Muria

Synopsis: The Muria are a tribal group living in a relatively isolated area of central India. Their way of life differs from the general Indian pattern in many respects, particularly in the independence of spirit encouraged in Muria adolescents. They sleep separately from their parents in the ghotul, a dormitory and meeting house at the centre of the village. As members of the ghotul their dancing and singing display Muria culture at its most splendid. The young are encouraged to be outgoing and self reliant but their parents arrange their marriages in the traditional way. Relates the story of Mannaro, a young girl pregnant by her ghotul partner, whose future in-laws are prepared to accept her only on condition that she publicly breaks all ties with the young man. Mannaro goes through the wedding ceremony but says afterwards that she does not accept her husband and will leave him, and, in making this decision, she has the sympathy of old and young in the village.
Series: Worlds Apart, Series
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Film; Film. 16mm. sd. col. 55 min.
Technical information: Black-and-white / Sound
Year of production: 1982
Availability: Hire
Uses: Undergraduates. *RAI
Subjects: Anthropology
Keywords: India; Muria; social life and customs

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