Domni Gan (Bengali Version)

Book Details

• Author: Debashri Palit
• Publisher: Bangiya Sahitya Samsad
• Language: Bengali
• ISBN: 9789382012047

About the Book

Domni Gan (Bengali Version) is a pioneering field-based study of the Domni folk song tradition, a distinctive musical heritage of the Malda–Jharkhand border region. Emerging from the shared cultural experiences of multilingual communities living across state boundaries, Domni songs represent a unique example of what cultural anthropology describes as interstate culture—a tradition shaped through continuous interaction between neighboring societies.

The book explores the historical evolution, artistic characteristics, and social significance of Domni songs, demonstrating how they have become a cultural bridge connecting the folk traditions of Bengal and Jharkhand. Through these songs, readers gain insight into the everyday lives, customs, emotions, and collective memories of communities whose identities have been shaped by geographical proximity and cultural exchange.

Based on extensive fieldwork, Debashri Palit documents both the traditional and contemporary forms of Domni music. The study examines how the genre has adapted to changing social and cultural conditions while preserving its core identity. By recording these transformations, the book provides valuable documentation of a living folk tradition that continues to evolve over time.

A notable contribution of the volume is its discussion of the applied significance of Domni music in cultural preservation and community engagement. The author addresses the challenges faced by this endangered folk tradition and explores possibilities for its revival, promotion, and sustainable preservation. The inclusion of illustrated profiles of folk artists further enriches the work by acknowledging the performers who have kept this heritage alive across generations.

Drawing upon the methods of folklore studies, cultural anthropology, ethnomusicology, and regional history, Domni Gan offers an interdisciplinary perspective on one of eastern India's lesser-known folk traditions. It highlights the phenomenon of cultural diffusion and interaction, illustrating how shared artistic practices transcend political boundaries to create enduring cultural identities.

An invaluable resource for students, researchers, folklorists, ethnomusicologists, cultural historians, and lovers of Bengali folk culture, Domni Gan preserves and celebrates a remarkable musical tradition that deserves wider recognition and appreciation.