An overall perspective on MK Binodini Devi's short story Tune

Dr Elangbam Hemanta Singh *

Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi :: Pix - TSE

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 Ibemma'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 Ibemma's own consciousness. The frequent flashbacks serve to highlight the contrast between the vibrant past and the monotonous present, reinforcing the theme of loss.

The story's structure allows readers to experience Tampha Ibemma'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.

2nd MK Binodini Memorial Lecture at Maharaj Chandrakirti Auditorium on06 February 2014 :: Pix - Ashok Ningthoujam