International Journal of Contemporary Research in Multidisciplinary

Abstract:

This article critically examines the enduring significance of folk narratives in the context of modern Indian literature. It explores how oral traditions—including myths, legends, folktales, and ritual stories—have long served as foundational sources of storytelling within Indian culture. The paper emphasizes that folk narratives are not only cultural artifacts but also active contributors to literary and social consciousness, evolving through oral tradition and later influencing written literature. Through references to key thinkers such as A.K. Ramanujan, Stith Thompson, and Bhalchandra Nemade, the study underscores the dynamic relationship between oral and written forms of literature. It highlights the integration of folk motifs by eminent literary figures such as Rabindranath Tagore and Girish Karnad. The article also explores the theoretical dimensions of mythology and its close ties with folktales, stressing their role in preserving and transforming socio-cultural values across time. In doing so, it argues for a renewed scholarly and cultural engagement with folk narratives as vital components of both heritage and contemporary literature.

Keywords:

Folk narratives, Oral tradition, Indian folklore, Myths and legends, Modern Indian literature, A.K. Ramanujan, Cultural heritage, Storytelling traditions, Vernacular literature, Intangible cultural heritage, Comparative folklore, Oral vs. written literature

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