1. Folk Music
Definition:
Folk Music is the traditional music of a community, passed down from one generation to the next through oral tradition (by listening and repeating, not by formal written notation).
It is the music of the common people, often anonymous in origin, and is deeply connected to their daily lives, festivals, rituals, and work. It is distinct from classical music, which is a formal, highly structured art form requiring specialized training.
Types of Indian Folk Music:
India has a vast and diverse range of folk music. Some prominent examples include:
- Bhangra (Punjab): A high-energy, drum-based music originally associated with the harvest festival (Baisakhi).
- Lavani (Maharashtra): A vibrant song and dance form, traditionally performed by women, known for its powerful rhythm and social commentary.
- Bhatiali (Bengal): The songs of the boatmen and fishermen of Bengal, reflecting the themes of the river, love, and philosophical longing.
- Bihugeet (Assam): The lively, rhythmic songs associated with the Bihu festival (covered below).
- Baul (Bengal): A mystical folk tradition of wandering minstrels who sing of a formless god and the search for spiritual truth, rejecting all organized religion.
- Pandavani (Chhattisgarh): A dramatic, operatic form of singing and narrating stories from the Mahabharata.
2. Folk Dance of Assam: Bihu & Dhamail
Bihu
- Context: Bihu is the national festival of Assam. It is not a single dance but a set of three seasonal festivals, all connected to agriculture. The Bihu dance is most famously associated with Rongali Bihu (or Bohag Bihu) in April, which celebrates the Assamese New Year and the coming of spring.
- Performance: It is a joyous and energetic community dance, performed in groups by young men and women.
- Key Features:
- Music (Bihugeet): The dance is performed to the singing of Bihugeet (folk songs of love, nature, and festivity).
- Instruments: It is accompanied by traditional instruments: the Dhol (drum), Pepa (buffalo hornpipe), Gogona (jaw harp), and Toka (bamboo clapper).
- Movements: Characterized by brisk, energetic steps, swaying of hips, and rapid hand movements, reflecting the joy and vitality of spring.
Dhamail
- Context: Dhamail is a traditional folk dance and music form primarily from the Sylhet region of present-day Bangladesh, and is also very popular in the Barak Valley of Assam.
- Performance: It is an all-female performance, traditionally done in a group during domestic rituals and festivals, especially weddings and pujas.
- Key Features:
- Formation: The women dance in a circle, clapping their hands and singing.
- Music: The songs (Dhamail Geet) are sung in a call-and-response format, often narrating stories from the lives of Radha-Krishna or the joys and sorrows of domestic life.
- Instruments: It is generally performed without any major instruments, using only the rhythmic clapping of hands.
3. Historical Development and Importance of Musical Instruments
| Instrument | Historical Development | Importance in Indian Music |
|---|---|---|
| Veena | One of the most ancient string instruments of India. Its history goes back to the Vedic period (harp-like Veena). The goddess Saraswati is depicted holding it. | It is the primary instrument of Carnatic music, considered a divine instrument capable of producing the most subtle musical notes (srutis). |
| Mridanga | An ancient two-headed barrel drum, also depicted in ancient temple sculptures. It is mentioned in the Natya Shastra. | It is the primary percussion instrument in Carnatic music, providing the rhythmic foundation (Tala). It is also used in devotional music (Kirtans). |
| Sitar | A later instrument, it evolved from the Veena and the Persian Setar. It was popularized and modified in the Mughal courts. | It is the most iconic and popular melodic instrument of Hindustani music. It was made globally famous by Pandit Ravi Shankar. |
| Sarod | Evolved from the Afghan folk instrument, the Rabab. It was modified and adapted for Indian classical music. | A major melodic instrument in Hindustani music, known for its deep, resonant, and introspective sound. |
| Flute (Bansuri) | One of the oldest instruments in the world (a simple bamboo flute). It is famously associated with Lord Krishna. | Used in both classical (especially Hindustani) and folk music. It is revered for its pure, soulful, and breath-like sound. |
| Shehnai | A reed instrument that likely entered India from West Asia. It evolved from a folk instrument to a classical one. | It is considered a highly auspicious instrument, traditionally played at weddings and temples. Ustad Bismillah Khan is credited with elevating it to a solo classical concert instrument. |