ଲୋକସାହିତ୍ୟ : ତତ୍ତ୍ୱ ଓ ଅନ୍ୱେଷଣ

ଲୋକସାହିତ୍ୟ : ତତ୍ତ୍ୱ ଓ ଅନ୍ୱେଷଣ is an Odia-language study of folk literature, its theoretical foundations and its relationship with community life. It explores how folktales, folk songs, proverbs, beliefs and oral traditions preserve collective knowledge, cultural identity and social memory. The book introduces major approaches to folklore interpretation, including historical-geographical, structuralist, functionalist and performance perspectives. It examines folktale classification through motif and tale-type indexes, discussing the contributions of influential folklorists and the application of these approaches to Odia narratives. Connections between oral performance, literary creativity and everyday cultural practices bring the theoretical discussion into the context of Odisha’s living traditions. The work also considers how modernity, urbanisation and digital media reshape folk culture, highlighting the continuing relevance of folklore and the importance of its preservation. Suitable for students, teachers and researchers in Odia literature, folklore and cultural studies, the book offers a foundation for understanding folk literature as a continuing source of knowledge, expression and cultural belonging.