music
Bengali Music
West Bengal is renowned
for its rich art and culture as well as the intellectual aura of its people.
The richness of Bengali culture also reflects in the music of the state. Music,
more than being an art, is a passion for Bengalis. More than a millennium old,
Bengali music has become diverse with so many varieties within. The variety is
such that once you get familiar with it, you will not need to look beyond it.
From classical to rock, folk to devotional, you will get almost every possible
music form in Bangla Sangeet. Then, there is the display of a wide range of
emotions - be it love, sadness, anxiety, motivation, devotion or spirituality.
Let us know more about the music of West Bengal.
Classical Bangla Music
Classical Bangla music, like the classical music forms of India, is basically
sculptured on the musical nodes called ragas. The traditional Bangla music is
based either directly on the Bengali classical or some of its variation. Many
of the ragas that are native to the classical Bangla music can also be found in
the Hindustani classical or Carnatic classical music.
Rabindra Sangeet
Another popular form of Bengali music is the Rabindra Sangeet, developed by
Nobel Laureate 'Rabindra Nath Tagore'. This music form is more popular amongst
the educated group of people. Highly prophetic and intellectual, it is made up
of a collection of over two thousand songs and is considered to be the most
defining expression of Bangla music.
Nazrul Geeti
Nazrul Geeti is the form of music developed by the great revolutionary poet Kazi
Nazrul Islam. The music is highly motivational and revolutionary in nature and
was used popularly during the freedom struggle. Though, unlike Rabindra
Sangeet, this music wasn't used commercially, due to its revolutionary notions,
it enjoyed great popularity. The music is a highly motivational, with strong
and powerful words and catchy tunes.
Baul Sangeet
Baul sangeet is a popular folk form of Bengali music, very similar to modern
western folk music. It can also be compared to the popular Sufi genre, not
simply because of the similarity in ragas, but also due to its similarity in
the approach to music as a medium to interact with god. It aims to urge a man
to find god within himself, instead of searching him in mosque, temples and
churches. The lyrics and music of Baul sangeet are highly spiritual and
intellectual.
Bhatiyali Music
Bhatiyali sangeet is another folk dialect of Bengali music. This folk music is
far away from religious and sectarian bias. Said to be created by the boatmen,
it has a natural, undiluted and raw flair. The songs consist of wonderful
tunes, with highly philosophical lyrics.
Shyama Sangeet
Shyama sangeet belongs to the devotional genre of Bengali Music. It is
basically dedicated to Maa Kali, the goddess of power, also known as 'Shyama'.
This form of music developed during the 12th-13th century, when 'Shaktism'
gained hold in Bengal. This music describes the form of love between deity and
devotee as the sublime love of mother and her child.
Adhunik Bangla Sangeet
Adhunik sangeet includes the exhaustive list of the different kinds of music
developed in West Bengal, in the post independence era. The westernization and
influence of movie-culture have given rise to a contemporary form of music in
the state, which aims to cater the youth. Bengali pop and rock, along with
Bengali film music, have also gained considerable popularity. | art
Portrait of An Emerging Art
Bengal seems to be the hub of creative talents. Since ages,
Bengal has given to India, some of its most admired and exceptional
artists. Even when modernity and industrial production has admitted huge
hindrances in the growth of age old arts and crafts, the art itself and
the techniques, have survived in the hearts of Bengalis. Today, it
looks to revive some lost forms of art that once brought fame and
recognition to Bengal. To get a glimpse of authentic handicraft works,
one should visit the rural areas of West Bengal which are still not
influenced by the western ways. There are places that are famous for one
of kind of art form like Bankura and Midnapore are known for Dhokra
Metal Castings whereas Kolkata has some of the best known potters in the
state. It is the arts and crafts that provide the much needed economic
support for rural areas to sustain themselves.
Dhokra Metal Casting
Dhokra Metal Casting is a technique used by a tribe called Dhokra
Kamar Tribe. They are known to be the original metalsmithes of Bengal.
The people of the tribe are now found in the western part of the state,
mainly in four districts Bankura, Midnapore, Purulia and Burdwan. The
tribe is not confined to West Bengal only, they are also found in other
eastern states like Orissa and Chhatisgarh as well. Thus making this art
common in that regions as well. In this type of metal casting, a lost
wax technique is used which is also called as hollow casting. The method
is employed to produce figures of gods and goddesses, different types
of lamps and jewelery. Anklets, necklaces and bangles are the most
common jewelery items that are produced through this process.
Pottery
Pottery is one art form that you will find in all corners of the
state. Though the best place to shop for them is Kolkata as, there you
find the collections coming from entire state. The potters make the best
use of the clay that is found on the banks of rivers that cut through
the state. The clay is then molded into different shapes and sizes for
items used for various purposes. Images of gods and goddesses, clay pots
and plates are the main items made. It is during the time of Durga Puja
that most of the potters are busy preparing the biggest and grandest
statues of Goddess Durga for the puja celebrations. So much is the
demand for the idols, that Indians residing in foreign countries place
orders to Bengal potters to produce a magnificent idol of Goddess Durga.
The completed statue is really a sight to behold.
Muslin
Muslin is probably the most famous export of West Bengal after the
Darjeeling tea. Muslin is a type of cotton textile which is considered a
marvel for its unique texture and lightness. The weaving of Muslin,
also sometimes locally referred to as mul mul, has been a part of Bengal
lives from the ages of Kings and queens. However, under the rule of
British, this art was completely stopped in the interest of western
industries that feared the growing popularity of muslin. After
independence, with the help of government, the muslin weaving was again
started. Most of the muslin weaving industries are settled near
Shantipur in Nadia District and Ambika Kalna in Burdwan district. Saris
and dhotis are the most widely produced apparel from Muslin.
Kantha Embroidery
Kantha is one of the oldest forms of embroidery that has kept the
women of Bengal busy. Kantha embroidery is generally done on cotton and
silk fabrics. A regular in dhotis and saris, Kantha embroidery is
running stitches used for making floral motifs, images of birds,
animals, and geometrical figures. It is also used for making blankets
and quilts by stitching five or six layers of cloth together. For this,
the tread used is taken from the edges of used clothes. The embroidered
clothes are not only used for blankets and garments,; they are also used
on clothes used as bed sheets, pillow covers, and cover for tables and
boxes.
With time many of the art forms of West Bengal were lost. But with
the help of government and zeal of Bengal people towards their
tradition, has helped many of the lost forms to again find a place in
the hearts and homes of many people across the world. The best place to
shop for art and crafts of Bengal is the capital city as the handicraft
items are all brought here, to fetch the best deal for the produces.
| Dance
Folk Dances of West
Bengal reflect the rich cultural heritage of the state. The state has five
major folk dances which include the Chaau, the Tusu, the Brita, the Santhal,
and the Gambhira. The state`s culture is famous all over India and also in the
world due to its variety and richness. The language, music, cuisines, costumes
and also the marvelous folk dances form the prominent parts of West Bengal`s
great culture. The different folk dances of this state are well-known for their
fervor and beauty. Each and every region of West Bengal bears something
distinct to exhibit. In all, it forms a great combination of diverse forms of
folk dances.
Brita Dance
Brita Dance is one of
the folk dances of West Bengal state in India. Music forms a part and parcel of
the life of Bengali people. There are different types of folk dances and music
prevalent in different parts of West Bengal. Brita Dance is also called Vrita
Dance and it is regarded as a very special one in this state. It is mainly an
invocation dance performed by women of Bengal, who are unable to give birth to
children. Only women perform this dance, as a sign of bowing down before god,
after they give birth to the children. Thus, they offer their thankfulness to
God after their wishes are fulfilled. Quite often, this dance is also performed
after a recovery from contagious diseases.
Chhau Dance Another
major folk dance performed in the state of West Bengal is the Chhau Dance. It
is one of the famous tribal martial dances in India. The Chhau Dance is called
`Mayurbhanj Chau` in the state of Orissa, `Seraikella Chau` in the state of
Jharkhand and `Purulia Chhau` in the state of West Bengal. Since this form of
folk dance is imagined to have its origin at the Purulia district in the state
of West Bengal, it is thus known as Purulia Chhau in Bengal. This folk dance
differs significantly from other Chhau dances practiced in different state.
This dance is a mask dance which is performed only by the male dancers in
Bengal. It is also a mythological dance, as it is mainly based on different
episodes of the great epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Gambhira Dance
Gambhira Dance is one
of Bengal`s folk dances which acquired a significant position in the culture of
this state. Folk dances in this state were initially either devotional or
agricultural. But later, the agricultural dances were replaced by religious and
devotional dance forms. Gambhira dance is an example of one of the most famous
devotional folk dances of one of the famous devotional dances of Bengal. This
folk dance is performed specially during Chadak festival in the month of
March-April, and it is very much popular in North Bengal, especially in Malda
district. It is a solo performance whereby the participant wears a mask while
performing the same.
Tusu Dance
There are several
folk dances which are celebrated during special festive seasons. One of the
folk dances of the state of West Bengal is the Tusu Dance of the Birbhum
district which is performed in the Pausa month of Hindu calendar; during the
months of December and January. Tusu is a tribal folk dance, which is performed
by both men and women. It is popular in Purulia and Medinipur and performed
during the harvest festival to celebrate the coming crop.
Santhal Dance
The most abundantly
noticed Indian tribes are the Santhals. A large concentration of this tribe is
also found in the Indian state of Jharkhand and West Bengal. This tribal
community has immense solidarity and a good cultural lineage. The members of
this tribe are mainly the devotees of the deity called `Thakurji`, whom, they
believe, had formed this world. The Santhal tribe move with the tune of music
in order to celebrate nature`s glory, offer prayers and raise a message. Thus,
the dance performed by the people of this tribal community is known as Santhal
dance.
Lathi Dance
Lathi Dance is
another notable form of folk dance which has a very different art of
expression. This dance is performed to express different situations like
remorse, celebration, anger, pain or love. The move of the dancers of Lathi
Dance defines clearly each and every expression in a beautiful way. This dance
is performed in the first ten days of the Muslim festival of Muharram. This
folk dance is a stick dance that is performed during Muharram season by groups,
comprising mostly the youths. The Lathi dance is actually half a dance and half
a kind of sport.
Folk dances of West
Bengal reflect the rich culture of the state. Different folk dances performed
in different parts of the state and during different occasions form an
environment of great festivity and entertainment. Apart from the various folk
dances of the state, Rava dance is one of the famous folk dances of West Bengal
which is performed in the state`s northern parts. This folk dance is performed
by women belonging to Rava community. The Rava dance is rhythmic and colourful
and it is executed with melodious music. The themes of this folk dance cover the
chores, several festivals, daily life, etc.
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