Folk Songs of Telangana | Telangana State PSC (TSPSC): Preparation Course - TSPSC (Telangana) PDF Download

Introduction

The folk songs of Telangana encompass a wide array of forms, including Oggukatha, Sarada Kala, and Suvvi Paatalu. They vary from sraamika or labor songs to women's songs, wedding songs, taala bhajans, chekka bhajans, ritualistic songs, moral songs, and children's songs. These songs cover diverse themes such as Haridasulu, Gangireddu laata, Pagati vesha gaalu, Komma dasarulu, rokati paatalu (wooden pestle songs), suvvi paatalu (songs during butter-making), and Tirugali paatalu (hand-mill songs). Suvvi paatalu often involve a question-answer format between two women, such as a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Additionally, there are songs specifically intended for religious Jatras or processions, such as the Sammakka-Sarakka Jatara in Eturnaagaaram (Warangal district) and Mahankali Jataras during Ashadham in Hyderabad district.
An example of such a song is:

• "Kondathalliki jatara seedham – nindu
• manasutoo mokkulu eedham kallakapatam
• porapochalu vadileese thalli mammu
• rachchimchantu raramma."

Folk Songs of Telangana

Dhoom-Dham

• The folk songs of Telangana significantly influenced the statehood movement, particularly the success of 'Dhoom-Dham'.
• These songs acted as a catalyst in mobilizing people for the Telangana armed struggle against the Nizam rulers.
• Popular songs like "Bandenaka bandi gatti" by balladeer Gaddar from the Telugu film "Maa Bhoomi" are still remembered.
• Dhoom-Dham coupled with Folk songs of Telangana had been a unifying force across different sections of society during the movement. This cultural revolution played a crucial role in bringing together individuals with diverse ideologies. Starting from the inaugural 'Dhoom-Dham' event in Kamareddy in 2002, it quickly became an essential component of the movement.
• Throughout the movement, a multitude of singers such as Suddala Hanumanthu, Allam Veeranna, Sahu alias Shanigaram Venkateshwarlu, Nalla Adi Reddy, Gaddar, Vimalakka, Rasamayi Balkishen, and Deshapathi Srinivas captivated audiences with their anthems. What set these singers apart was their practice of composing their own songs. These compositions, stemming from times of oppression during armed conflicts, transitioned the movement from a select few activists to the masses.
• The popularity of 'Dhoom-Dham' has soared to such heights that political parties now regularly enlist folk singers to perform at rallies and during electoral campaigns.

Key Points Summarized:

• Folk songs of Telangana and Dhoom-Dham were instrumental in uniting people during the movement.
• Various renowned singers like Suddala Hanumanthu, Allam Veeranna, and others played a significant role.
• Singers penned their songs, reflecting the struggles and aspirations of the masses.
• The movement expanded from activists to the general populace due to the impact of these songs.
• Political parties now incorporate folk singers in their rallies and campaigns.

Songs of Telangana

• Jaya Jayahe Telangana, Janani Jaya Kethanam: This song by Andesri has unofficially become the State song of Telangana since 2009, sung during morning prayers at educational institutions.
• Podusthunna Podhumeedha, Nadusthunna Kalama, Veera Telanganama: Another popular song during the Telangana movement.

Bathukamma Folk Songs of Telangana

Bathukamma is a vibrant festival celebrated by women in Telangana, symbolizing the state's cultural identity. The festival involves creating small 'Batukammas' with region-specific flowers, culminating in the grand 'Saddula Batukamma' before Dussehra.

• Preparation and Celebration: Women create small 'Batukammas' daily for a week, culminating in a grand arrangement with flowers like gunuka and tangedi. They dress colorfully, sing songs, and immerse the 'Batukammas' in water bodies, sharing sweets and singing praises.
• Symbolism and Rituals: The festival celebrates the bond between earth, water, and humanity. Women also make 'boddemma' idols to reinforce ponds. The songs sung during the festival echo unity, love, and sisterhood.
• Chief Minister's Involvement: Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao released a CD containing Bathukamma songs prepared by Telangana Jagruthi, emphasizing the cultural significance and popularity of these songs among the people.
• Annual Tradition: Telangana Jagruthi releases Bathukamma song CDs annually, with the festival being a colorful and joyous celebration of nature's beauty through flowers.
• Chitu Chittula Gumma 
• Yememi Puvappu ne Gauramma, Yememu Kayappune Gauramma
• Bathhukamma Bathukamma Uyyalo

Oggukatha

• A few communities in Telangana, such as the Yadav and Kuruma Golla communities, sing songs similar to ballads. These songs are often in praise of deities like Lord Shiva (Mallikarjuna) or their tribal gods. 
• Oggukatha involves narrating and dramatizing stories of gods like Mallana, Beerappa, and Yellamma. Within the Yadav community, traditional priests known as 'Oggus' conduct the marriage rituals of Mallanna with Bhramaramba. 
• Oggukatha performances typically include a narrator and a chorus to enhance the storytelling experience. Additionally, Oggukatha folk singer groups make annual visits to the Komrelly Mallanna temple.

Sarada Kala

• Sarada Kala is a storytelling tradition that takes the form of songs or ballads. 
• This art form incorporates the use of a stringed instrument called folk veena or sarada.

Sraamika Songs

• Sraamika songs are labor songs sung by different categories of workers, including those in agriculture, cart-pullers, industrial laborers, stone crushers, and construction workers. 
• These songs serve to make work more enjoyable and help workers relax their minds and bodies. 
• In agricultural settings, both men and women form separate groups and sing these folk songs together. For instance, laborers working in the fields may sing songs invoking the rain God to bring about favorable weather conditions.

Importance of Folk Songs in Telangana

• Folk songs play a crucial role in denouncing prevalent social customs.
• Annamayya's composition "Tandanana ahi tandanana" criticizes social evils like caste and color discrimination.
• The simplicity of these lyrics makes them accessible even to the illiterate, aiming to educate and enlighten the masses.

Musical Instruments in Telangana Folk Songs

• Various musical instruments accompany Telangana folk songs, including folk veena, tribal flute, dholak, conch, bells, and more.
• These instruments, whether percussion, wind, or stringed, enhance the richness of the musical experience.

Role of Folk Songs in Tribal Communities

• Tribes in Telangana use folk songs to celebrate festivals and bond during both joyful and sorrowful occasions.
• Singing sessions serve as entertainment and a means of relaxation for these communities.

Structure of Folk Songs

• The beginning of a folk song, termed "pallavi," sets the stage for the song's theme and mood.
• Subsequent sections, known as "charanams," often present contrasting content or feature interactions between different groups.
• For instance, men and women may split into groups to engage in question-and-answer style singing, fostering a sense of community and participation.

Folk Songs of Telangana

Folk songs in Telangana are rooted in various raagas like Bouli, Mohana, Bhupala, Neelambari, Janjhuti, Anandabhairavi, and diverse taalas such as Aadi, khanda, eka, misra, rupaka, among others.
Here are some key points about the folk songs:

• Renowned composer Anamacharya composed numerous folk songs in Telugu during the 14th century.
• Tribes like Dasari, Jangama, Chenchu, Baind, and Kuruva have played a significant role in preserving and spreading these songs as they migrate from place to place as nomads.
• Music directors such as Pendyala Nageswara Rao, the duo R.Sudarshanam and R.Goverdhanam, have made contributions to movies based on folklore and mythological themes.

Notable Folk Composers

• Anamacharya: An eminent composer who penned numerous Telugu folk songs in the 14th century.

Significance of Tribal Contribution

• Tribal Communities: Dasari, Jangama, Chenchu, Baind, Kuruva - These tribes have been instrumental in preserving and promoting folk songs through their nomadic lifestyle.