GS – 1 ART AND CULTURE
Context
The Union government is promoting tribal cultural heritage by translating Bhil folk tales from Madhya Pradesh. The initiative addresses caste issues, social reform, and oral storytelling traditions. The collection will be available in Hindi and digitally on the Adi Vaani website and app.
About the Collection
- Title: Anuvad
- Themes include:
- Inter-caste love & social harmony
- Caste discrimination & social justice
- Guru Pujan (teacher worship)
- Theatre & oral traditions
- Narratives blend Sanatana Dharma philosophy with equality and reformist ideas.
Key Stories & Themes
- Jaatwaad Khatam Karo (End Casteism):
- Love story of Palasi (Dalit) and Basant (upper caste).
- Shows village opposition rooted in caste prejudice.
- Message: Varna should be based on karma (actions), not birth.
- Guru Pujan:
- About Samandar, a teacher preparing for Guru Purnima.
- Idol vandalism sparks a debate → Samandar urges worship of values, not individuals.
- Links to RSS ideology, where the Bhagwa Dhwaj (saffron flag) represents the guru’s guiding spirit.
Cultural Significance
- Bhil Tribe:
- Indigenous to central India (Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra).
- Rich oral storytelling, songs, folklore traditions.
- Stories reflect customs, beliefs, and struggles.
- Languages included:
- Gondi, Santali, Mandari, Bhilali.
- Translations preserve tribal languages while widening access.
Government Initiative
- Led by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
- E-booklet will be free and digitally available.
- Part of digital preservation of indigenous knowledge.
- Promotes cultural inclusivity and tribal representation in mainstream literature.