Chapter Notes: Melodies of Diversity

Regional Songs of India

India is home to a vast number of languages, traditions, and musical styles. The following songs represent different states and their unique musical heritage.

1. Ha Urit Napanghi - Manipuri Song

Key Points:

• Originates from Manipur in Northeast India.
• Depicts a playful, nature-inspired theme involving a bird.
• Clapping is part of the song's performance style.

2. Kuttanadan Punchayile - Vanchipattu (Boat Song)

Vanchipattu refers to traditional boat songs from Kerala, associated with the famous snake boat races held in the backwaters.

Key Points:

• Vanchipattu = Boat songs from Kerala.
• Sung during traditional snake boat races (a cultural festival).
• The rhythm of the song matches the rowing of oars.
• Kuttanad is a low-lying agricultural and waterway region in Kerala.

3. Ei Maatire Moro Mote - Assamese Song

Know Your Musician Bhupen Hazarika:

• Born in Sadiya, Assam (1926).
• Playback singer, lyricist, musician, poet, filmmaker, and educationist.
• Known as Sudha Kontho ("The Voice of Nectar").
• Used music as an instrument of social change.
• Awards: Bharat Ratna, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

4. Potana J Dariya Ma - Gujarati Song

5. Taari Baanki Re - Garba from Gujarat

Garba is a traditional folk music and dance form from Gujarat, commonly performed during the festival of Navaratri.

About Garba:

• Performed during Navaratri festival.
• Instruments: Dhol, Tabla, Dholak (rhythm); Harmonium, Flute (melody).
• Body percussion includes clapping, stomping, and tapping with dandiya sticks.
• Melodic patterns evoke joy and celebration.

6. Athinthom - Tamil Song

7. Cheluvayya - Kannada Folk Song

Key Points:

• Chitradurga Fort is a historically significant fort in Karnataka.
• The song blends celebration, nature, and cultural pride.

8. O Jind Mahe Bajare - Punjabi Song

9. Kshatriya Kulavatsana - Marathi Song

Devotional Path to the Divine

Indian music is deeply rooted in devotion (Bhakti). Several musical forms are associated with worship and spirituality across different religions.

1. Kirtan - Marathi (Abhang)

Sung by Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. This composition is by Saint Tukaram, a revered Marathi saint-poet.

About Kirtan:

• A devotional form of music in Hinduism.
• Abhang = a type of devotional poetry/song in Marathi.
• Often performed in temples or religious gatherings.

2. Shabad - Punjabi/Gurmukhi

Shabads are sacred hymns sung in Gurudwaras (Sikh places of worship).

About Shabad:

• Shabad = Sacred word/hymn in Sikhism.
• Sung in Gurudwaras during prayer.
• Promotes faith, peace, and trust in God.

3. Hymns - Christian Devotional Songs

Hymns are devotional songs sung in churches during worship services.

4. Sufi Song - Mo Mina Ma

Sufi music expresses a deep, mystical love for God through poetry and melody.

About Sufi Music:

• Originated in Persian/Islamic mystical tradition.
• The Masnavi is a major work of Persian Sufi literature by Rumi.
• Focuses on spiritual unity and love for the divine.
• Qawwali is another popular form of Sufi music.

Quick Summary: Songs at a Glance

Forms of Indian Music  Summary

Indian music can be broadly categorised into:

• Classical Music: Hindustani (North India) and Carnatic (South India).
• Regional / Folk Music: Unique to each state and community (as seen in the songs above).
• Devotional Music: Kirtan, Shabad, Hymns, Qawwali, Bhajan, etc.

Instruments mentioned in this chapter:

• Rhythm: Dhol, Tabla, Dholak, Chenda, Thavil, Chimta.
• Melody: Harmonium, Flute, Pungi.
• Body percussion: Clapping, Stomping, Dandiya sticks (for Garba).

Key Terms & Vocabulary

Revision Questions

• What is Vanchipattu? With which event is it associated?
• Name the instruments used in Garba performances.
• Who was Bhupen Hazarika and why is he important?
• What is the message of the Kirtan sung by Bhimsen Joshi?
• What is a Shabad? Where is it sung?
• Who wrote the Masnavi? What is the central theme of 'The Faithful are One Soul'?
• Name any three forms of devotional music in India.
• What is the significance of learning songs from different regions of India?