ABOUT
Niranjan Mahawar is a distinguished Indian scholar, author, and collector renowned for his lifelong commitment to documenting the tribal and folk heritage of Central India. Born into a business family in Rajasthan, he later relocated to Madhya Pradesh and eventually settled in Bastar in 1962. For over four decades, he has meticulously researched the "silent history" of indigenous communities, focusing on their myths, literature, and artistic traditions. His contributions extend beyond writing; he is a sensitive collector who has curated one of the largest private collections of Bastar art and tribal artifacts. His expertise has made him a vital advisor to national cultural institutions and earned him international recognition, including an invitation to lecture at the prestigious Musée du Quai Branly in Paris. Today, his work remains a primary reference for researchers and enthusiasts of Indian folk culture.
Childhood, Family and Education
Niranjan Mahawar’s journey began within a business-oriented family originally rooted in Rajasthan. Growing up in an environment that valued tradition and industry, he later moved to Madhya Pradesh, where he pursued his higher academic interests. He attended Sagar University, where he demonstrated a strong intellectual foundation by earning postgraduate degrees in both Economics and Law, graduating in 1960. This dual specialization in economic systems and legal frameworks provided him with a unique analytical lens that would later inform his structured approach to cultural documentation. Following his graduation, the course of his life took a significant turn in 1962. He was called to Bastar to take over the management of his family’s rice milling business. While he arrived as a businessman, the profound simplicity and cultural depth of the local tribal society quickly shifted his focus, transforming his professional trajectory into a scholarly one.
Profession and Interest
While Mr. Mahawar’s professional start was in the rice milling industry, his true vocation emerged through his deep fascination with the tribal communities of Bastar. This interest evolved into a specialized career in cultural research and institutional leadership. He served as an executive member and tribal expert for the Madhya Pradesh Adivasi Lok Kala Parishad for eight years. Additionally, he was a specialist for the South-Central Zone Cultural Centre for eight years and a valued advisory board member for the journal Choumasa for twenty years. His interests are deeply rooted in material culture; he is an avid collector of tribal metalwork, handcrafted combs, ceremonial masks, and Gond paintings. His collection spans regions including Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Driven by a sense of social and cultural responsibility, he donated approximately 600 terracotta items to the Anthropological Survey of India’s museum in Jagdalpur, ensuring public access to these historic pieces.
Literary Contributions & Research
Over the past forty years, Niranjan Mahawar has authored a vast body of scholarly work that captures the essence of Central India’s tribal heritage. His literary output includes five monographs on tribal and folk arts, eight on folk drama (Loknatya), and four monographs on tribal studies. He has also written four books dedicated to folk songs and folktales. Notable publications include:
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Bastar Bronzes: Tribal Religion and Art, a deep dive into metallurgical traditions.
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Pandavani: A Folk Theatre Based on Epic Mahabharat.
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Folk Theatre of Central India (Mach) and Performing Art of Chhattisgarh.
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Tribal Myths of Orissa, a significant translation of Verrier Elwin’s work.
He has finalised a monumental encyclopedia focused on the folk literature of North Indian languages. His research is praised for its authenticity, providing a bridge between indigenous oral traditions and formal academic study.
Culture, Folklore & Chhattishgarh
Niranjan Mahawar’s work is inextricably linked to the cultural identity of Chhattisgarh and its surrounding tribal belts. He has dedicated himself to observing the life-vision of tribes such as the Muria, Madia, Gond, Dhruva, Halba, Bhatra, and Dorla . His research delves into the intricate relationship between nature, religion, and daily life, particularly through the study of ritualistic objects like bronze deities, lamps, and masks. By documenting the folklore and myths of these communities, he has helped preserve traditions that were previously undocumented or at risk of fading. His vision for Chhattisgarh’s culture is one of "living traditions," where art is not just a relic of the past but a functional part of the community’s social fabric. Through his museum collection and writings, he has positioned Bastar’s unique heritage on a national and international stage, advocating for the recognition of tribal art as a sophisticated and vital part of Indian civilization.