ORIGIN OF DORMITORIES
On the origin of dormitory is always controversial and the truth remains draped in the mist and darkness of the past. How, when and under what circumstances the youth dormitories originated is also a matter of debate and discussion. The English word ‘dormitory’ is derived from the Latin word dormitorium, which signifies a communal or collective sleeping quarter. In it are taught the lessons of the traditions, norms, ideals, religious beliefs, methods of earning livelihood and discipline to the boys and girls of the tribe.
According to D. N. Majumdar, the purpose of dormitory is to gather the youths of the village at one place to save the village from the attack of wild animals and the village maidens from the attack of males of other tribes.
There are several ideas as to how and why tribes were created and relied heavily on the use of dormitories:
Safety:
Since the dormitories are usually at the center of a tribal community, it is thought they were created to have warriors organized, together and ready at a moment’s notice in times of battle.
Community:
The dormitories create a sense of community and help ensure the longevity of the tribe and its culture.
Tradition:
Tribes in ancient India used to live in communal houses and allowed everyone to work together. With this tradition, the tribes may have tried to recreate this on a smaller scale.
Separation:
Dormitories might have been created to segregate the genders, so the males and females did not have access to each other, keeping them pure.
Thus, some other scholars hold the view that the dormitory is to keep boys and girls unaware of the sexual relationships of their parents. At present, unfortunately, the institution of youth dormitories is gradually weakening in tribes and gradually, the importance of the institution is being limited with the change in tribal and other societies of the modern world.
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