paranic

Updated: May 15, 2025

Sarjomghutu is a village about four miles from Barhait Bazar on the banks of the Badi river. On the river bank grows a large banyan tree. This village has no headman or paranic; any headman who is appointed invariably dies; so they have made a bonga who lives in the banyan tree their headman.

Cecil Henry Bompas - Folklore of the Santal Parganas

When the birth took place the question arose in whose name its head should be shaved; as its father was still unknown, the villagers decided that this should be settled when the child was old enough to talk. So when the child was two or three years old and could prattle a little, the girl's father went to the headman and paranic and asked them what was to be done.

Cecil Henry Bompas - Folklore of the Santal Parganas