By reben10.ramjit@gmail.com 
Santali literature belongs to the Austroasiatic language family and is spoken by millions across eastern India. Historically passed down through oral traditions like folklore, myths, and songs, it flourished into written form in the late 19th century. Today, it features a rich collection of poetry, fiction, and drama.
History & Evolution
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- Oral Roots: For centuries, Santal culture survived through orally transmitted binti (creation myths), bankher (invocations), and hor kahni (folk tales).
- Missionary Period (Late 19th C.): European missionaries began documenting the language. The translation of the Bible and works by figures like Rev. L.O. Skrefsrud and Paul Olaf Bodding pioneered written Santali.
- Modern Era: The establishment of written literature took off during India’s post-independence period. Today, writers explore complex social, historical, and political themes. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
✍️ Key Pioneers & Works
- Pandit Raghunath Murmu: A monumental figure who invented the Ol Chiki script in 1925, giving the Santali language its distinct written identity.
- Sarada Prasad Kisku & Rupchand Hembram: Renowned poets and storytellers who pushed the boundaries of modern Santali written prose.
- Dr. Kherwal Soren: Known for his significant contributions to poetry and contemporary Santal literature.
- Magazines: Publications like Sili (first published in 1981) have been critical platforms