I am so glad that I found the "Lament of Niyamraja" on the web. Thank you Surya.
This is one of the most moving songs I have ever come across. Please see this. The song tells the story of Niyamraja, Niyamgiri and the impending sense of loss of Niyamgiri due to mining. The brilliant bard is Dambu Praska, a dongaria kondh.
Translation of some of the words of the song:
"Niyamraja was the youngest; he ruled the mountains and the streams'
He had to go through a test first, no one else knows this story....
No one knows this story
I will sing,
I will sing why the outsiders must spare our land...
Niyamraja is crying today,
Th hills will turn into mud,
The rocks will crumble and everyone will die...
Will there be any rivers left if there are no streams,
Will there be any streams left if there are no hills....
How will everyone come to know of Niyamraja's miracle,
If Niyamgiri will not be there
I will sing, I will sing...
What will we do without the fruits, grains and buffaloes,
What will we do without Niyamgiri...
What will the animals do without the big forests,
What will we do without the plants that save lives."
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