English Language & Literature

Haryanvi Karke: A peek into folk wisdom

Haryanvi Karke: A peek into folk wisdom
Image Source – Edudwar

The focus of study in this article are the Karke or the wisecracks, mostly in the form of couplets and verses.

Author

Jagdish Batra, Professor of English, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India.

Summary

Ancient societies have large repertoires of folklore including folk songs, folk tales, etc. This treasure is passed on from generation to generation in rural areas. The province of Haryana in India is one such society.

The focus of study in this article are the Karke or the wisecracks, mostly in the form of couplets and verses. These comment on various subjects from daily chores to husbandry, farming, health, social ties, etc.

Their simple articulation does not shear them of the subterranean truth. Also, their similarity to the Greek folklore is striking. My article seeks to underline the local as also the global character of these wisecracks.

Published in: The Commonwealth Review

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