Whispers of Forgotten Tales: Unheard Oral Performance Narratives of India

This book provides a scholarly inquiry into Indian oral narratives, cultural practices, and traditional performances, offering essential insights on the intersection of rituals, storytelling, and performance art. It is organized into four sections, each offering a comprehensive exploration of a distinct thematic area. Section I, Devotional Performance Narratives and Oral Tales, presents an integrated view of oral storytelling, devotional performances, and societal beliefs. Section II, Divine Possession and Cultural Practices, delves into divine and spiritual possession within Indian folklore and rituals. Section III, Sacred Unions and Ritual Narratives, focuses on rituals associated with marriage and motherhood. Finally, Section IV, Indian Folklore and the Resonance of Resistance, examines themes of resistance within folklore, including traditional forms such as grind-mill songs. This book offers a critical and comprehensive examination by scholars, academicians, and professionals in oral literature, with each chapter carefully constructed to bring together diverse perspectives. The book appeals to students, researchers, and individuals interested in folklore, cultural studies, and literature.