Ranchi, March 19: Interested in reading Kudukh tales?

Now, language can't be a barrier to enjoy the interesting folklore of Oraon tribe, which were generally passed on from generation to generation orally.

Ranchi-based NGO Bikash Maitree has come up with The Spirit World: Wonderful Folk Stories of Jharkhand, an English collection of Oraon tales, which are almost forgotten.

Director of the NGO Dominic Bara, who compiled the 219-page book, said these stories, narrated within the Oraon community in Kudukh language, were part of an oral tradition kept alive by storytellers, say grandmothers.

"They are like mirror, though somewhat distorted now, reflecting the tribe's tradition. The oral tradition of storytelling was also a part of an education process as these stories taught the children the values of the society besides criticising evils like alcoholism or witch-hunt. The tales are intelligent, hilarious and full of satirical references and deep emotions," Bara said on the occasion of releasing his book today at the NGO's office.

Bara added the stories were first compiled in Kudukh language, however, using Roman script, towards the end of the 19th century.

"Though some of these are available in Hindi, there was no English version," said Bara, disclosing about his motivation to attempt the book, which has been published by Savita Publications.

The book, containing 52 stories divided in four sections - anecdotes, fairy tales, legends and tradition, is priced at Rs 199.

Faculty member of Ranchi University's tribal and regional languages department Hari Oraon, who was present at the release, said he considered the work an achievement. "It will not only help preserve the folk tales but also make these available to those who do not know Kudukh or Hindi. Storytelling is no more in vogue, threatening their survival," said Hari.

Bara had earlier written another book, The Adivasis: Their First Encounter with Missionaries, that spoke of the involvement of Christianity in 19th century Jharkhand.