An overall perspective on MK Binodini Devi’s short story Tune
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Dr Elangbam Hemanta Singh
Contd from previous issue
The story’s structure allows readers to experience Tampha Ibem-ma’s emotions first-hand— her pride in her past achievements, her longing for a bygone era, and her pain at being forgotten. This technique makes her character’s struggles deeply relatable and emotionally powerful.
2. Music as a Symbol : Music in Tune is not just an art form; it serves as a powerful symbol of identity, memory, and continuity. For Tampha Ibemma, music is the only connection she has to her true self. Even as she grows older and loses her physical strength, the tunes remain in her mind, representing a part of her that time cannot erase. However, the fact that no one in her family shares this passion symbolizes the discontinuation of cultural traditions. The fading of music from her life mirrors the fading of traditional values in modern society.
3. The title itself is significant : It represents the lingering presence of music in Tampha Ibemma’s life, even when everything else has changed. A “tune” is something that can be remembered and carried forward, but in the story, it is also something that risks being forgotten. This dual meaning encapsulates the central conflict of the narrative.
The Cultural and Social Context
MK Binodini Devi’s short story Tune is deeply rooted in the cultural and social realities of Manipur, reflecting the transition from a traditional aristocratic society to a modern, fast-changing world. The story’s themes of nostalgia, the decline of artistic traditions, and generational conflicts can be understood within the broader context of Manipuri history, post-colonial transformation, and the role of women in preserving cultural heritage.
The Influence of Manipuri Aristocracy:
MK Binodini Devi herself belonged to the Manipuri royal family, and her works often explore the complexities of aristocratic life in Manipur. In Tune, Tampha Ibemma’s background as a woman of high status plays a crucial role in shaping her experiences. Historically, Manipuri aristocracy was deeply intertwined with cultural traditions, including classical music, dance, and religious rituals.
The elite class was responsible for preserving and patronizing art forms such as Nat Sankirtana (a form of devotional music and dance) and Manipuri Raas Leela (a classical dance form). Tampha Ibemma’s musical talent and her memories of performing before the royal court highlight the significance of these traditions in her youth. However, the story is set in a period when the royal order is no longer dominant, and the aristocracy is losing its influence.
As a result, the art forms that were once considered prestigious and integral to the social fabric are now seen as outdated. Tampha Ibemma’s diminishing importance in her own family reflects the broader decline of the aristocratic class and its cultural authority.
The Impact of Modernization and Cultural Erosion
The post-colonial period in India brought rapid modernization, urbanization, and a shift toward Westernized lifestyles. In Manipur, as in many other parts of India, this transformation had a profound effect on traditional cultural practices. One of the key themes in Tune is the loss of cultural continuity. Tampha Ibemma represents a generation that valued art, music, and tradition, whereas her grandchildren are indifferent to these aspects of their heritage. This reflects a broader reality in which younger generations, influenced by modern education and technology, often prioritize career ambitions and contemporary entertainment over traditional art forms.
The contrast between Tampha Ibemma’s world and her daughter-in-law Nupimacha’s practical, modern mindset highlights this cultural shift. Nupimacha views her mother-in-law’s passion for music as irrelevant to daily survival, reflecting a larger societal trend where economic concerns and modern occupations take precedence over artistic pursuits. This mirrors the real-life struggles of classical musicians and artists in Manipur, who often find their art undervalued in a rapidly changing society.
The Role of Women in Preserving Culture
Women in Manipuri society have historically played a vital role in cultural preservation. Traditional Manipuri women were often trained in music and dance from a young age, particularly within the royal and elite families. However, as societal roles changed, women were increasingly expected to focus on household duties rather than artistic expression. Tampha Ibemma’s character embodies this struggle. In her youth, she was admired for her voice, but in her old age, her artistic identity is forgotten, and she is reduced to a dependent figure in her household.
Her experience reflects the broader issue of how women’s contributions to culture are often overlooked once they no longer serve an immediate functional purpose in the family or community. Furthermore, the generational gap between Tampha Ibemma and Nupimacha illustrates how modern women often have different priorities. While Tampha Ibemma sees music as an essential part of identity and legacy, Nupimacha views it as impractical, emphasizing domestic responsibilities instead. This shift mirrors the real-life experiences of many women who, due to economic pressures and changing societal expectations, are unable to engage in or pass down traditional art forms.
Manipuri Society’s Struggle Between Tradition and Progress
Manipur has a rich and unique cultural heritage, but it has also undergone significant political and social changes in the past century. The impact of British colonial rule, the integration of Manipur into independent India in 1949, and the subsequent socio-economic developments have all contributed to a shift in values. In Tune, Tampha Ibemma’s alienation reflects the broader struggle of Manipuri society to balance tradition with modernity.
Her pain at being forgotten symbolizes the way traditional knowledge and practices are often left behind in the pursuit of progress. The story raises important questions about how societies can modernize without losing their cultural identity. At a deeper level, Tune critiques the way modern society often dismisses the wisdom and artistic legacy of the older generation. Tampha Ibemma’s voice—once celebrated—is now ignored, much like how indigenous and classical art forms struggle for recognition in a rapidly evolving world.
The Universal Relevance of the Story
Although Tune is set in Manipur, its themes resonate universally. The decline of traditional art, the conflict between generations, and the isolation of the elderly are issues faced by many societies undergoing rapid modernization. Similar narratives can be found in various cultures where younger generations are moving away from their artistic and cultural roots. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of intergenerational dialogue and the need to respect and preserve cultural heritage before it disappears.
Conclusion
MK Binodini Devi’s Tune is a deeply moving story that explores themes of nostalgia, cultural erosion, generational conflict, and the struggles of women artists. Through the character of Tampha Ibemma, the story highlights the painful reality of those who live in the past while being forced to exist in a present that does not value their experiences. The narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and respecting the artistic contributions of previous generations. It also raises important questions about modernity’s impact on tradition—whether progress must always come at the cost of losing something valuable. Ultimately, Tune is more than just a story about an aging woman; it is a universal meditation on memory, loss, and the enduring power of music. It urges readers to reflect on their own relationship with tradition and the role they play in keeping cultural legacies alive.
The writer is Head, Department of English & Research Guide (MU), Ideal Girls’ College, Akampat, Imphal East, Manipur , Email: [email protected]
Contd from previous issue
The story’s structure allows readers to experience Tampha Ibem-ma’s emotions first-hand— her pride in her past achievements, her longing for a bygone era, and her pain at being forgotten. This technique makes her character’s struggles deeply relatable and emotionally powerful.
2. Music as a Symbol : Music in Tune is not just an art form; it serves as a powerful symbol of identity, memory, and continuity. For Tampha Ibemma, music is the only connection she has to her true self. Even as she grows older and loses her physical strength, the tunes remain in her mind, representing a part of her that time cannot erase. However, the fact that no one in her family shares this passion symbolizes the discontinuation of cultural traditions. The fading of music from her life mirrors the fading of traditional values in modern society.
3. The title itself is significant : It represents the lingering presence of music in Tampha Ibemma’s life, even when everything else has changed. A “tune” is something that can be remembered and carried forward, but in the story, it is also something that risks being forgotten. This dual meaning encapsulates the central conflict of the narrative.
The Cultural and Social Context
MK Binodini Devi’s short story Tune is deeply rooted in the cultural and social realities of Manipur, reflecting the transition from a traditional aristocratic society to a modern, fast-changing world. The story’s themes of nostalgia, the decline of artistic traditions, and generational conflicts can be understood within the broader context of Manipuri history, post-colonial transformation, and the role of women in preserving cultural heritage.
The Influence of Manipuri Aristocracy:
MK Binodini Devi herself belonged to the Manipuri royal family, and her works often explore the complexities of aristocratic life in Manipur. In Tune, Tampha Ibemma’s background as a woman of high status plays a crucial role in shaping her experiences. Historically, Manipuri aristocracy was deeply intertwined with cultural traditions, including classical music, dance, and religious rituals.
The elite class was responsible for preserving and patronizing art forms such as Nat Sankirtana (a form of devotional music and dance) and Manipuri Raas Leela (a classical dance form). Tampha Ibemma’s musical talent and her memories of performing before the royal court highlight the significance of these traditions in her youth. However, the story is set in a period when the royal order is no longer dominant, and the aristocracy is losing its influence.
As a result, the art forms that were once considered prestigious and integral to the social fabric are now seen as outdated. Tampha Ibemma’s diminishing importance in her own family reflects the broader decline of the aristocratic class and its cultural authority.
The Impact of Modernization and Cultural Erosion
The post-colonial period in India brought rapid modernization, urbanization, and a shift toward Westernized lifestyles. In Manipur, as in many other parts of India, this transformation had a profound effect on traditional cultural practices. One of the key themes in Tune is the loss of cultural continuity. Tampha Ibemma represents a generation that valued art, music, and tradition, whereas her grandchildren are indifferent to these aspects of their heritage. This reflects a broader reality in which younger generations, influenced by modern education and technology, often prioritize career ambitions and contemporary entertainment over traditional art forms.
The contrast between Tampha Ibemma’s world and her daughter-in-law Nupimacha’s practical, modern mindset highlights this cultural shift. Nupimacha views her mother-in-law’s passion for music as irrelevant to daily survival, reflecting a larger societal trend where economic concerns and modern occupations take precedence over artistic pursuits. This mirrors the real-life struggles of classical musicians and artists in Manipur, who often find their art undervalued in a rapidly changing society.
The Role of Women in Preserving Culture
Women in Manipuri society have historically played a vital role in cultural preservation. Traditional Manipuri women were often trained in music and dance from a young age, particularly within the royal and elite families. However, as societal roles changed, women were increasingly expected to focus on household duties rather than artistic expression. Tampha Ibemma’s character embodies this struggle. In her youth, she was admired for her voice, but in her old age, her artistic identity is forgotten, and she is reduced to a dependent figure in her household.
Her experience reflects the broader issue of how women’s contributions to culture are often overlooked once they no longer serve an immediate functional purpose in the family or community. Furthermore, the generational gap between Tampha Ibemma and Nupimacha illustrates how modern women often have different priorities. While Tampha Ibemma sees music as an essential part of identity and legacy, Nupimacha views it as impractical, emphasizing domestic responsibilities instead. This shift mirrors the real-life experiences of many women who, due to economic pressures and changing societal expectations, are unable to engage in or pass down traditional art forms.
Manipuri Society’s Struggle Between Tradition and Progress
Manipur has a rich and unique cultural heritage, but it has also undergone significant political and social changes in the past century. The impact of British colonial rule, the integration of Manipur into independent India in 1949, and the subsequent socio-economic developments have all contributed to a shift in values. In Tune, Tampha Ibemma’s alienation reflects the broader struggle of Manipuri society to balance tradition with modernity.
Her pain at being forgotten symbolizes the way traditional knowledge and practices are often left behind in the pursuit of progress. The story raises important questions about how societies can modernize without losing their cultural identity. At a deeper level, Tune critiques the way modern society often dismisses the wisdom and artistic legacy of the older generation. Tampha Ibemma’s voice—once celebrated—is now ignored, much like how indigenous and classical art forms struggle for recognition in a rapidly evolving world.
The Universal Relevance of the Story
Although Tune is set in Manipur, its themes resonate universally. The decline of traditional art, the conflict between generations, and the isolation of the elderly are issues faced by many societies undergoing rapid modernization. Similar narratives can be found in various cultures where younger generations are moving away from their artistic and cultural roots. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of intergenerational dialogue and the need to respect and preserve cultural heritage before it disappears.
Conclusion
MK Binodini Devi’s Tune is a deeply moving story that explores themes of nostalgia, cultural erosion, generational conflict, and the struggles of women artists. Through the character of Tampha Ibemma, the story highlights the painful reality of those who live in the past while being forced to exist in a present that does not value their experiences. The narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and respecting the artistic contributions of previous generations. It also raises important questions about modernity’s impact on tradition—whether progress must always come at the cost of losing something valuable. Ultimately, Tune is more than just a story about an aging woman; it is a universal meditation on memory, loss, and the enduring power of music. It urges readers to reflect on their own relationship with tradition and the role they play in keeping cultural legacies alive.
The writer is Head, Department of English & Research Guide (MU), Ideal Girls’ College, Akampat, Imphal East, Manipur , Email: [email protected]