Historical Oral Narratives as the Populist Narrative

Historical oral narratives have been an integral part of human tradition, serving as a means of transmitting knowledge across generations. This entry discusses the marginalization of oral narratives in the historiographical tradition and their subsequent revival through the emergence of oral history as an academic discipline. It explores the representation of historical oral narratives as populist narratives, particularly in societies where written records are scarce, or literacy rates are low. The entry highlights how historical oral narrative has redirected the focus of historical inquiry toward ordinary individuals, marginalized communities, and the non-elite majority, thus unveiling those “hidden from history” within historical discourse. Consequently, this paradigm shift challenges the hegemony of written sources and promotes a more populist form of historical representation. The entry emphasizes that historical oral narratives as populist narratives have been utilized in various contexts, such as political speeches and commemorative events, to generate support for causes and foster a sense of identity and pride amongst the peasants, labourers, women, Dalits, ethnic minorities, and indigenous communities. They often simplify complex historical events, emphasizing the struggles and achievements of ordinary people and challenging the narratives propagated by ruling elites.