The Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS) has added life size youth dormitory 'Majang' at its premises on Thursday. With active participation of 15 members of Juang tribe from Odisha, this dormitory is inaugurated in the gracious presence of Prof KK Misra, Director IGRMS and other officials and staff of the Sangrahalaya.
It serves the purpose of non-formal teaching in the form of socio-cultural norms and values. On three sides, it has mud walls with a raised veranda of mud. At inside one may find circular drums, 'changu' and double membrane drums, 'baida', hanged on the Sambar horns (antlers) emerging from the wall.
One of the biggest double membrane drums called 'bada katha baja' is kept on the platform 'bhadi', constructed inside, adjoining the wall. The wooden platform is utilized to keep the grain bin. At the centre of Majang, fire is kept lighted all day and year round. The genuine artistic talent of the Juangs finds expression in the construction of their Majang. Majang may be called the museum of Juang art and decoration. On its pillars and beams are carved figures of birds, beats, floral figures and graphic human beings. On an average there may be 13-14 pillars out of which major three pillars in the front 'Patakhunta' shows immense carving.
Majang commonly accommodates unmarried boys and widowers whereas, it acts as guest house to accommodate guests and relative at times of need. After day's toil the elders gather in the Majang and sit around the sacred fire to gossip and relax. Felicitating young people to come and to live together, construction of this dormitory is well coordinated by Banita Behra and Mr. Sarabjeet Singh, Museum Assistans, IGRMS. The dormitory is open for visitors and public at the Manav Sangrahalaya.