Myth and Identity II: Narrative Construction of One’s Social Entity by Par≠Ê Communities in Maharashtra

Abstract: By defining the operational concept of dantakathÅ, this article attempts to represent the cognitive status of four narratives collected by the author from the Par≠Ê community of Maharashtra, a community traditionally assigned the occupation of washermen in the service of the village’s dominant castes. It points out some specific features of dantakathÅ, a symbolic form of social communication and outcome of language; especially enlightening when viewed in the perspective of linguistic studies. This study attempts to prove that ‘a narrative may discursively function as a covert assert for cultural and social counter moves of counter-power, and unavowed wishes of dissent or discontent.’ This is a methodological essay submitted in continuation of my first study,previously published in the Indian Folklore Research Journal (Vol. 1, 2001: 81-122). In this article I wish to be explicite, though summarily, my practice of data processing. I shall first define the operational concept of dantakathÅ that I construct to appropriately represent the cognitive status of those specifi