Jul 10, 2014 Shailendra Singh 'Rakesh' is a well known Bhojpuri, Bajjika, Magahi, Angika, Maithili. Singer of Bihar. Singer and Artist at Doordarshan and Aakashwani Patna.
When we think of culture, music, art and religion, we at once form an image in our minds, an image of the holy land of Bihar. The history of Bihar can be traced back to as far as the history of civilization itself. Lord Rama’s wife, Sita is known to have been born in Bihar. The city of Pataliputra or Patna was founded by the great Mauryan emperor, Ashoka in 270 B.C. The religions of Buddhism and Jainism, a revolt against Hinduism, were founded in Bihar. Vardhamana Mahavira attained nirvana in this land and founded the new religion of Jainism. Another prince sacrificed all his worldly treasures and meditated under the Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya. He too attained salvation from the continuous cycle of birth and rebirth and founded Buddhism. Today he is known as the Buddha. Chanakya, also known as Kautiliya, wrote the first treatise on modern science of economics, called the Arthashastra and he too hailed from this land. This land also witnessed the birth of the tenth and last Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, who attained sainthood in Bihar.
The tribal and folk songs, as well as the varied dance forms of Bihar are a representation of the emotional upheavals experienced by the people, as well as their values, hopes, beliefs and traditions. The music and dance forms in Bihar are as many as the numerous tribal groups, filling the state with love, music, art and diversity.
Karma Dance
The traditional Karma Dance gets its name from the Karma tree which stands for fortune and good luck. The dance begins with the planting of the tree, followed by circular formations around it. In this group dance, there are usually as many men as women dancers. The dancers form a two-tiered formation and the movements are usually backward and forward, towards and away from each other. The dancers swing to the rhythm of the drum and the clapping of the women folk. Later, breaking the formation, the dancers thread in and out and the body movements involve bending of the torso and the knees. The dancers put their arms around the waists of their neighbours and form semicircular rows. Each row of dancers sings and dances alternately to the accompaniment of the Mandur and Timki. Drums beat fast and loud and the dance ends on a happy note. The choreography is imaginative and the themes of the songs are contemporary and relevant.
Jhijhia Dance
Jhijhia is a prayer dance that originated in the Koshi region of Bihar and is performed during droughts, when the land is dry and parched and there are no signs of clouds in the lifeless sky. Through the Jhijhia dance, the young girls offer their prayers to the King of Gods, Lord Indra. The dancers pray to the Lord of Rains for life-giving rain and a good crop. The words of the song Haali Huli Barsaaun Inder Devta depict the conviction and deep devotion of the dancers as they pray to their Lord.
Kajri Dance
The Kajri Dance welcomes the beautiful season of Monsoon. The young girls of the village dance in gay abandon out in the open to express their joy at the approach of the season of fulfillment. The dance is usually performed in the months of Shravan and Bhandrapad. The young girls bathed in the romance of the season exchange notes with each other about their beloveds. Rain is after all, the sublime symbol of fertility, of succulence, of birth and rebirth.
Jhumar Dance
Jhumar is a traditional folk dance of Bihar, which is performed by the rural women. There is no fixed season for this beautiful dance form, it is a dance, which is performed at all times. Spring descends on earth with its beauty and spreads joy and happiness all around. The women dance with gay abandon. The men folk are invited to join in and they usually provide the musical accompaniment.
Bhojpuri Jhumar Dance
Bhojpuri music and dance is popular in Magadh and its surrounding districts in Bihar. Bhojpuri Jhumar is a famous folk dance of the Bhojpuri people. With the advent of Spring, nature blossoms into a riot of colour and fragrance. The people of this region welcome Spring with vibrant songs and dances. This rhythmic dance form is an expression of the joys and sorrows of the people.
Magahi Jhumar Dance
The Magahi Jhumar dance is usually presented in the form of a duet, where male and female dancers play the role of husband and wife. They dance in unison, expressing their desires and aspirations. The wife asks her husband for good clothes and beautiful ornaments. The husband promises to give her everything she desires. This vibrant folk dance in performed to the accompaniment of melodious music.
Jharni Dance
The Jharni Dance is a ritualistic dance performed by the Julaha community during Muharram. The dancers use bamboo sticks split at one end. They stand in a circular formation, and move around, each dancer striking the stick of his partner. The sound produced provides the beat for the dance.
Jat Jatin
The women of the Mithilanchal region perform the Jat Jatin dance on moonlit nights during the Monsoons. Unmarried girls and young housewives assemble in a courtyard and accompanied by a drum, dance from midnight to dawn. As they dance, they enact in gestures the epic story of the love of Jata and Jatin. The most dramatic part of the dance is when a wicked boatman breaks through the dancing ring and kidnaps the beautiful Jatin. The lovers are separated but as in all folk tales all ends well and the lovers live happily ever after.
Jhumeri
Jhumeri is a folk dance from Mithilanchal. After the month of Ashwin comes Kartick with its clear skies. On the full moon night of Kartick the young maidens of the village sing and dance to celebrate the turn of the season. The words of the Jhumeri song Kartik maas na akashey badari and the graceful movements of the dance cast a spell on the audience.
Sohar Khelwana
Sohar Khelwana is a dance performed by women to celebrate the birth of a child. In India, the arrival of a newborn is celebrated with traditional rituals. The child receives blessings from family members, neighbours and well-wishers. Through the Sohar songs, the women compare the new born to Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, popular Hindu Gods who are the embodiments of virtue. The eunuchs are an integral part of the celebration of childbirth and take part in this dance.
Holi Dance (Dhamar Jogira)
Spring arrives, resplendent in the colours of ‘abir’ as the magic of Holi sweeps across the land. Commemorative of the victory of good over evil, the Festival of Colours is celebrated with unabated enthusiasm by the young and old alike. Come Holi and the hues of the rainbow deck the air in fine mists, the streets in telltale smears and our hearts with the joyful hope that peace and happiness shall reign.
The Holi dance is a vibrant dance form of Bihar. The accompanying songs are sung in the Dhamar style.
Chhath Puja
Chhath is the most important and holy festival of Bihar, celebrated in the month of Kartick. The Puja is unique because it is possibly the only festival in which the devotees worship the setting sun before worshipping the rising sun. The first offering or ‘Arghya’ is done at sunset, after which the worshippers spend the night on the banks of the river Ganges. The next morning they offer ‘Arghya’ to the rising sun, before returning home. This prayer dance is performed with great devotion by the dancers.
Devas
In the months of Chaitra and Ashwin (during the Navaratri period), Shakti Puja is performed. Devotees believe that the Devi enters the body of a mortal on hearing the prayers of the Pujari. The dance depicts this divine presence in our midst.
Krishi Nritya
The rains have quenched the earth’s thirst. The sight of their fields rich with the golden crop fills the farmers’ hearts with joy. They express their happiness through dances, which are rhythmic and enjoyable.
Kishan Nritya
This dance is an expression of pride of the farmers of Bihar. The dance brings together the farmers of the state in a bond of brotherhood.
Chaita
Chaita songs, as the name suggests, are sung in the month of Chaitra, when flowers appear in the mustard plants. Men sing these romantic songs.
Nachni
The Nachni dances with her Rashik or male partner, to the singing and clapping of male accompanists. Nachni dances are presented at various festivals and special occasions. The Nachni is not only the dancer, but also the singer. The accompanying musical instruments include the Nagara, Shenai and Harmonium.
Natua
The Natua dance begins with an item called the Natua Kachal. In this duet performance, the accompanying musical instruments include the Nagara, Dhol and Shenai. The costumes worn by the dancers are indigenous and attractive.
Music has always been an important aspect in the lives of Indian people. India’s rich cultural diversity has greatly contributed to various forms of folk music. Almost every region in India has its own folk music, which reflects the way of life. From the peppy bhangra of Punjab to Garba of Gujarat to Bhavageete of Karnataka, the tradition of folk music in India is indeed great. Folk music is closely associated with farming and other such professions and evolved to alleviate the hardship and break the monotony of the routine life. Even though folk music lost its popularity with the advent of contemporary music like pop and rap, but no traditional festival or celebration is complete without folk music.
History
Earliest records of Indian folk music are found in the Vedic literature, which dates back to 1500 BC. Some scholars and experts even suggest that the Indian folk music could be as old as the country itself. For instance, Pandavani, a folk music popular in most parts of Central India, is believed to be as old as the Hindu epic Mahabharata. This incredible claim is backed by the fact that the subject matter of Pandavani deals with the heroics of Bhima, a prominent character from Mahabharata. Since Pandavani’s subject matter has remained the same over centuries, this age-old folk music could be as old as the Mahabharata itself! Later on, folk songs were extensively used for recreational purposes and to celebrate special events including weddings, birth of a child, festivals, etc. Folk songs were also used to pass on prominent information from one generation to another. This suggests that these songs could’ve played a major role before the arrival of paper in India. Since people did not have a solid material to preserve ancient information, passing down important information in the form of songs became utmost important. Hence folk songs were revered by aboriginal people as it not only provided entertainment, but also imparted critical information that could be used in one’s day-to-day life.
Diversification of Indian Folk Music
Like many other aspects of India, folk music too is diverse because of the cultural diversity. While the reason behind its origin and the method of usage remains more or less the same throughout India, the style in which it is sung and the way in which it is perceived differs depending upon the culture of different Indian states. Many of these folk songs were composed by great poets and writers belonging to different parts of the country. For instance, the Rabindra Sangeet or Tagore songs of Bengal are a collection of songs that were originally written by eminent poet Rabindranath Tagore. Folk songs also played a crucial role in socio-religious reforms in many parts of South India. Religious leaders like Adi Shankaracharya used many such songs to spread his message throughout the country. Similarly, folk songs sung by other religious leaders gave identity to the villages they originally came from and gradually, these songs were cherished and celebrated by the people of their respective areas as their own. Also, many folk songs are associated with a dance form, which is usually performed while singing these songs. Today, almost every Indian state/region has a folk song of its own and some of them are associated with a dance form as well. Mentioned below are folk music of various Indian states.
Bihugeet
This folk music is performed in Assam during the famous Bihu festival. The music is usually accompanied by a dance performance; it is performed thrice a year. Bihugeet is one of the most famous folk songs of Assam and is also popular across some parts of north-eastern India. The song is usually performed by young boys and girls and represents the joyous nature of the Assamese. Many stories are conveyed through Bihugeet and the themes often include nature, love, relationships, social messages and humorous stories.
Uttarakhandi Music
Uttarakhandi music is often performed during festivals and religious gatherings in the state of Uttarakhand. The songs usually convey the importance of nature, bravery of historical characters, stories and important cultural practices of the state. Musical instruments used include Masak Baja, Daur, Thali, Ransingha, Damoun, Dholki, Dhol, Bhankora, Harmonium and Tabla.
Lavani
Lavani is a popular folk music of Maharashtra and was originally performed to entertain the soldiers. The song is usually performed by womenfolk and it conveys information pertaining to society and politics. Lavani is further divided into two types – Nirguni Lavani and Shringari Lavani. While Nirguni Lavani is usually philosophical in nature, Shringari Lavani is sensual and often deals with erotic subject matter that often induces laughter among its listeners. This musical form is also classified based on its listeners. If Lavani is performed in close quarters by a young girl for a set of dignitaries, it is called Baithakichi Lavani. If it is performed in public in front of a large audience, it is called Phadachi Lavani.
Pandavani
As mentioned earlier, Pandavani is a folk song which narrates the heroics of characters from the Mahabharata. This folk music is popular in Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. Though this age-old musical form is largely neglected by young music lovers of today, it is still being kept alive by performers like Teejan Bai, Jhaduram Devangan, Ritu Verma, Usha Barle and Shantibai Chelak. While Tambura is largely used as an accompanying musical instrument, it is also used as a prop to explain different characters from the Mahabharata. For instance, the performer often places the Tambura on their shoulder while narrating the bravery of Bhima. While doing so, the Tambura represents Bhima’s mace. Other musical instruments used are Manjira, Harmonium, Dholak and Tabla.
Rabindra Sangeet
Also known as Tagore Songs, Rabindra Sangeet is a set of folk songs, written and composed by eminent poet Rabindranath Tagore. Tagore wrote over 2,230 songs during his lifetime, all of which are sung during festivals and other rituals in West Bengal. The topics dealt in these songs include modernism, humanism, structuralism, reflection, romance, introspection, psychology, nostalgia, yearning, etc. Tagore’s songs are well-preserved in the form of a book titled ‘Gitabitan’. The book is divided into seven major parts – worship, seasons, love, occasion-specific, patriotism, lyrical plays and other subjects. Some of the renowned singers of Rabindra Sangeet are Kamal Ahmed, Amiya Tagore, Hemanta Kumar Mukhopadhyay, Shayan Chowdhury Arnob, Mohan Singh Khangura, Malati Ghosal, K. L. Saigal and Kabir Suman.
Bhatiali
Bhatiali was sung by the fishermen of ancient Bengal. It is said that this musical form was used by the oarsmen and fishermen of Bengal to keep themselves entertained when they didn’t have to row their boats with all their might. Nirmalendu Chowdhury is one of the best exponents of this ancient musical form.
Music of the Bauls
During the 18th and 19th century, a set of musicians from Bengal came to be known as the Bauls. The music employed by them was often religious in nature and some were influenced by the tantric sect of the Kartabhajas. Bauls travelled throughout the country in search of the eternal truth. During their extensive travel, they sang many folk songs which later on came to be known as the music of the Bauls. Instruments used while singing these songs are Ektara, Khamak and Dotara.
Bhavageete
Bhavageete is one of the most important folk music of Karnataka. Bhavageete literally means music of expression and hence, the singer’s expressions constitute the most important aspect of this form of music. The subject matter of this musical form deals with nature, love, philosophy, etc. Though Bhavageete is an ancient musical form, contemporary musicians and singers have revived it by incorporating the poems written by eminent Kannada writers and poets. Present day Bhavageete draws its lyrics from the poems written by poets like Kuvempu, K.S. Narasimhaswamy, Gopalakrishna Adiga, D.R. Bendre, G.S. Shivarudrappa, N S Lakshminarayana Bhatta, K. S. Nissar Ahmed, etc. This age-old musical form is still kept alive, thanks to performers like Raju Ananthaswamy, Mysore Ananthaswamy, Shimoga Subbanna, C. Aswath, P. Kalinga Rao and Archana Udupa.
Naatupura Paadalgal
Naatupura Paadalgal is an ancient musical form of Tamil Nadu. Though folk music is fast disappearing in the state of Tamil Nadu due to the prominence given to Carnatic music, Naatupura Paadalgal remains quite important in the state. Like many folk songs of India, this folk music too was used by the aboriginal people during the farming and harvesting season. Hence Naatupura Paadalgal eventually became a way of life to many living in the state. Even today, this musical form can be heard in every nook and corner of Tamil Nadu. The importance of Naatupura Paadalgal was stated by eminent musician maestro Ilaiyaraaja. He went on to say that Naatupura Paadalgal was the inspiration behind his musical journey as he grew up listening to this very folk music, sung to him by his mother.
Kummi Paatu
Kummi Paatu is yet another folk music form from Tamil Nadu. These folk songs are usually accompanied by a folk dance form known as Kummi or Kummi Aattam. It is often performed throughout Tamil Nadu during festivals and rituals.
Indian Folk Music at a Glance:
State | Folk Music Forms | Instruments Used | Prominence |
Jammu & Kashmir | Hafiz Nagma | Tabla, Santoor, Sitar, Wasool, and Kashmiri Saz | Based on the classical music form ‘Sofiyiana Kalam,’ ‘Hafiz Nagma’ was introduced in the Mughal era and has been a popular art form ever since. |
Surma | Various instruments like Flute, Pump Organ, Tabla and other percussion instruments | Sung in Dogri language, ‘Surma’ narrates the anxiety of a woman, whose husband serves in the Army. | |
Ladishah | Dhukar - a crude instrument, comprising of a metal rod with iron rings | A satirical form of singing, ‘Ladishah’ narrates the social and political conditions of the state. | |
Chakri | Harmonium, Sarangi, Rubab | Chakri is one of the most important folk music of the state. As it narrates famous love stories, it is often sung at weddings. | |
Himachal Pradesh | Jhoori | No instruments used | A satirical form of singing, associated with extra-marital relations. The songs are often accompanied by dance performances. |
Ainchaliyan | No instruments | A type of religious songs often sung to a newly wed bride or to an unmarried girl, who is expected to get married in near future. | |
Uttar Pradesh | Rasiya | Kettle Drums, Dholak, Harmonium, and Cymbals | These songs narrate the love stories of Radha and Krishna. |
Birha | Harmonium, Dholak, Cymbals | Themes used in these folk songs often revolve around the separation of lovers. | |
Kajari | Sitar, Sarod, Veena, Bansuri, Santoor, and percussion instruments | These songs are used to describe a woman’s longing for her lover. | |
Qawwali | Bulbul Tarang, Harmonium, Sarangi, Tabla | A form of Sufi music often sung for devotional purposes. | |
Punjab | Tappa | Tabla, Dholak, and wind instruments | Originated from the folk songs of ancient Punjab, ‘Tappa’ often depicts the plight of a lover. |
Bhangra | Dhol, Tumbi, Dholak, Sarangi, Flute, Harmonium, Tabla | Bhangra is the most popular folk music of Punjab. It is also one of the oldest forms of music in India. The music is often accompanied by the famous Bhangra dance. | |
Jugni | Wind instruments, dholak, cymbals | Jugni is an ancient form of folk music, which is often used in Punjabi weddings. | |
Uttarakhand | Jhoda | Various types of percussion instruments | The songs are usually sung by two groups of people and is often accompanied by a group dance involving men and women |
Thadya | Dhol, Thali, Tabla and Harmonium | One of the most important music forms of Uttarakhand, ‘Thadya’ was originally performed in royal courts. |
Arunachal Pradesh | Ja-Jin-Ja | Sarangi, Bansuri, Dholak and other percussion instruments | This is a form of folk music that is sung by a group of singers, comprising of both men and the women folk. |
Baryi | Sarangi, Bansuri, and various percussion instruments | Often sung during special occasions and festivals, ‘Baryi’ narrates mythological stories and the state’s rich history. | |
Nyioga | Drums, cymbals | Sung during weddings, Nyioga is one of the popular folk music of Arunachal Pradesh. | |
Rajasthan | Maand | Sarangi and percussion instruments | Maand is a popular form of folk music, which sounds similar to ‘Thumri’ or ‘Ghazal.’ |
Pabuji Ki Phach | Ravanahatha and percussion instruments | ‘Pabuji Ki Phach’ honors Pabuji, who was a historical hero of the Bhopa community. It also narrates the splendor and tradition of Rajasthan. | |
Panihari | String and percussion instruments | Developed by the women folk of Rajasthan, ‘Panihari’ narrates the importance of water. | |
Bihar | Sohar | Dholak, Bansuri | Performed mainly by the women folk, ‘Sohar’ is usually sung during childbirth |
Sumangali | Tabla, Harmonium | Performed in groups during weddings. It is believed that these folk songs have a positive impact on the groom. | |
Sikkim | Gha To Kito | Cymbals and various kinds of drums | Often accompanied by dance performances, ‘Gha To Kito’ describes the natural beauty of the state. |
Lu Khangthamo | Percussion instruments and cymbals | Performed by the young and old folks, ‘Lu Khangthamo’ is basically a thanksgiving song. | |
Manipur | Khubakeshei | No instruments | Sung by a group of people, ‘Khubakeshei’ is a type of devotional folk music. |
Jharkhand | Domkach | Sarangi and percussion instruments | Often accompanied by a dance performance, ‘Domkach’ is one of the most popular music forms of Jharkhand. |
Jhumar | Dhol, Madaal, Cymbals, Flute, Tulia, Harmonium | Like many other folk songs of Jharkhand, Jhumar too, is always accompanied by a dance performance. | |
Gujarat | Bhajan | String instruments | A form of devotional music, which is sung to seek the blessings of gods and goddesses. |
Garba | Dhol, Harmonium, Drums | ‘Garba’ songs were introduced in order to accompany the famous dance form of the same name. | |
Dandiya | Dhol, Dholak, Tabla | Much like ‘Garba,’ ‘Dandiya’ songs are usually used as an accompaniment to the popular dance form, ‘Dandiya Raas,’ which is performed during festivals. |
Goa | Banvarh | Dhol, Shehnai | Sung in funerals, ‘Banvarh’ is a song used to mourn the death of the loved ones. |
Deknni | Ghumat, Cymbal, Samael | Often accompanied by dance performances, ‘Deknni’ is a popular art form in Goa. | |
Fughri | Percussion instruments | Performed during religious occasions, ‘Fughri’ is often accompanied by dance performances. | |
Mando | guitars, violins and ghumot | Evolved during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this music form was influenced by the western music. | |
Andhra Pradesh & Telangana | Madiga Dappu | Dappu, a type of percussion instrument | Performed by an artisan group called ‘Madiga,’ this music form is used during various occasions. |
Oggu Katha | Jaggu, Thalam, Dolu | ‘Oggu Katha’ narrates the mythological tales of gods and goddesses. | |
Suvvi paatalu | Percussion instruments | These songs are usually performed by the women folk. The songs are in the form of question and answers, and are performed in groups. | |
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