Bangladesh, Spain, and Australia, offering a cross-cultural perspective that enriches the reader’s understanding of universal folk motifs.
Methodological Approaches and Theoretical Frameworks
Perhaps the most intellectually stimulating part of the book lies in its critical methodology. Various academic approaches have been employed to analyze folktales, such as:
- Transformative Approach
- Historical-Geographical Method
- Nationalist Approach
- Type and Motif Indexing
- Comparative Folklore Studies
- Psychoanalytic Interpretations
Each folktale is examined through multiple lenses, showcasing how diverse interpretative strategies can reveal deeper meanings and cultural values.
Even “epic laws“, traditionally applied to classical epics, are considered in interpreting folk narratives, adding an epic dimension to what may seem like simple oral stories.
Themes That Reflect the Human Experience
Thematic analysis in the book covers a wide range of human concerns and experiences:
- Triumph of the humble
- Adultery and morality
- Class consciousness
- Resistance and protest
- The female psyche
- Wish fulfillment
- Magical realism
- Domestic violence
Professional and occupational roles
Feudal and societal influence
Special attention is given to characters like demons (rakshasas) and mythical beings such as Bengoma-Bengomi, offering insight into recurring archetypes in Bengali folktales.
Historical Context and Contributions
The book also documents the history of folktale collection in Bangladesh, shedding light on the contributions of missionaries and colonial administrators in preserving oral narratives. This historical section is brief but rich in factual detail.
Among the contributors are both seasoned folklorists and passionate young researchers, making the volume a balanced blend of experience and fresh perspectives. Notably, eight renowned Bangladeshi scholars have contributed essays, greatly enhancing the book’s academic value.
A Tribute to Folk Culture and Scholarship
The conceptualization and execution of Lok Kathar Satkahan were significantly shaped by the vision of respected folklorist Dibyajyoti Majumdar, whose dedication to folk narrative research is acknowledged throughout the volume.
Conclusion: A Must-Read for Culture Enthusiasts and Scholars
Lok Kathar Satkahan is more than just a compilation — it is a cultural and academic journey into the soul of folk storytelling. The editors and contributors have successfully brought to light the multidimensional nature of folktales — from their narrative structure to their symbolic and sociopolitical meanings.
Whether you are a scholar, student, or general reader with an interest in folklore, this book promises deep insights and a newfound appreciation for the stories that have shaped our collective imagination.
Download the PDF of Lok Kathar Satkahan: Barun Kumar Chakraborty edited.
Lok Kathar Satkahan PDF — Edited by Barun Kr Chakraborty
(Pages — 663, PDF Size — 28 MB, Lok Katha)
