An Erotic, Scary, and Sacred Image of the Fairies of Uttarakhand: A Study

Mamta Sharma; Dr. A. C. Kharingpam

Authors

Mamta Sharma
Dr. A. C. Kharingpam

Keywords:

An Erotic, Scary, and Sacred Image of the Fairies of Uttarakhand, Mamta Sharma, Dr. AC Kharingpam, research paper

Abstract

This paper examines the complex representation of fairies, locally known as ancharis, matris, paris, guris, and bhararis, in the folklore of Uttarakhand. Drawing on folk narratives, jagar songs, and scholarly accounts, it explores their simultaneous portrayal as sacred, erotic, beautiful, and harmful supernatural beings. The study argues that their worship is primarily an act of appeasement arising from fear of their perceived power and destructive nature. It further examines how these narratives construct ideas of female sexuality, social conformity, and gendered desire. Finally, the paper considers the changing status of fairy beliefs and their preservation through literary, musical, and cultural retellings.

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Author Biographies

Mamta Sharma

Mamta Sharma is a PhD scholar in the department of English, Jamia Millia Islamia University. She is interested in finding and studying the folklore of Uttarakhand. She has published her papers in Routledge and Bloomsbury, and has presented papers in national and international conferences. She translates English and Hindi texts into Garhwali. Recently, a Tamil text Tirukkural has been translated by her into Garhwali that is published by Central Institute of Classical Tamil.

Dr. A. C. Kharingpam

Dr. A. C. Kharingpam is an Assistant Professor of English at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. His area of research includes Folk Studies, Tribal Literature, Bible and Translation. He writes poems in both English and in his mother tongue, Tangkhul and is committed to not only resuscitating the vanishing tribal culture and art forms but also promoting and conserving the endangered tribal languages and literatures.

References

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An Erotic, Scary, and Sacred Image of the Fairies of Uttarakhand

A Study

Authors

Keywords: