Understanding the Function of Folk Media as Popular Culture During the Indian Liberation Fights

Abstract

Folk media refers to traditional means of information and message dissemination through demonstration of native songs, dance, plays, stories, myths or symbols in a visually appealing and entertaining manner performed in front of local audience aware of the context and the background of performance art. The outreach of modern media was severely limited in pre-independence era with limited and exclusive access to print and electronic media. However, the folk media was ingrained deep into the local culture like a bestowed legacy passed from one generation to next. Local plays (Natak Mandali) were a hot-spot for deliberation and diffusion of ideologies popularising need for armed-struggle or subtle non-cooperation. Songs of valour and courage were sung and dramatised on stage in a hope that people develop resistance and defiance against the ruling monarch. Bahurupiya (Master of disguise) was one of the most ancient folk media practice prevalent during British era and is even practiced in modern times. They (Bahuripyas) were skilled in art of mimicry and imitation and this practice was used by the legendry freedom fighter Azaad. His comrade Bhagat Singh was known to mobilise people through stage and role plays where the bravery of native warriors was praised and celebrated through patriotic poetry and songs. Gandhi took a local folk symbol Charkha and established it as epitome of boycott and non- cooperation and a beacon of self-reliance in an attempt to reduce the country’s economic burden. Historical evidences suggest that such events were quite popular means to mingle with people and prepare them to revolt or disturb the ruling regime. It also helped in development of new materials of resistance through a sort of cascading effect. This study makes an attempt, through extensive literature survey and anecdotal evidence, to investigate the role of folk media during freedom struggle with particular focus on plays/drama, bhajan/kirtan and native symbols centered on the Bengal province (Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal) and how it helped in restoring the native pride and eventually preparing them to stand up and fight against the English.