A STUDY OF FOLKLORE MATERIALS IN THE NOVEL BIRGWSRINI THUNGRI BY BIDYASAGAR NARZARY

This paper aims to study and identify the various aspects of Bodo folklore as depicted in the novel Birgwsrini Thungri by Bidyasagar Narzary. It is also an attempt to analyze and critically examine the significance of folklore materials found in the selected novel in contemporary Bodo society. Birgwsrini Thungri is a Bodo historical novel of Bidyasagar Narzary, which fetched him the Sahitya Akademi and Rangsar Literary awards. The novels main theme is based on a legendary Mech female warrior and martyr, Birgwsri, who had fought against the British to liberate the Duars and establish a new Mech kingdom. Birgwsri served as a tax collector under the British government, and later she sacrificed her life for the noble cause of the Mech or Bodo people. The novelist vividly and beautifully reflects the realistic socio-cultural and religious life of the Bodo community. Various elements of Bodo folklore, including charms, proverbs, handicrafts, food habits, folk medicine, rituals, festivals, customary law, judicial systems, etc., are found to be reflected in this novel. Therefore, it is hoped that the study shall help the readers know about the relationship between Folklore and literature, as well as the folklore materials of the Bodo community.