Paper Details

This research explores the role of oral history and folklore in preserving and understanding the cultural heritage of Rajasthan, India. By employing a qualitative research methodology that includes ethnographic fieldwork, in-depth interviews, and thematic analysis using NVivo software, the study captures the rich oral traditions and folklore of Rajasthan. Data were collected from 25 participants across four villages: Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Udaipur, and Barmer. The key findings highlight the central role of oral traditions in maintaining cultural identity and continuity, conveying historical narratives, moral and ethical values, and providing educational insights. The study identifies significant challenges in preserving these traditions, such as modernization and technological disruption, and suggests strategies like cultural programs, educational integration, and digital archiving to address these issues. The research underscores the importance of integrating oral history and folklore into mainstream historical research to construct more inclusive and representative historical accounts. The findings have important implications for cultural preservation, educational programs, and policy development, emphasizing the need to preserve these rich cultural narratives for future generations.

Oral history, Folklore, Cultural heritage, Rajasthan, Ethnography, Historical narratives.