Proverbs of Tripura Based on Field Survey : An Analytical Study/ ক্ষেত্রসমীক্ষার ভিত্তিতে ত্রিপুরার প্রবাদ : একটি বিশ্লেষনী পাঠ

Abstract

Folk culture is a reflection of the common people. It is deeply intertwined with the lives of rural Bengali communities. For generations, people have nurtured and preserved this folk culture. The customs, traditions, beliefs, and way of life of indigenous societies are all integral parts of folk culture. One of the most significant branches of folk culture is proverbs. Through proverbs, one can learn about a nation’s civilization and social history, as they originate from the everyday experiences of common people and represent an important aspect of folk literature.

          Tripura, a hilly state in the northeastern region of India, is home to a majority of Bengali-speaking people. Based on field studies, this article discusses various proverbs collected from different districts of Tripura. These proverbs provide insights into the daily lives of the common people of Tripura, their regional language, economic conditions, agricultural practices, sense of humor, and social issues.

Proverbs are an essential branch of folk literature, emerging from the everyday lives of common people. They are the product of human wisdom and long-term experiences. Proverbs are concise expressions enriched with the essence of human experiences. They capture the deep emotions of rural life while encapsulating the essence of people’s prolonged struggles and lived experiences. As a part of folk literature, proverbs represent a highly enriched section of folk culture. They originate from the experiences of common people, shaped by their collective way of life. Although proverbs were initially created by earlier generations of people, they have now found a place in refined modern literature.

          The creation of every proverb is rooted in long-term social experiences and specific incidents. Rural people may not possess scientific knowledge, but they have a deep understanding of nature’s moods, storms, rain, tides, plants, rivers, mountains, animals, and their surroundings. They observe human nature, life transitions, social customs, daily struggles, and selfish tendencies with a keen and insightful perspective. These experiences take the form of proverbs. Proverbs hold a significant place even in the smallest family units. Many proverbs have been created based on interpersonal relationships within households and domestic life.