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This publication explores various folk festivals, rites, rituals, beliefs and oral traditions to understand the many processes that went into creating a unique identity of the area of study – the Radh region of Bengal. The work has been supplemented with intensive ethnographic fieldwork across the region, supplemented by available archaeological findings, records and publications. Forming the western part of the state of West Bengal (India), the present study focuses on the districts of Purulia, Bankura and Paschim Mednipur (West Mednipur) and is a representative of understanding a continuous process of historical development to look into settlement patterns, migrations and resettlements, geographical boundaries, royal patronages of festivals and beliefs and oral traditions, reflecting ideas and identities.The local characteristics of these also helps to connect the area to the larger picture of the region and also brings to context a historical understanding with the bigger part of India. The fieldwork undertaken, was intensive enough in nature and looks into rural communities, which have undergone important processes of assimilation of thought processes and ideas, rendering them a distinct identity.

The present publication will be of interest to not only common readers, but anybody who wants to look into the study of history, archaeology, anthropology of Bengal, eastern India, ethnography, religious studies, folk culture, folk festivals, oral history and traditions.

Contents:
Acknowledgements
List of Maps
List of Figures
1. Introduction
2. Land and People
3. Historical Background
4. Survey of Ethnoarchaeological Data
5. Discussion
Appendices
Bibliography | Index