Myth and Memory: The Representation of Women in Indigenous Storytelling of Indian Culture
Singh, Vandana
Senior Assistant Professor and Head, P.G Department of English, Maharaja College, Ara India
Abstract
For cultural expression, identity preservation, and the generational transfer of age-old knowledge, indigenous storytelling is an essential means in India. The representation of women in Indian Indigenous stories is a profound and intricate subject that delves into the interplay of culture, identity, and history. Through oral traditions, myths, folktales, and contemporary narratives, these stories provide invaluable insights into the roles, perceptions, and experiences of women across diverse Indigenous communities in India. This exploration highlights not only the resilience and strength of women but also challenges dominant narratives shaped by colonial and patriarchal influences. This study also examines mythology and oral tradition that are integral to Indian culture, shaping its values, social structures, and historical consciousness. Indigenous storytelling reflects the roles and status of women, portraying them as goddesses, warriors, nurturers, and rebels. This paper explores the representation of women in Indian folklore, analysing their significance, spiritual authority, and societal implications, with a focus on figures like Draupadi, Sita, Mangal Chandi, and Hinglaj. It also examines how reinterpretation of these narratives impacts contemporary gender perspectives. The representation of women in Indian Indigenous stories is a testament to the resilience, strength, and complexity of Indigenous cultures. These narratives, rich in myth and memory, celebrate the diverse roles of women, challenge patriarchal and colonial stereotypes, and preserve vital cultural knowledge. As Indigenous communities continue to confront modern challenges, the stories of women play a crucial role in shaping identities and fostering a sense of belonging. By amplifying these voices and recognizing their significance, we contribute to a deeper understanding of the past, present, and future of Indigenous peoples in India. In essence, Indian Indigenous stories are more than mere tales; they are living embodiments of culture, identity, and resistance that resonate across generations, serving as powerful reminders of the integral role women play in the tapestry of life and society.
Keywords: Indigenous Story-Telling, Myth, Memory, Oral Tradition, Performance Art, Digital Tools, Folklore, Reinterpretations, Intergenerational.
Impact statement
Research Impact Statement
This research provides a thorough examination of how women are portrayed in Indian culture’s Indigenous storytelling traditions, shedding light on the ways that myth and memory influence gender narratives in a variety of groups. A more sophisticated understanding of gender roles, identities, and power dynamics inherent in Indigenous storytelling is made possible by the study’s critical analysis of oral histories, mythical stories, and cultural practices.
Academic Impact:
The research contributes to the fields of Indigenous Studies, gender studies, and cultural anthropology by offering a thorough framework for examining how gender is portrayed in oral traditions. It promotes greater openness and variety in scholarly discourse by elevating Indigenous perspectives above dominant Western-centric narratives. The study promotes more interdisciplinary investigation by providing fresh approaches to analyzing mythological texts and storytelling customs.
Cultural and Societal Impact:
The research supports attempts at cultural regeneration and preservation by highlighting the representation of Indigenous women in traditional stories. It draws attention to the diversity of Indigenous mythology and the value of preserving oral traditions that encode histories and gendered knowledge. The study also highlights the importance of storytelling in promoting gender parity in their communities and empowering Indigenous women.
Broader Impacts:
In the end, this research highlights the importance of Indigenous women’s voices in cultural memory and myth, so fostering a more inclusive narrative environment. Policymakers, educators, and cultural practitioners are encouraged to acknowledge and value Indigenous storytelling as an essential site of gender discourse and cultural identity.
About Author
Dr. Vandana Singh, Senior Assistant Professor & Head, P.G Department of English has been working at Maharaja College since last 9 years, one month,18 days. After passing the Bihar-based BPSC Exam in 2017, she joined her current position as an Assistant professor after working at other Eminent College and Institutions. She is a Ph.D.in Diasporic Literature, UGC-Net Scholar. She has completed her Higher Studies from Patna Women’s College, Patna and Post Graduation from Patna University. She is Alumnae of St. Joseph’s Convent Girl’s High School, Patna. She received her PGCTE from EFLU, Hyderabad.
An essential figure in a student’s life, a teacher uses their expertise, patience, love, and care to give their entire life a strong shape. Any praise for their excellent job must always be detailed and magnified. For more than twenty-two years, Dr. Vandana Singh has inspired, motivated, and educated current and former students. She has attended several International/National Conference and presented Papers. She has over 22 years of experience teaching English language, linguistics, literature, and communication. She has presented papers at a number of national and international conferences. She recently participated and presented a paper at UNSW, Sydney, Australia, in the month of May 2025. Her paper won the Best Outstanding Paper Award (Offline). In 2024, her paper won the Best Oral Presentation Award at the International Scientific Research Conference-2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. She is the author of multiple works that have been published in indexed national and international journals. She has authored a book and recently published a book as editor as well She has organized national and international seminars/conferences. Besides this, she has conducted several Workshops/lectures/Training as Invited Resource person in and around the Nation. She has also published paper in US. She is the editor of a book on ecofeminism and ecocritical issues that was released as First Edition in October 2024. She has reviewed several research papers for South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics
Special Interests and Area of Research:
Language and Communication-Effective/Business (Audio-Visual Training), Translation Studies, Environmental Studies, Geo-critical and Eco critical Studies, Black Literature, Diasporic Studies, Cross-Cultural Studies-Postcolonial, Indian English Studies Gender/Cultural Studies Research and Teaching Creative Writing Text-Translation and Interpretation, Material Development and Evaluation (Language and Literature), Research and Innovation.
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