Description
A land of diverse cultures and traditions, India is home to numerous indigenous communities, regarded as the first people of the land. Among these, the Gonds are one of the largest groups, primarily residing in central India. The Pardhan Gonds, a subsect of the Gonds, play a vital role in preserving the community’s collective memory through ballads. These ballads recount tales of valour, virtues, and the folk traditions of Gond kings, accompanied by the Bana, a three-stringed musical instrument. While they once enjoyed the patronage of royalty, the advent of British rule forced the Pardhans to abandon this support and turn to farming.
Chola Maati explores the cycle of life, from birth to death, through the rituals and traditions observed by the Pardhan community. The book is brought to life through the evocative paintings of Mayank Singh Shyam, the captivating photographs of Komal Bedi Sohal, and the insightful narrative by Padmaja Srivastava. Deepening the reading experience, the volume also includes traditional songs—oral legacies passed down through generations—accessible through QR codes embedded throughout the book. Simply scan and listen as you read, allowing the music to infuse each chapter with cultural and emotional resonance.
