Gender Portrayal in Rajput Folksongs: An Ethnographic Study of Rajput Community in Bhakkar, Punjab

Abstract

It has long been an indisputable fact that socio-cultural system of the Pakistani society is predominantly patriarchal. Amongst the varied factors, one of them is how gender stereotypes are developed, portrayed and transmitted from generation after generation by means of the traditional folk songs. The present study analyses the role of folk songs in articulating the gender identity roles and relations. The theoretical perspectives from cultural anthropology, folklore and gender studies have established the fact that patriarchal and stereotypical ideologies are significantly disseminated through folk songs; nonetheless, these folk songs also form and allow subversive spaces for women to reformulate norms and customs. The encoded meanings prevalent in traditional folk songs are context-bound and used by women to challenge, contest and sometimes even undermine gender ideologies. Explicitly, it has also been argued that the folk songs provide Rajput women a culturally acceptable subversive space and forum for sharing experiences with other women, which otherwise is non-viable due to the conservative environment and mobility restrictions. The research also suggests that folk songs as text represent a false reality. The exaggerated, dramatized lyrics and situations are distant from the social life of the Rajput people living in Bhakkar. Nonetheless, it may be noteworthy to mention that these folksongs shed light on those emotional taboos which otherwise would be improbable to explore. The most distinctive feature of tight cultures is the antecedent of threat and fear, which results in discreet expression of emotions, thus folksongs as a shared tradition, provide a vent to the women to portray their inner sentiments. The Rajput folksongs also throw light on the two opposing dimensions being portrayed: How gender-based constructs such as female submission, men being manly and assertive, are endorsed, while on the other hand these same songs indirectly articulate the ideas of role subversion, patriarchal bargains, women’s agency; all of which often leads to inversion by challenging and ridiculing the patriarchal authority. The analysis is based on 84 wedding and birth folk songs, collected from the Rajput families, residing in the Punjab region of Bhakkar, Pakistan. In-depth interviews were held with the Rajput men and women. Informational conversational sessions were also DRSML QAU iii held with the Rajput women and a professional singer. Moreover, informal discussions with the local people and personal observation assisted in data enrichment. To conclude, it would be an understatement to view the Rajput folksongs as mere cultural expression. Rather, they serve much deeper function of communication, defining and establishing of social systems and undermining of patriarchal powers. Attention should also be paid to ways gender is portrayed through these songs. There is a dire need to balance gender roles and break gender stereotypes especially in case of the Rajput women who are relegated to a lesser position in their society. The findings also indicate that there is a crucial need to document and preserve the Rajput folk songs as part of our oral heritage; for them to be rightfully acknowledged and appreciated, and for us to learn from them. Emphasis also needs to be paid upon understanding how these folk songs shape a gender biased system of values, ideologies and thoughts among societies and communities who claim their ownership. Keywords: Folksongs, Rajput Folksongs, Gender Subversion through Folksongs, Gender and Folksongs, Gender Roles and Relations, Oral Heritage