Indian Folk Music: Diverse Traditions & Narratives

April 12, 2024 1386 0

Introduction

Indian folk music embodies the cultural diversity and rich traditions of its various regions. Rooted in local customs and rituals, it reflects the essence of community life and heritage.

Some Prominent Folk Music

FOLK MUSIC SPECIFICATIONS FOLK MUSIC SPECIFICATIONS
Baul

(West Bengal)

  • Rasiya Geet (Uttar Pradesh)
  • Braj Region songs based on Lord Krishna’s charming leelas.
Wanawan

(Jammu  and Kashmir)

  • Sung during wedding ceremonies.
  • Alha (Uttar Pradesh)
  • Ballad of Bundelkhand that narrates the heroic deeds of Alha and Udal.
Bhakha (Jammu and Kashmir)
  • Bhakha is sung by the villagers when harvesting is done.
  • Ghasiyari Geet (Uttarakhand)
  • Sung by women who have to go into far-off forests to get grass for their cattle.
Panihari

(Rajasthan)

  • Songs about scarcity of water. Romantic and domestic themes.
  • Pai (Madhya Pradesh)
Dandiya

(Gujarat)

  • Associated with scenes of Holi and lila of Krishna and Radha at Vrindavan. It is a featured dance of Navratri evenings.
  • Pandavani (Chattisgarh)
  • Mahabharata stories with Bhima as the hero. Teejan Bai is a famous exponent. 
Maand

(Rajasthan)

  • Semi Folk, Semi Classical Style. Songs are about the bards singing the glory of the Rajput rulers. Famous song Kesariya Balam.
  • Daskathia 

(Odisha)

  • Derives its name from a unique musical instrument called “Kathi” or “Ram Tali”, wooden clappers used during the presentation.
Lavani

(Maharashtra)

  • Traditional dance and song performed on Dholki.
  • Khubak Eshei

(Manipur)

  • A song accompanied entirely by clapping.
Powada

(Maharashtra)

  • These ballads describe the events of Shivaji’s glorious past and his heroic deeds. 
  • Ougri Hangen,

Heijing Hirao

(Manipur)

  • They are the song of creation and a ritualistic song, respectively sung on the last day of the Lai Haraoba festival.
Bhavageete

(Karnataka and Maharashtra)

  • Themes include nature, love and philosophy. It is similar to Ghazals.
  • Khongjom Parva

(Manipur)

  • A musical narration of the Battle of Khongjom fought between the British army and the Manipuri forces in 1891.
Mando

(Goa)

  • Unique blend of Indian and western musical traditions.
  • Chai Hia

(Mizoram)

  • Sung during Chapchar kut festival.
Bihu songs

(Assam)

  • Blessings for the new year and harvest.
  • Hereileu

(Nagaland)

  • War songs
Tikir 

(Assam)

  • Embodies the teachings of Islam.
  • Teej Songs (Rajasthan)
  • Themes revolve around the union of Shiva and Parvati, the magic of monsoon, greenery etc.
Ammanaivari

(Tamil Nadu)

  • Sung in praise of the Chola monarch.
  • Burrakatha 

(Andhra Pradesh)

  • Highly dramatic form of ballad.
Villu  Pattu

(Tamil Nadu)

  • It is also called Bow Song.
  • Kolanallu 

(Andhra Pradesh)

  • Also known as Kolattam. Similar to “Dandiya”.
Veeragase

(Karnataka)

  • During Dusshera procession.
  • Bhuta song

(Kerala)

  • To send away the evil ghosts and spirits.

Some Other Prominent Folk Songs

  • Laman (Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh); Kajri (Uttar Pradesh); Neuleu (Nagaland); Nyioga (Arunachal Pradesh); Saikuti Zai (Mizoram); Sana Lamok (Manipur); Basant Geet (Uttarakhand); Ja-jin-ja (Arunachal Pradesh); Sohar (Uttar Pradesh); Pankhida (Rajasthan); Lotia (Rajasthan); Ovi (Maharashtra and Goa); Barahamasa (Uttarakhand); Chhakri (Kashmir).
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Conclusion

  • Indian folk music, with its diverse styles and narratives, serves as a vital link to the country’s cultural roots, fostering unity and preserving the unique identities of different communities.
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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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