Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Source: IE
Ramleela, a famous folk theatre tradition from India, has found its way to Trinidad, where it holds cultural significance among the Indian diaspora. This theatrical re-enactment of the Ramcharitmanas, portraying the story of Lord Ram, has been performed in Trinidad, which has a significant Indian population due to indentured labour in the 19th century.
- In the early 19th century, Britain abolished slavery in its colonies, creating an economic crisis for places like Trinidad, which heavily relied on slave labour in the sugar industry.
- To address this labour shortage, plantation owners in Trinidad turned to indentured labour from India, with the first group arriving in 1845. These indentured labourers brought their culture, including the Ramleela tradition, with them to Trinidad.
Ramlila is a traditional folk performance of the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana. The name literally means “Rama’s play”. It is performed in northern India during the festival of Dussehra, which is held each year in autumn.
Ramlila is a series of scenes that include a song, Narration, Recital, and Dialogue.
Trinidad and Tobago is a dual-island Caribbean nation near Venezuela, with distinctive Creole traditions and cuisines. About 37% of Trinidad and Tobago’s population are of Indian descent (mostly from Bhojpur and Awadh Region).
Usage: The example can be used to show Indian Culture in foreign countries/ Indian Diaspora cultural heritage in International Relations/Arts & Culture Questions
