Dharma, Society, and Folk Ethics in Haryanvi Svangs: A Cultural Analysis

Abstract

Haryanvi Svang or Saang is a prominent tradition of North Indian folk theatre embodying the ethical imagination, social consciousness, and cultural identity of the rural people of Haryana. Not just a form of entertainment, Svangs have traditionally been used as an effective instrument of moral education, spreading values of truth, justice, compassion, social harmony, devotion, respect for elders, gender responsibility, and communal coexistence. With the help of theatrical performances depicting myths, historical legends, saint tradition, and social life experience, Svang artists have always considered dharma not only from the perspective of religion but also as a code of conduct in ethical life. This research explores the relationship between dharma, society, and folk ethics in Haryanvi Svangs from a cultural perspective. The paper aims to show that Svangs are an integral part of the moral philosophy of the indigenous population, reflecting their life experience and criticising, at the same time, social injustices, greed, oppression, and decline of morals.