The Folklore of Liangmai: An Analysis of Its Cultural Significance

Abstract

The study focuses on the oral literature of Liangmai. The aim of the paper is to provide a brief analysis of the traditional values transmitted by folktale, folksong, wise saying, etc., in Liangmai Naga community. Oral literature has been a source of value education as well as entertainment in the traditional Liangmai rural society. However, the oral narratives of pre-literate Liangmai community have not been properly documented nor studied for their form and content. After colonization and the advent of Christianity and modern education in the early twentieth century, the folk literature in the form of rituals, songs, dances, legends, myths etc. were left neglected. As time passed, the rich oral tradition that had been passed down from generation to generation was left stagnant in the current generation. The focus area of the study is Tamenglong district of Manipur in the Northeastern part of India. The materials have been collected by systematic interviews, personal conversations and discussions with the few remaining elderly patrons. They have been recorded audio-visually. The collected data has been translated and transcribed. The results of the study will be used for the preservation of the local community and for the development of literature and school teaching materials in near future so as to educate young children about their rich cultural heritage and their language.