Cecil Henry Bompas – författare

This beautiful collection of folk tales is a valuable addition to a not so rich Indian Folk Literature available in English, particularly of tribal communities. This painstakingly collected and edited collection of Folk tales of Santal Parganas must be a collector’s item for all those, who are keenly interested in Indian Folk Literature in general and the Tribal folklore in particular. This book is a unique gift for the awakened and educated individuals among Santals, who feel proud of their aboriginal culture, art and literature. Simultaneously, this work is an asset for all lovers of literature in India and abroad and for all the scholars working in the areas of art, culture, civilization, literature and indology in a broader sense. The stories mainly revolving around Santali (and Munda) tribe, have been clarified into six parts, on the basis of topicality and its backdrop, which make it easier for the reader to pick up his choice in acordance with his or her interest or mood.

"Folklore of the Santal Parganas" is a notable work by Cecil Henry Bompas, an English missionary and ethnographer who dedicated his life to studying and documenting the culture and folklore of the Santal people. The book presents a collection of traditional stories, myths, legends, and customs of the Santal community in the Parganas region of present-day Jharkhand, India. Bompas spent several years living among the Santal people, immersing himself in their way of life and establishing close relationships with the community. He gained their trust and was able to record their rich oral traditions, preserving them for future generations. "Folklore of the Santal Parganas" serves as a comprehensive repository of Santal folklore, encompassing a wide range of subjects, including creation myths, heroic tales, supernatural beings, rituals, and social customs. Bompas' work not only highlights the cultural heritage of the Santal people but also provides valuable insights into their worldview, beliefs, and practices. His meticulous documentation of Santal folklore contributes to the broader field of ethnography and folklore studies, enabling a deeper understanding of the Santal community's traditions and their place within the larger tapestry of Indian folklore. "Folklore of the Santal Parganas" remains an important resource for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts interested in Indian folklore, anthropology, and cultural studies.