Gender and Humour in Indian Folk Tales- The Pañcatantra

Abstract

This paper examines gender and humour in the context of Indian folktales, the Pañcatantra. Discussions on humour, satire and jokes are not new and have always been a part of societies. Humour is a powerful tool that strips away all illusions and subverts expectations and social expectations. It is a social commentary allowing individuals to critique societal norms, institutions and behaviour in a way that is engaging, accessible and sometimes subversive. It is often the satire in humorous anecdotes that we find funny. It is associated with power structures in society. The stories analysed have humour and laughter directed at women who transgress social norms. An alternative reading of the humour in the stories from the women’s perspective shows us the power of women and the subversion of patriarchy. The laughter of the wife who cuckolds her husband is a part of the funny. Women may laugh self-mockingly or derisively. Laughter, depending on who laughs and at whom, can be disciplining, repressive, subversive, rebellious and self mocking. The modalities of humour and laughter in the Pañcatantra even though rooted in classical Sanskrit texts are to be found in our day to day lives. Laughter is serious business.