Chola Maati: Pardhan Gond Rituals from Birth to Death

Contents: Foreword. Preface. Introduction. 1. Badadev–The Divine Emergence. 2. Dharti li Utpatti–Genesis of the Earth. 3. The Pardhan Gond–Musical Storytellers. 4. Janam–Sacred Beginnings. 5. Badhat–Adolescence. 6. Shaadi–The Symphony of Marriage. 7. Khushali–Domestic Prosperity. 8. Tyohar–Celebrations and Festivals. 9. Mrutyu–Death. 10. Tor Surta Ma–Homage to the Departed. Afterword. 

A land of diverse cultures and traditions, India is home to numerous indigenous communities, regarded as the first people of the land. Among these, the Gonds are one of the largest groups, primarily residing in central India. The Pardhan Gonds, a subsect of the Gonds, play a vital role in preserving the community’s collective memory through ballads. These ballads recount tales of valour, virtues and the folk traditions of Gond kings, accompanied by the Bana, a three-stringed musical instrument. In the past, Pardhans enjoyed patronage from Gond royalty and clergy. As British rule took hold, the Pardhans lost their traditional royal support and were forced to turn to farming.

This book explores the cycle of life, from birth to death, through the rituals and traditions observed by the Pardhan community. It is brought to life through the evocative paintings of Mayank Singh Shyam, the captivating photographs of Komal Bedi Sohal and the insightful narrative by Padmaja Srivastava. Deepening the reading experience, the volume also includes traditional songs—oral legacies passed down through generations—accessible through QR codes embedded throughout the book. Simply scan and listen as you read, allowing the music to infuse each chapter with its cultural and emotional resonance.