An Ecocritical Analysis of the Songs of the Mavilan Tribe

Eco-Folk Rhythms: A puttinai Analysis of Mavilan Songs explores the deep ecological wisdom embedded in the oral traditions of the Mavilan tribe. Dr. Abraham’s pioneering work analyzes Mavilan agricultural, nuptial, and ritual songs through the unique lens of puttinai, an Indigenous theoretical framework derived from ancient Tamil tinai theory. This approach bridges traditional ecocriticism with Indigenous knowledge systems. Based on extensive fieldwork, the book reveals how these songs serve as repositories of sustainable practices and environmental ethics, reflecting deep interconnections among humans, nature, and supernature. Eco-Folk Rhythms advocates for an alternative, non-Western approach to addressing contemporary environmental crises. A vital resource for ecocritical scholarship, anthropology, folklore, and Indigenous studies.

Lillykutty Abraham is an Assistant Professor at St. Joseph’s University, Bangalore, where she also serves as a Research Guide.