Traditional folk songs of Korku tribe Report No. 909


(1) Financial Year .....2021
(2) Name of the activities 
A study of traditional folk songs of the Korku tribe
(3) Title Of Projects 
Traditional folk songs of the Korku tribe
(4) Introduction 
The Korku tribe has a rich cultural heritage, and their traditional folk songs are an integral part of their cultural identity. Here are some key aspects of their traditional folk songs:

*Themes:*

- Nature and the forest, which are an integral part of their livelihood and culture
- Social and cultural events, such as festivals, marriages, and harvest celebrations
- Mythological stories and legends, passed down through generations
- Struggles and challenges faced by the community, such as poverty, hunger, and exploitation

*Music and Instruments:*

- Traditional instruments, such as the dhol, nagara, and thali, are used to accompany the songs
- Music is often played during community gatherings and celebrations
- The Korku people have a unique style of singing, which is characterized by a distinctive pitch and tone

*Language:*

- The Korku language is a member of the Munda language family and is spoken by the Korku people
- The language is rich in vocabulary and has a unique grammatical structure
- Many of the traditional folk songs are sung in the Korku language, which is an important part of their cultural heritage

*Performances:*

- Traditional folk songs are often performed during community gatherings and celebrations
- The performances are characterized by energetic and lively music, accompanied by traditional instruments
- The Korku people have a strong tradition of group performances, which are an important part of their cultural identity

*Preservation and Promotion:*

- Efforts are being made to preserve and promote the traditional folk songs of the Korku tribe
- The Indian government has established institutions and programs to support the preservation and promotion of tribal culture
- Community-based initiatives are also being implemented to document and preserve the traditional folk songs of the Korku tribe.

Overall, the traditional folk songs of the Korku tribe are an important part of their cultural heritage, and efforts are being made to preserve and promote them for future generations.
(5) Duration ..........Duration Type.....
(6) Location 
: Korku is the fourth largest tribe of Madhya Pradesh in terms of tribal population. They reside in the Mahadev hills in the middle part of the Satpura mountain range in the state. The settlement of Korku tribe is extended to the Gabligarh mountain range area of ​​Melghat, Amravati, Dharni bordering Maharashtra state. Korku tribe is found mainly in Khandwa, Betul, Hoshangabad, Dewas, Khargone and Sehore in Madhya Pradesh.
(7) Documentation
In this research work, the following types of songs of Bhil tribe have been documented
(1) Songs related to gods and goddesses
(2) Songs related to birth rituals
(3) Songs related to marriage rituals
(4) Songs related to festivals
(5) Shravan month songs
(6) Death rituals songs
(7) Songs related to farming
(8) Other popular folk songs
(9) Depiction of the cultural life of Bhil tribe
(8) Expected summary 
Expected Summary
The book begins with a collection of songs related to gods and goddesses. The first song whose opening line and meaning are as follows

" Juwar Juwar Muthwa Aaba. Juwar Juwar Muthwa Aaba Maay.

Khedapati _Kala _Mangnato. Aamkani Siyana Gomez. "

The gods are saluting God in the Aarti. Juwar Juwar Muthwa Aaba is the god of Korku caste. And considers parents as their gods. It is believed that diseases are cured by worshipping Muthwa Aaba.

The ninth song is related to the worship of the family deity, whose opening line is as follows

" Aale ni ghumte firte Hejeken Mahadev Baba

Aale ni ghumte firte Hejeken (2) "

Meaning:_ We have been roaming around Mahadev Baba. We have come to see you.  For your worship we have brought a goat with crooked horns (Medha Bakra). In this way "Muthwa Dev Bhajan" Puja Geet" "Devi Jas Gayan" "Phagan" Bhagat Geet" "Dev Puja Geet" "Bhumka Aagrah Geet" "Bhajan" "Nausa Puja Geet" "Chand Suraj Geet" Devi Geet" have been compiled with meaning.
Among the songs related to birth rituals, "Dev Bhagat Geet", birth rituals song "Janotsav Geet" are prominent. The opening line and meaning of a song is as follows

"More ken kambra dhukhyo, bege dai bulayo re bege dai." 
Meaning:_ At the time of delivery, the mother says through the song sung by women. My waist and my stomach are aching. Brother, call the midwife quickly.
Songs related to marriage rituals include "song sung during the engagement ceremony", "while taking seven rounds", "during the mandap", "song while worshipping the square", "wedding song", "song for applying tilak to the boy", "wedding song", "song while applying turmeric", "engagement song", "engagement song", "related to finalizing the marriage", "song related to the groom being drunk", "farewell song", "song of taunting", etc., have been taken prominently in this thesis.

The taunting song has its lyrics as follows

"Daam dekhe damelakhen aasraven laadi bai.."

Meaning: To tease the groom, the bride's friends sing - "O bride, whom have you made your life partner?"
Among the songs related to festivals, "Phagun Geet" "Holi Geet" "Harera" "Holi Geet" "Horiya Geet" "Holi Panchami" "Song sung while collecting Mahua" "Welcome song of Dussehra festival" Chillori Geet "Phagun Geet" are prominent. The lyrics of the famous Phagun Geet are as follows

" This palace is built by spending a lot of money. This palace is neither yours nor mine. It belongs to God but we have to take the name of God on our lips.

Many major songs of Sawan like "Dolar Geet" Basant Bahar Geet" describe the beauty of the season. Songs related to death rituals and farming inspire us to live life positively. The lyrics of the Manav Chetna Geet are as follows

"Zindagi bari dinajile jo, Bhola dai
Jhoom choga dolo ilepadhari ... Bhola dai"

Meaning - Life is of two days brother.  Why are you pretending here brother?
(9) Objectives 
Here are some potential objectives for a study on "Traditional folk songs of Korku tribe":

1. _Documentation_: To collect, record, and document traditional folk songs of the Korku tribe, preserving their cultural heritage.

2. _Analysis_: To analyze the lyrical content, musical structure, and cultural significance of Korku folk songs.

3. _Classification_: To categorize Korku folk songs into genres, themes, or occasions, highlighting their diverse uses and meanings.

4. _Cultural context_: To explore the cultural context in which Korku folk songs are performed, including social, religious, and ceremonial aspects.

5. _Historical significance_: To investigate the historical background and evolution of Korku folk songs, tracing their roots and influences.

6. _Comparative study_: To compare Korku folk songs with those of other tribes or regions, identifying similarities and differences.

7. _Preservation and promotion_: To develop strategies for preserving and promoting Korku folk songs, ensuring their continued relevance and transmission to future generations.

8. _Community engagement_: To involve the Korku community in the research process, empowering them to take ownership of their cultural heritage.

9. _Education and awareness_: To create educational resources and awareness programs, showcasing the importance and value of Korku folk songs.

10. _Contribution to folklore studies_: To contribute to the broader field of folklore studies, enriching our understanding of traditional music and its cultural significance.
(10) Methodology 
The methodology employed in this study involves direct collection, observation, and case study approaches. Direct collection involves gathering data through primary sources such as interviews, surveys, and focus groups, allowing for firsthand information from the Korku tribe members. Observation involves participant observation, where the researcher immerses themselves in the community to witness and record folk song performances, ceremonies, and daily life, providing valuable contextual insights. Case study approach involves in-depth examination of specific folk songs, their history, and cultural significance, providing a detailed understanding of the context and meaning behind the songs. This multi-faceted approach enables a rich and nuanced understanding of the traditional folk songs of the Korku tribe, ensuring a comprehensive and authentic representation of their cultural heritage.
(11) Beneficiaries 
Korku tribe is found mainly in Khandwa, Betul, Hoshangabad, Dewas, Khargone and Sehore in Madhya Pradesh. Their population in the state is 730847 as per the 2011 census. Due to migration from their residential areas to cities in search of work, traditional songs, rituals, dances, dialects and lifestyle are on the verge of extinction. Their culture can be preserved by documenting them.
(12) Other Details 
This research work has been edited by Mr. Ashok Shah, Indian Administrative Service, compilation and writing has been done by Mrs. Rosemary Maghi, Assistant Research Officer and photography has been done by Mr. Keshav Thakur. The publisher is Tribal Research and Development Institute, Madhya Pradesh
(13) Sanctioned Date .........Total project cost ....

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