Sirjana khīri: A Mythic Interpretation of Kurukh Creation Narratives

Dilip Kumar Oraon; Sirista Julita Meenz

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i05.55460

Sirjana khīri: A Mythic Interpretation of Kurukh Creation Narratives

Author(s)	Mr. Dilip Kumar Oraon, Dr. Sirista Julita Meenz
Country	India
Abstract	The Kurukh language, predominantly spoken by the Oraon tribe, is a Dravidian language that embodies the philosophical, ecological, and spiritual heritage of its speakers. Rooted in oral tradition, Kurukh serves as a living archive of indigenous knowledge, conveyed through storytelling, ritual speech, and ceremonial practices. The Oraon community, primarily located in Jharkhand and its neighbouring states, maintains a rich oral culture interwoven with their agrarian lifestyle and deep ecological awareness. Their identity is inseparably linked to land, forests, and the rhythms of nature, which are vividly reflected in their myths and rituals. Among the most profound oral narratives are the Kurukh myths of “Sirjana khīri”—the story of creation. These myths go beyond cosmological explanation; they function as ethical and ecological frameworks that transmit core cultural values such as humility, perseverance, mutual respect, and harmonious coexistence with nature. At the heart of these narratives is the deity Dharmes, who breathes life into the soil, giving form to landscapes and all living beings. His role symbolizes the sacred interconnection between the divine, the earth, and human life. This study undertakes an interpretative analysis of Kurukh myths, exploring their deeper cultural, ecological, and moral dimensions. It aims to uncover how these narratives articulate the Oraon community’s deep relationship with land, spirituality, and ecology, while simultaneously serving as a medium for preserving oral tradition and transmitting indigenous epistemologies. By foregrounding these perspectives, the research demonstrates the continued relevance of Kurukh oral traditions in contemporary debates on environmental stewardship, cultural resilience, and the safeguarding of endangered knowledge systems.
Keywords	Kurukh Mythology, Oraon Tribe, Sirjana khīri, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Creation Narrative.
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 5, September-October 2025
Published On	2025-09-11
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i05.55460

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Sirjana khīri: A Mythic Interpretation of Kurukh Creation Narratives

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