1. A Study about
The Cultural
Heritage of
Santals
Name- Pubali Santra
Subject- English
Course- Eng 105
Roll No- 19
PG 1st Semester
2. I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to the PG Department of English for me giving this
opportunity to broaden my insight and explore upon this topic, “A Study about the Cultural Heritage of
Santal.”
I am highly indebted to our respected Principal and our English teacher Arpita Ma’am for guiding and
providing me with valuable advice and suggestions during the course of the project. While doing this
project I came across many facts and amazing aspects that enriched my knowledge and enhance my
understanding of the matter and content so that I could work better.
Last but not the least I would like to thank my parents and friends who stayed with me altogether and for
being supportive. They helped me a lot in finalizing the project within the limited time frame.
Acknowledgement
3. The presentation comprises the following contents:
1. Introduction
2. Geographical Regions
3. Origin of Santal Tribe an the Backstory Behind their Language
4. Santali Song, Poem and their English Translation
5. Folktale and Mythical story regarding Santali Heritage
6. Vocabulary
7. Conclusion
8. Bibliography
Index
4. Santal heritage is a rich and vibrant cultural tapestry that encompasses various aspects of their
history, traditions, beliefs, arts, and social structure. Through centuries, the Santal people, one of the
largest indigenous communities in South Asia, have preserved their unique identity despite facing
numerous challenges. One of the key elements of Santal heritage is their deep connection to nature,
reflected in their folklore, rituals, and agricultural practices. Their belief systems are often
intertwined with animism and ancestor worship, emphasizing harmony with the environment and
the spirits that inhabit it. The Santal community has a distinct oral tradition, with rich folklore,
songs, and dances that celebrate their heritage and provide a sense of belonging and identity. Music
and dance play a vital role in their social and religious gatherings, serving as a means of storytelling
and cultural expression. The traditional Santal way of life is organized around tight-knit
communities governed by customary laws and councils. Despite modern influences, many Santal
people continue to uphold their traditional practices and maintain a strong sense of solidarity within
their communities.
Introduction
5. Geographical regions
• The Santhal Tribe one of the largest indigenous communities in
India, primarily resides in the Eastern part of the country. Their
geographical region spans across the states of Jharkhand, West
Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and Assam. The Santals are also in the part of
other counties like Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Mauritius etc.
• The Santal tribe has historical cultural ties to the region and their
communities are often found in close proximity to rivers. The river
Mayurakshi for example plays a crucial role in the life of the Santal
in West Bengal.
• The Santal have also adapted to changing times and many of them
are now engaged to various occupation such as forestry, handcrafts,
and other rural and urban livelihoods. The Santhals’ presence in
multiple states and their ability to maintain their cultural identity in
a rapidly changing world reflect their resilience and the significance
of their geographical region in shaping their history and lifestyle.
6. Origin of Santal Tribe and the Backstory
behind their Language
Origin of the Santal tribe
The Santal people are an indigenous ethnic group primarily found in
the Indian subcontinent, with a significant population in India,
Bangladesh, and Nepal. They on of the largest tribal community in
India. The Santal people have a rich cultural heritage and a long
history of inhabiting the Chotanagpur Plateau region, which includes
parts of the Indian states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and
Bihar.
7. Origin of the Santali language:
The language spoken by the Santal tribe is known as Santali. It
belongs to Austroasiatic language family, specifically the
Munda branch. The Santali language is an important aspect of
their identity. It is written in the Ol Chiki script which was
created by Pandit Raghunath Murmu, a Santal teacher and
social reformer, in the early 20th century. This script is used for
writing Santali and has played a crucial role in preserving and
promoting the language.
8. Santali Folksong English Translation
All mena tama
Ror mena tama
Dharam mena tama
Aam hon menam,
All lem aad lere
Ror em asole
Dharam lem aad lere
Aam honm aad.
Ama ora lagid
Ama duour lagid
Mathai d bar creled
Amgem creled.
Ama jiti lagid
Mathai d Bai creled
Amgem crelme.
You have your script
You have your language
You have your religion
You too are alive
If the script is lost
If the language is lost
If your religion is lost
You will be lost too
For your home
For your gateway
No one will take care
You should be responsible
For your caste,
For your religion
No one will take care
You should be responsible.
Santali Song and Poem
and their Translations
9. Santali Poem English Translation
Hane crel kan
Guru gomke
Hane crel kan
Buru crel kan
Otkhonod usul akan
Hende gay crel kan.
Dare ko crel mena
Dhiri ko mena
Kul bana ko mena ko
Haiti ko mena ko
Hane crel kan
Serma crel kan.
A Poem by Pandit Raghunath
Murmu
There we can see,
The mountain can be seen
Raised from the ground
Looks like black.
Plants are there
Stones are there
Lion, Bear are there
Elephants are also there
There we can see
The sky is spreaded blue
Can be seen far away.
There is a Sun God
The Moon is also there
There is also air and clouds.
10. Folktale and Mythical Story
regarding the Santal Heritage
The Santal indigenous community to India and Bangladesh has a rich cultural
heritage with many folktales that reflect their beliefs. Values. And way of life. One
such folktale is “THE BONGA EXORCISED”.
A very poor man was once ploughing his field and as he ploughed the share caught
fast in something. At first he thought that it was a root and tried to divide it with
his axe; but as he could not cut it he looked closer and found that it was a copper
chain. He followed the chain along and at either end he found a brass pot full of
rupees. Delighted with his luck he wrapped the pots in his cloth and hurried
home. Then he and his wife counted the money and buried it under the floor of
their house.
From that time the man began to prosper; his crops were always good; and his
cattle increased and multiplied; he had many children and they grew up strong
and healthy and were married and had children of their own.
Folktale
11. But after many years luck changed. The family was constantly ill and every year
a child died. The jan guru who was consulted declared that a Kisar bonga was
responsible for their misfortunes. He told the sons how their father had found
the money in the ground and said that the bonga to whom the money belonged
was responsible for their misfortunes and was named Mainomati.
He told them how to get rid of the bonga. They were to dig up the buried money
and place it in bags; and load it on the back of a young heifer, and take five
brass nails and four copper nails, and two rams. If the bonga was willing to leave
the house the heifer would walk away to another village directly the bags were
placed on its back; but if the bonga would not go the heifer would not move.
So they did as the jan guru advised and when the bags were placed on the heifer
it walked away to a large peepul tree growing on the banks of a stream in
another village and there it stopped. Then they sacrificed the rams and uttering
vows over the nails drove them into the peepul tree and went home, turning the
heifer loose. From that time their troubles ceased.
12. Mythical story
“Hans and Hansli” is a popular mythical story among the Santal tribe, and it revolves
around the origin of human beings. Here’s a summary of the story:
The supreme deity, Thakur Jiu or Marang Buru, granted their wish. Hans and Hansli
descended from the heavens and took the form of humans named
Pilchuharam(male) and Pilchuburi(female )on Earth. As they arrived, they discovered
the beauty and challenges of the earthly life. The story unfolds as they navigate
through the experiences of joy, sorrow, love, and hardship.
Throughout their journey, Hans and Hansli contribute to the creation of the Santal
way of life, introducing customs, rituals, and traditions that form the cultural fabric of
the Santal community. Their experiences serve as a guide for the Santal people,
emphasizing the importance of living in harmony with nature, respecting each other,
and acknowledging the cyclical nature of life.
This mythical story, like many others in indigenous cultures, carries moral and cultural
teachings. It underscores the interconnectedness of humans with the divine, nature,
and each other. The characters of Hans and Hansli symbolize the dualities and
complexities of human existence and the journey of self-discovery.
It's Important to note that the specifics of the “Hans and Hansli” story may vary
among different subgroups of the Santal tribe, as oral traditions often allow for
variations and adaptations over time.
13. Vocabulary
Terms related to
Relationship
Santali Words English Translation
Ba Father
Aayo / Go Mother
Hopon Ba Uncle
Hopon Aayo Aunt
MarangBa ElderUncle
MarangAayo ElderAunt
Bokoyn Brother
Mishra Sister
Dada Elder Brother
Dawi Elder Sister
Santali words English Translation
Sing Bonga Day
Indoi Night
Ayub Evening
Tikin Noon
Tarasing Afternoon
Tarang Hour
Tiring Minute
Tipij Second
Terms related to Time:
14. Santali Words English translation
Singe Maha Sunday
Ote Maha Monday
Bale Maha Tuesday
Sagun Maha Wednesday
Sardi Maha Thursday
Jarum Maha Friday
Cruhum Maha Saturday
Santali Words English Translation
Tasak Dhamsa
Tumda Madol
Regra Dhak
Jhomor Jhumur
Terms related to days in week Terms related to Instruments
15. The study on the cultural heritage of the Santal people offers valuable
insights into their rich traditions, beliefs, and practices. Nowadays, the
Santal heritage is not without challenges. Economic marginalization,
displacement from their ancestral lands, and cultural assimilation pose
threats to their way of life and cultural identity. Through meticulous
research and analysis, the project has illuminated various aspects of Santal
culture, including their language, folklore, rituals, music, and art forms. By
documenting and preserving these cultural elements, the study not only
contributes to the broader understanding of Santal heritage but also aids in
safeguarding it for future generations. Furthermore, the project underscores
the significance of cultural diversity and the need for its recognition and
protection. Overall, the findings of this study serve as a foundation for
fostering appreciation, respect, and dialogue surrounding the Santal
cultural heritage, ultimately promoting intercultural understanding and
societal cohesion.
Glossary: 1) Bapla- It means Marriage in Santali.
2) Maha- It means Day in Santali.
3)Bonga- God of Santal Tradition.
Conclusion
16. Bibliography
In the course of this presentation, I have taken information from the following sources:
• www.Wikipedia.org
• www.jamesclerk.co
• indiantribalheritage.org
