Vol. 1 No. 3 (2003): Myth and Identity II: Narrative Construction of One's Social Entity by Parīt Communities in Maharashtra - By Guy Poitevin

By defining the operational concept of dantakathā, this article attempts to represent the cognitive status of four narratives collected by the author from the Parīt community of Maharashtra, a community traditionally assigned the occupation of washermen in the service of the village’s dominant castes. It points out some specific features of dantakathā, a symbolic form of social communication and outcome of language; especially enlightening when viewed in the perspective of linguistic studies. This study attempts to prove that ‘a narrative may discursively function as a covert assert for cultural and social counter moves of counter-power, and unavowed wishes of dissent or discontent.’