Sambodhi 2013 Vol 36

SR No.: 520786
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jitendra B Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 2013
Total Pages: 328
Language: English, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Gujarati
Classification: Magazine, India_Sambodhi, & India
File Size: 7 MB

Page 79

The Oral Traditions of Epics in Gujarat
Vasuki, attracted by golden lock, tress of hair, came to the palace of Pandava, fought with Arjuna, defeated him, hanged on to a peg by binding Arjun with hair of his mustache and compelled Draupadi to allow physical sexual union. At last Karna defeated Väsuki with help of Golden fire-dagger (which was given by sun) and freed Draupadi and Arjun.
Vol. XXXVI, 2013
This is just one of the notable story incidents. There are many. The question is why tribal version differs so much, must be discussed. It appears that there are significant reasons for such vital and basic differences between the rural and tribal traditions of Mahabharat as under:
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It may be one of the reason that after wide influence and acceptance of Bharatiya Arya-Dharma, tribal races have re-named their ancient GodGoddess, but the original concept of such deity and related ancient myths were connected with adopted deities. Tribals have deeply rooted faith in Dakan-witch-cult. That has depicted Kunta and Draupadi as witch goddesses. Though Pandavas are the first deity on the earth for tribals, but Väsung(Vāsuki) the king of the nether is their ancient deity and more powerful, who can conquer Arjun.
Tribal society is basically matriarchal and not patriarchal as Aryan culture. So in each tribal epic woman character is more powerful, enjoying vital power and part.
Bhill tribes have deep faith in Bij-Margi-Pāt-upāsanā-cult, in which a woman is more powerful, can guide her husband and at the same time while performing 'Pat' one has to offer his wife to Sadhu for any required service. Indra offered Indrani to Sādhu, who mis-behaved with her. Indrāni left Indra and came to Pandava. Balo-Himmat accepted her offer; fought for her and defeated Indra (see 12th Chapter).
Sometimes the performer uses the interesting incident, mixes other incidents in his narration or sometimes her forgets the traditional story and adds his own.
Rural/Urban Tradition
The oral tradition has many stray narratives in prose and verse or songs, but no epic on Mahabharata. The reason seems that, there was no ritual demand in the urban/rural society. They have vast and rich treasures of paurānic Akhyān based on Mahābhārat-Kathā. Bhālan, Nākar, Premanand are three major narrative verse writers of medieval Gujarati literature. In their