Through the Lens of Folklore: Change in Practices among the Kom of Manipur

Corresponding Author: K. Grace Kom, Department of Anthropology, Manipur University, Manipur-795003
Email address: Komgrace9@gmail.com 

KEYWORDS Folklore, Changes, Christianity, Dialogues, Knowledge, Kom

ABSTRACT
Introduction: Folklore is a vehicle of culture that transmits knowledge of life’s various aspects to the next generations. However, when this passing down of folk knowledge is interrupted by the external forces of Westernization, Christianization, and the development of science and technology, the identity of a particular culture is found to be diluted.
Objective: In light of this, the present paper will focus on the changes adopted by the people of Kom as they acquire new knowledge in their life quest and the ethical dialogues found within the values of different generations.
Materials and Methods: The present paper is a product of fieldwork conducted at Khoirentak Khuman of Churachandpur District, Manipur. The data was collected through interviews, and participants of different age groups were included.
Results and Conclusion: It is found that the significance and practices of folklore are diminishing among the Kom due to the influence of Christianization and globalisation in general. There is also a sense of conflict within different generations concerning the knowledge gained by them. Due to different ethical perspectives, it affects their sense of oneness and belongingness toward one another. Thus, proper documentation of folklore is necessary to preserve one’s cultural identity and educate the young generation to promote mutual understanding within a community of different generations.

K. Grace Kom*

Department of Anthropology, Manipur University, Manipur-795003

DOI-DS: 09.2024-38594373
DOI Link :: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/09.2024-38594373/FrontierAnthropology/2024/13/A3

Frontier Anthropology, 2024, 13: 15-22
©Anthropological Society of Manipur

Original Article

Manuscript Timeline
Submitted: June 7, 2024
Accepted: September 3, 2024
Published: September 19, 2024