The mangalam and its significance to Indian South Africans in Kwazulu Natal.

Abstract

Weddings have always been an indispensable and auspicious part of Hindu life both in South Africa and in India. This study is an examination of one aspect of Hindu weddings, viz. the vocal and sometimes instrumental recital of songs of blessing and praise. These songs are known as mangalams and have evolved in South Africa in the last century due to various factors. Analysis of the mangalam enables us to understand how traditions and customs continue and change in accordance with changing circumstances. Much of the data presented in this thesis has been gleaned from oral sources and, as such, the methodology of oral history has been extremely influential in the shaping of this dissertation.