An overall perspective on MK Binodini Devi’s short story Tune
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Dr Elangbam Hemanta Singh
MK Binodini Devi’s short story Tune was translated into English by Irom Babu Singh and published in Contemporary Indian Short Stories—Series III: An Anthology of Indian Short Stories from 24 Indian Languages, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, 2016, pp.105-113.
The story mainly centres on the life of Tampha Ibemma, an elderly but once famous Manipuri singer, and her struggles in a society that no longer values the art she dedicated her life to. Through her character, Binodini Devi presents the tension between tradition and modernity, familial relationships, and the waning appreciation for indigenous cultural practices. MK Binodini Devi’s short story Tune is a poignant reflection on the passage of time, cultural change, and the gradual erosion of traditional art forms.
Formerly a well-known vocalist with a catchy voice, Tampha Ibemma is now largely unknown outside of her home. She comes from a time when music was a highly esteemed art form, and she was honoured to take part in religious events, palace plays, and “Rasas, Jalakeli.” She was a sought-after bride due to her beauty and talent, but her astute mother made sure she married into a household that valued her desire to pursue music. Tampha Ibemma gained respect and affection for juggling her love of music with her responsibilities to the home throughout her life.
But the environment around her also evolves with time. Her grandchildren associate her passion for music with a bygone era, seeing it as archaic, “uncivilized time.” They have a greater interest in contemporary pursuits like movie and sports. Tampha Ibemma suffers in silence as a result of this generational gap and longs for someone to take up her interest. Her only solace is her senior daughter-in-law, Nupima-cha, who respects her and supports her musical engagements, helping her choose attire and prepare for performances: “Nupima-cha! Which chaddar will suit me ? Abok lbemma, I kept three ready, washed”. While Madhumangol, her elder son, is largely absent and uninvolved in her emotional world: “Mother, my present cannot be helped. Today’s meeting is a veritable battle”. Her grandchildren, immersed in modern life, remain indifferent, failing to recognize or appreciate her once-admired musical talent: “Granny! those are activities of your uncivilized time and we hate them…Better spend the money for visiting pictures than waste in such pursuits.”
The story vividly captures Tampha Ibemma’s resilience and the bittersweet memories of her youth. Despite her age, she continues to engage with music whenever possible, even taking part in a Jalakeli performance at her grandmother Tharak Shija’s Shraddha ceremony. However, practical life interferes when her son prioritizes social obligations over her music, revealing how traditional art forms have been sidelined in favour of modern responsibilities. The family’s disinterest in her music symbolizes the broader cultural shift where traditional artistic expressions are being replaced by contemporary pursuits.
Themes
1. One of the most striking aspects of Tune is its exploration of nostalgia. Tampha Ibemma constantly reflects on the past, recalling a time when music—“Rasas, Jalakeli”, was an integral part of Manipuri culture and a source of pride. Her memories of singing in the royal court and receiving appreciation stand in stark contrast to her present existence, where she feels like an unwanted burden. Binodini Devi uses nostalgia not just as a personal emotion but as a cultural commentary. Through Tampha Ibemma’s longing for the past, the story highlights the way tradition is slowly fading just like a “tune,” making room for modern values that do not always respect or preserve artistic heritage.
2. The story presents the diminishing interest in classical Manipuri music as a metaphor for the erosion of traditional culture in the face of modernization. Tampha Ibemma represents the last generation that truly cherished the old ways, while her grandchildren symbolize the new world that has little attachment to tradition. Her daughter-in-law, Nupimacha, serves as an embodiment of practical modernity. She does not share Tampha Ibemma’s reverence for music and instead prioritizes day-to-day responsibilities. This generational gap illustrates how modern lifestyles often leave little room for traditional art forms, pushing them to the margins of society.
3. Tune also offers a feminist perspective on the role of women in Manipuri society, particularly in relation to art and self-e xpression. Tampha Ibem-ma’s love for music is an essential part of her identity, but as she grows older, she is expected to conform to the role of a grandmother and caregiver, rather than an artist.
The story subtly critiques the way women’s artistic contributions are often undervalued. While she once held a place of honour in society due to her musical talent, in her old age, she is reduced to being a mere dependent, someone whose passion is considered irrelevant by those around her. This reflects a broader issue in patriarchal societies where women’s talents and aspirations are often dismissed once they no longer serve familial or societal expectations.
4. A major source of conflict in the story is the alienation Tampha Ibemma feels from her own family. Her grandchildren do not understand her love for music, and her daughter-in-law sees her as someone who clings to the past. This generational divide is at the heart of the story, reflecting a broader societal shift where traditional values are often seen as impractical in the modern world. Tampha Ibemma’s sense of isolation is not just physical but also emotional. She struggles to communicate her feelings and experiences, making her nostalgia even more painful.
Her life serves as a reminder that tradition cannot survive unless it is passed down and respected by younger generations.
Narrative Style and Symbolism
1. Use of Memory and Flashbacks : MK Binodini Devi employs a narrative style that seamlessly moves between past and present, mirroring Tampha Ibem-ma’s own consciousness. The frequent flashbacks serve to highlight the contrast between the vibrant past and the monotonous present, reinforcing the theme of loss.
(To be contd)
MK Binodini Devi’s short story Tune was translated into English by Irom Babu Singh and published in Contemporary Indian Short Stories—Series III: An Anthology of Indian Short Stories from 24 Indian Languages, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, 2016, pp.105-113.
The story mainly centres on the life of Tampha Ibemma, an elderly but once famous Manipuri singer, and her struggles in a society that no longer values the art she dedicated her life to. Through her character, Binodini Devi presents the tension between tradition and modernity, familial relationships, and the waning appreciation for indigenous cultural practices. MK Binodini Devi’s short story Tune is a poignant reflection on the passage of time, cultural change, and the gradual erosion of traditional art forms.
Formerly a well-known vocalist with a catchy voice, Tampha Ibemma is now largely unknown outside of her home. She comes from a time when music was a highly esteemed art form, and she was honoured to take part in religious events, palace plays, and “Rasas, Jalakeli.” She was a sought-after bride due to her beauty and talent, but her astute mother made sure she married into a household that valued her desire to pursue music. Tampha Ibemma gained respect and affection for juggling her love of music with her responsibilities to the home throughout her life.
But the environment around her also evolves with time. Her grandchildren associate her passion for music with a bygone era, seeing it as archaic, “uncivilized time.” They have a greater interest in contemporary pursuits like movie and sports. Tampha Ibemma suffers in silence as a result of this generational gap and longs for someone to take up her interest. Her only solace is her senior daughter-in-law, Nupima-cha, who respects her and supports her musical engagements, helping her choose attire and prepare for performances: “Nupima-cha! Which chaddar will suit me ? Abok lbemma, I kept three ready, washed”. While Madhumangol, her elder son, is largely absent and uninvolved in her emotional world: “Mother, my present cannot be helped. Today’s meeting is a veritable battle”. Her grandchildren, immersed in modern life, remain indifferent, failing to recognize or appreciate her once-admired musical talent: “Granny! those are activities of your uncivilized time and we hate them…Better spend the money for visiting pictures than waste in such pursuits.”
The story vividly captures Tampha Ibemma’s resilience and the bittersweet memories of her youth. Despite her age, she continues to engage with music whenever possible, even taking part in a Jalakeli performance at her grandmother Tharak Shija’s Shraddha ceremony. However, practical life interferes when her son prioritizes social obligations over her music, revealing how traditional art forms have been sidelined in favour of modern responsibilities. The family’s disinterest in her music symbolizes the broader cultural shift where traditional artistic expressions are being replaced by contemporary pursuits.
Themes
1. One of the most striking aspects of Tune is its exploration of nostalgia. Tampha Ibemma constantly reflects on the past, recalling a time when music—“Rasas, Jalakeli”, was an integral part of Manipuri culture and a source of pride. Her memories of singing in the royal court and receiving appreciation stand in stark contrast to her present existence, where she feels like an unwanted burden. Binodini Devi uses nostalgia not just as a personal emotion but as a cultural commentary. Through Tampha Ibemma’s longing for the past, the story highlights the way tradition is slowly fading just like a “tune,” making room for modern values that do not always respect or preserve artistic heritage.
2. The story presents the diminishing interest in classical Manipuri music as a metaphor for the erosion of traditional culture in the face of modernization. Tampha Ibemma represents the last generation that truly cherished the old ways, while her grandchildren symbolize the new world that has little attachment to tradition. Her daughter-in-law, Nupimacha, serves as an embodiment of practical modernity. She does not share Tampha Ibemma’s reverence for music and instead prioritizes day-to-day responsibilities. This generational gap illustrates how modern lifestyles often leave little room for traditional art forms, pushing them to the margins of society.
3. Tune also offers a feminist perspective on the role of women in Manipuri society, particularly in relation to art and self-e xpression. Tampha Ibem-ma’s love for music is an essential part of her identity, but as she grows older, she is expected to conform to the role of a grandmother and caregiver, rather than an artist.
The story subtly critiques the way women’s artistic contributions are often undervalued. While she once held a place of honour in society due to her musical talent, in her old age, she is reduced to being a mere dependent, someone whose passion is considered irrelevant by those around her. This reflects a broader issue in patriarchal societies where women’s talents and aspirations are often dismissed once they no longer serve familial or societal expectations.
4. A major source of conflict in the story is the alienation Tampha Ibemma feels from her own family. Her grandchildren do not understand her love for music, and her daughter-in-law sees her as someone who clings to the past. This generational divide is at the heart of the story, reflecting a broader societal shift where traditional values are often seen as impractical in the modern world. Tampha Ibemma’s sense of isolation is not just physical but also emotional. She struggles to communicate her feelings and experiences, making her nostalgia even more painful.
Her life serves as a reminder that tradition cannot survive unless it is passed down and respected by younger generations.
Narrative Style and Symbolism
1. Use of Memory and Flashbacks : MK Binodini Devi employs a narrative style that seamlessly moves between past and present, mirroring Tampha Ibem-ma’s own consciousness. The frequent flashbacks serve to highlight the contrast between the vibrant past and the monotonous present, reinforcing the theme of loss.
(To be contd)