Indian Art & Culture:
Que. With examples, discuss how the cultural traditions from various regions of India get reflected in regional music. [Practice Question]
Approach:
(1) Introduce with a short note on Indian regional music.
(2) With the help of relevant examples, establish the link between the various cultural traditions and the corresponding regional music.
(3) Conclude appropriately.
Introduction:
Regional music forms an indispensable component of the regional culture and people’s daily lives. There are songs associated with various occasions like weddings, engagements, and births and also with planting and harvesting.
Each region in India with unique cultural tradition has its own particular style of music. For example:
(1) Rasiya Geet: The rich tradition of singing Rasiya Geet in the Braj region is not confined to any particular festival, but is closely woven into the very fabric of daily life and day to day chores of its people.
(2) Pankhida, Rajasthan: Performed while working in the fields, the peasants of Rajasthan sing and speak while playing algoza and manjira.
(3) Sohar, Uttar Pradesh: North India has a strong tradition of singing ‘Sohar’ songs when a son is born in a family. This has influenced the Muslim culture and a form of ‘Sohar’ song gained popularity in the Muslim families living in some regions of Uttar Pradesh. Hence, ‘Sohar’ songs highlight the mingling of two cultures.
(4) Basanti/Basant Geet, Garhwal: Basant or spring season is welcomed in a unique manner in Garhwal. Land is filled with different colourful flowers. On Basant Panchami floor designs are made with the rice flour and the green oats bundles are used to put impressions with cow dung. Swings are tied on the trees and folk songs are sung.
(5) Ghasiyari Geet, Garhwal: Young women of mountains have to go to far off forests to get grass for their cattle. They go to the forest dancing and singing in groups. Emphasis is also laid on the importance of labour in the Ghasyari Geet.
(6) Mando, Goa: Mando is a slow verse and refrain composition dealing with love, tragedy and both social injustice and political resistance during Portuguese presence in Goa.
(7) Bhuta Song, Kerala: The basis of Bhuta song is rooted in superstitions. Some communities of Kerala do Bhuta rituals to send away the evil ghost and spirits. This ritual is accompanied with vigorous dancing and the music has a piercing and eerie character.
(8) Saikuti Zai (songs of Saikuti), Mizoram: Mizo are traditionally known as a ‘singing tribe’. Saikuti, a poetess of Mizoram composed songs in praise of warriors, brave hunters, young men aspiring to be great warriors and hunters etc.
(9) Sukar ke Biah, Bhojpuri Song: Through this song, the story of Shukra and Brihaspat is sung even today. The song recalls how Shukra forgets the wedding ornament and comes back to take it, where he finds his mother drinking rice water, which is considered poor man’s food. On asking mother about this, his mother answers that she doesn’t know whether Shukra’s wife will even give her rice water or not. Shukra decides to remain unmarried.
(10) Ammanaivari, Tamil Nadu: Ammanaivari are songs sung in praise of the Chola monarch. Ammanai is a wooden ball and the women folk sing appropriate songs while playing the ball.
Conclusion:
Regional music in India serves as a cultural tapestry, mirroring diverse traditions. Whether the Carnatic music of South India reflecting devotion through intricate ragas or the folk music of Rajasthan echoing tales of valor, each musical form encapsulates the richness and essence of its respective region’s cultural heritage.
