- History is more easily told through folk tales: Dr Shiv Prasad Naithani

By Shardul Nautiyal
It evokes curiosity and fascination when one lays hands on Septugenarian Historian Dr Shiv Prasad Naithani’s recently released book on Uttarakhand’s folk tales and literature, titled ‘Uttarakhand Gathaon Ka Rehesya’ (Mystery behind Uttarakhand’s Folk Tales). At the outset, the veteran historian has also quoted Tyron Edwards, which says, “Mystery is but another name for our ignorance, if we were omniscient, all would be perfectly plain.”
Having the attributes of a historian, a teacher and a researcher all rolled into one, Dr Naithani takes pride in unraveling the mysteries and the mythological elements that are intrinsic to the folk tales of Uttarakhand through this book. He represents Uttarakhand’s religious and spiritual character, when he discusses the Gods and Goddesses. The book is aimed at reviving the originality and identity of Uttarakhand through its folklore and folk tales, with a touch of modernity to make it more reader friendly. It is worth mentioning that Dr Naithani has been awarded by the Bihar and UP Governments for his books on Uttarakhand’s pilgrimage centres, temples and history.
His research on Uttarakhand’s Historical and Cultural Geography has been approved by the Government of India for its Libraries. Dr Naithani was awarded the coveted ‘Shri Samman’ in the year 2007 for his book “Brahmpur Aur Satveen Sadi Ka Uttarakhand”. The latest feather in his cap was when Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ recently announced institution of three awards for promoting Uttarakhand’s Literature, on the occasion of the release of his book on Uttarakhand’s folk tales.
Born on 1 January, 1934 in Bilkhet village of District Pauri Garhwal, Dr Naithani did his Graduation and Post Graduation from DAV (PG) College in History. Hailing from a humble background, he completed his primary and secondary education by virtue of scholarships, which he earned through his sincerity, intellectual and hardworking nature. “The Reorientation Scheme launched by the then Union Home Minister Gobind Ballabh Pant during the ‘60s gave the much required boost to my career, wherein I could serve the village people by educating them about new innovations in Agriculture and Horticulture,” the historian reminisces.
In a freewheeling interview with Garhwal Post, Dr Naithani gives insights about Uttarakhand’s Folk Tales and his book.
Please tell us something about the book.
I have tried to explore nine folk tales through this book, which have references to the Satvahana, Chola and Tughlaq dynasties and the state of affairs during the times of Prithiviraj Chauhan, as well. The book is also able to depict and portray the governance issues during the infamous dynastic rule of Katyuri Kings of Uttarakhand. It delves into the historical and religious aspects of the Nanda Raj Yatra and has been able to depict the route with maps, including photos of the Yatra. The book makes for a good reference work as several books and research works of renowned historians and poets have been studied and referred prior its publication, notable among them being those of Dr Trilochan Pandey and Prayag Joshi on Kumaoni Literature, Tara Dutt Gairola and Dr Urva Dutt Upadhyaya on folklore, folktales and language, Dr Shivanand Nautiyal, Dr Gunanand Juyal and Dr Govind Chatak on folk songs. Dr Haridutt Bhatt’s book on Garhwali language and literature has also been helpful.
The book also gives an account of the ‘Hinayana’ and ‘Mahayana’ sects of Buddhism with reference to the use and connotation of the word ‘Gatha’. It finds mention in the works written on the experiences of the followers of Buddhism by the name ‘Thergatha’. It also has references to King Harshvardhana and famous travel writer Huen Tsang. The accounts of great warriors and men of Uttarakhand, like Jeetu Bagadwal, Tilu Rauteli, Gangu Ramola, Sidhwa-Vidhwa and Kaul-Kunwar makes for an interesting read.
What is so special about the book?
The book will help the reader understand the history of India with reference to the history of Uttarakhand. The book has been able to give some insightful details about the similarities in the folklore and folktales of Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamilnadu and Maharashtra along with those of Uttarakhand. The book would be a welcome change for the students as well, as the state government would also incorporate the history and culture of Uttarakhand in the Public Service Commission Exams.
Why a book on folk tales and songs?
Folk tales and songs have an origin dating back to over 2000 years ago. Unraveling the various aspects of the folk tales in an organised way through dramatisation, scripting and also by creating plots and dialogues in the original language was required in order to revive them. The book has been able to bring home certain facts and inferences on the political and administrative scenario of Uttarakhand. Photos and certain archaeological evidence have been used to substantiate the richness of culture and heritage, which the hill state stands out for globally. The mystery related to Roopkund is one of the subjects covered, which is bound to evoke the reader’s mind till eternity. The book will prove to be helpful in identifying the true Uttarakhand.
shardulnautiyal@rediffmail.com