Book List

A monumental collection of nearly 1,000 tribal folk tales from Odisha, translated by Niranjan Mahawar, offering a deep comparative look into the shared myths and daily lives of tribes like the Kond, Saora, and Juang.

A comprehensive study of Nacha, the satirical "mirror" of Chhattisgarh’s village life, tracing its evolution from Marathi Gammat to a celebrated secular folk theatre.

A specialized monograph documenting the Devar community, the legendary bards of Chhattisgarh, commissioned to preserve the state’s rich oral and cultural heritage.

An ethnographic exploration of the Bhatra tribe of Bastar, documenting their unique oral traditions, performing arts, and their ritualistic role in the iconic Bastar Dussehra.

This comprehensive study documents Chhattisgarh's rich performing arts, including major folk dances, songs, and theatrical traditions like Pandwani and Seila, across both rural and tribal communities.

A comprehensive study of the religion, myths, and bronze metalcraft of Bastar tribes, exploring the ancient bond between tribal animism and Ghasia bronze-making traditions.

A definitive, multi-decade study of the Gond tribe that captures the vibrant intersection of their social history, spiritual myths, and living artistic traditions.

An evocative exploration of the Oraon and Munda people, tracing their traditional life-systems, resilient social structures, and the evolving phases of their cultural history.

A profound exploration of Chhattisgarh’s premier mono-theatre, tracing its journey from ancient Gond tribal ballads to its modern identity as a solo dramatic performance.

A masterful survey of Chhattisgarh’s creative legacy, spanning ancient Gupta-era bronzes, historical brick temples, and the enduring iron-smelting traditions of the Agaria tribe.

A historical journey through the Satpura region, documenting the rise, internal struggles, and eventual colonial transition of the storied Gond kings of Deogarh.

An immersive exploration of Chhattisgarh’s rhythmic heritage, documenting the rare songs, ritualistic dances, and social play of the tribal heartland.

The first major English-language documentation of the Mancha theatre, tracing its transformation from Rajasthani Khyal into a flourishing, multi-dialect dramatic tradition of Madhya Pradesh.

A scholarly tracing of Pandwani’s evolution from ancient Gond tribal ballads into a sophisticated monodramatic theatre based on the Avadhi texts of the Mahabharata.