Folklore of the Santal Parganas is a fascinating collection of stories and legends from the Santal people of India. Cecil Henry Bompas does an excellent job of presenting these tales in an engaging and accessible way, allowing readers to delve into the rich culture and traditions of this indigenous community.

The stories themselves are both entertaining and thought-provoking, offering insights into the beliefs, values, and customs of the Santal people. From myths about the origins of the world to tales of trickster gods and mythical creatures, the folklore in this book is sure to captivate readers of all ages.

Bompas also provides valuable context and commentary throughout the book, helping readers to better understand the significance of each story within the larger cultural framework of the Santal people. Overall, Folklore of the Santal Parganas is a must-read for anyone interested in folklore, mythology, or indigenous cultures.

Book Description:

This is an intriguing collection of folklore from the Santal Parganas, a district in India located about 150 miles from Calcutta. As its Preface implies, this collection is intended to give an unadulterated view of a culture through its folklore. It contains a variety of stories about different aspects of life, including family and marriage, religion, and work. In this first volume, taken from Part I, each story is centered around a particular human character. These range from the charmingly clever (as in the character, The Oilman, in the story, “The Oilman and His Sons”) to the tragically comical (as in the character, Jhore, in the story “Bajun and Jhore”). In later parts, the stories will focus on other subjects, including spirits, animals, and legends from this culture.