Oral Narrative Studies in Assam: Exploring Three Tantric Myths

Abstract

Integral to folklore studies, oral narratives have garnered significant academic attention since the previous century, particularly among Western academia. These academic discourses largely influence the methodologies adopted for studying oral narratives worldwide. However, upon examining the diversity of indigenous oral narratives, particularly in regions such as the Northeast of Assam, several genres are identified that have not yet become significant documents in folklore studies. One such variety of oral narratives is the Tantric myths in Assam, India. The accessible tantric myths in Assam are important materials for folkloristic analysis as they represent a virgin area of folkloristic investigation. An integral part of the everyday practices of various tribes inhabiting Assam, their existence and relevance inform us of two major things about the people. First, the people of Assam have an intrinsic belief system, where they believe in the power of tantra as a magic-inducing factor. This is not only a result of 'fear' of the unexplained/unpredictable, but also a faith that the omnipotent and omniscient, if there is any, is Nature herself. Humans need to be in harmony with Nature at all times if they want to achieve their desired objectives, results, or protection. The 'magical' in Assam is not about the miraculous or the impossible, but actually about a 'wonder' to be gifted as a blessing by Nature, if/when appeased. Secondly, there is a sense of relevance in these myths among the people of Assam, as they are still practiced and performed, often with a sense of secrecy to preserve their mystical nature. A folkloristic investigation is attempted here, utilizing three available Tantric myth texts. The investigation includes a structural analysis, adopting Claude Levi-Strauss's concept of breaking down a myth into its smallest units, along with an exploration of the forms of the myth using the epic laws of folk narrative by Axel Olrik. I carried out the functional analysis of the myths using the participant observation method, the basis of which is formed by Bronislaw Malinowski, A. R. Radcliffe Brown, and William Bascom's conceptions of the functions of folklore. Additionally, the investigation also ponders the process of transmitting narratives to establish the relevance of such myths in folk life.