The Pardhan : art traditions of Central India

The video is a presentation on the art traditions of the Pardhan tribe of Central India. The Pardhans of Central India have traditionally served as bards to their Gond rulers. Till today they have strong ties with the Gonds although the latter are no longer rulers. The bana is the traditional instrument of the Pardhan musicians. Their story-telling is accompanied by this three-string fiddle as they sing about the origins of the earth, hills, rivers and the Gond rulers. The myths, stories and folk songs of the Pardhans are expressed through various other cultural forms like paintings, woodwork, folk theatre and dances. These bard’s songs become motifs which effortlessly move from paintings to performances. The film features stories like that of Harariya Shyam which is depicted on a wall painting. These paintings or dhingna made on every house of the Pardhans carry stories passed down from generation to generation.