Year: 2023

Nabarun Kumar Datta, Research Scholar, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, Supervisor-Dr. Amit Verma. Email: nabarunkumardatta@gmail.com West Bengal, especially Kolkata, has a very important place in the history of Indian classical music. All genres of Hindustani classical music were propagated with equal zeal in Kolkata. Tabla and specifically Farrukhabad Gharana has a special place in this propagation. Several known and unknown Musicians have contributed to bringing the tabla to the common masses of Kolkata and foremost among them was Pandit Shankar Ghosh. Born in 1935, in a middle-class family in the Bagbazar area of ​​Kolkata to parents, Mohit Chandra Ghosh and Ranimala Ghosh, Pandit Shankar Ghosh took his initial tabla training from Pandit Sudarshan  Adhikari of Lucknow Gharana, Pandit Anath Nath Bose of Benaras Ghrana, and Ustad Feroz Khan Sahib of Punjab Gharana. But he realized his true potential only after being trained by param–Guru, Pandit Gyan Prakash Ghosh that helped him to attain the greats heights and Read More …

Dr. Srabani Sen Abstract:Folk drama, an integral part of cultural heritage, serves as a reflection of a community’s traditions, beliefs, and social dynamics. As societies undergo rapid modernization and globalization, there is an urgent need to recognize the significance of preserving folk drama forms. This abstract explores the importance and necessity of safeguarding folk drama, emphasizing its role in fostering cultural identity, sustaining community bonds, and providing a platform for artistic expression. The preservation of folk drama is crucial for maintaining cultural diversity and preventing the loss of unique artistic traditions. These traditional performances often encapsulate historical narratives, moral lessons, and rituals that have been passed down through generations. Through the enactment of folk dramas, communities connect with their roots and transmit shared values, ensuring the continuity of cultural practices. Additionally, folk drama serves as a powerful medium for community engagement, bringing people together through shared storytelling and performance. These cultural events foster a sense Read More …

DR. ASHIS CHAKRABORTY Tabla, amongst all North Indian percussion instruments, is most popular for its uniqueness and versatility. The instrument has had left its impression on the other countries and their culture, apart from India. Malaysia is one of them. The title of the topic is about, exploring the introduction of tabla in Malaysia along with the evolution from its inception till date. The title is also about its involvement in the Malaysian music and culture. Malaysia (Pic 1) Malaysian culture is a collective establishment of various major ethnic groups. The statistics of Malaysian Department of Statistics (1993) shows that the total population of Malaysia is segregated into five groups- Malays (54%), Chinese (29%), Indians (8%), Indigenous (8%) among which the Iban of Sarawak and Kadazan of Subah, Orang Asli are there, and  others (0.5%,Arabs, Singhalese, Eurasians and Europeans)1. The collective growth of Malaysian culture is needed to be understood with a thorough study of Read More …

Nazmul Haque and Dr. Maumita Vairagi Abstract: Vijay Krishna Adhikari, popularly known as ‘Pagal Vijay,’ was born in Dumdi village of Narail, Bangladesh (then Bengal). Despite facing the early loss of his parents, Vijay Sarkar’s journey unfolded through various schools, where he encountered teachers who imparted knowledge of dance, singing, acting, and, most significantly, music. His education extended up to class 10, and he briefly worked as a teacher and Naib. Vijay Sarkar’s immersion into the world of music began in 1925 when he learned poetry from Kabial Manohar Sarkar of Gopalganj. His musical prowess expanded under the guidance of Rajendranath Sarkar, and in 1929, he formed his singing group, gaining popularity as a Kabila. His lyrics and tunes, deeply rooted in Bhatiali traditions, earned him immense acclaim. Notably, his Dhua songs became a hallmark of his style. Throughout his career, Vijay Sarkar composed around 400 Sakhi Sangams and Dhua songs, with publications spanning Bangladesh Read More …

Mehfuz Al Fahad, Lecturer, Department of Music, University of Dhaka Abstract: The emergence of social media and digital streaming platforms has revolutionized the music industry in profound ways. YouTube and Spotify, for instance, have become the preferred channels for music consumption and promotion, enabling artists to reach a global audience. YouTube offers music videos, live performances, and other interactive content that fans can engage with, thus reducing the need for promotional videos. It has also created a new revenue stream for artists through subscriptions. Spotify, meanwhile, boasts an extensive music library that allows users to listen to music on demand, create personalized playlists, and discover new music through algorithm-based recommendations. This platform has disrupted the traditional album sales model, with FM radio stations no longer the primary means of promoting new albums. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have also become essential tools for sharing and disseminating music to a wider audience. While Read More …

Krishna Modak, Professor, SACT, Department of Music, Memory College, Memory, East Burdwan, West Bengal, India Abstract The influence of music on the mind is immense. Even the thinking human mind manifests its hypnotic power even in the lower animals. Mind is the driving force of the body – its thoughts, the senses like imagination, memory, desire, etc. are controlled by the influence of sound either way, it can alleviate the negative aspects of the mind and stimulate the positive aspects to make the person very strong, efficient and prosperous. Be it an office workplace or various institutions like hospitals, correctional facilities, nursing homes, restaurants, shopping malls, yoga centres, gyms, spas, ashrams, monasteries, mosques, churches, national places of worship, educational institutions everywhere. Music is a universal language that can speak to people from all walks of life. Even if you don’t know anything about music, there is an emotional response to the song’s melody. Music is Read More …

Maitri Sinha, Research Scholar, Rabindra Bharati University Abstract: Music has long been an integral component of cultural expression, with a profound impact on various forms of traditional art. This study delves into the intricate relationship between music and folk drama, examining how musical elements shape and enhance the narrative, emotional resonance, and overall experience of traditional performances. From ancient rituals to modern folk theatrics, the interplay of melody, rhythm, and lyrics serves as a dynamic force, weaving a rich tapestry that amplifies the cultural and historical significance of folk dramas. Through an interdisciplinary approach that combines cultural anthropology, musicology, and theatre studies, this research seeks to unravel the multifaceted ways in which music influences the themes, characters, and audience engagement in folk dramas across diverse global contexts. By exploring this symbiotic connection, we aim to deepen our understanding of the profound role that music plays in preserving and evolving the vibrant tradition of folk drama. Read More …

Dr. Ajanta Jana, Guest Assistant Professor, Sadhu Ramchand Murmu University, Jhargram View Post Abstract: Music, a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries, has been an integral part of human experience throughout history. This paper delves into the intricate interplay between music and mental health, focusing on the temporal dimensions that shape this relationship. By examining how music affects various facets of mental well-being over time, from immediate emotional responses to long-term therapeutic effects, we aim to unravel the complexities that underlie this profound connection. The exploration encompasses the impact of rhythmic patterns, melodic structures, and temporal dynamics on mood regulation, stress reduction, and cognitive function. Furthermore, we scrutinize the evolving field of music therapy, investigating the temporal factors that contribute to its effectiveness in treating mental health disorders. As we navigate the temporal landscape of music and its influence on the mind, we strive to deepen our understanding of the therapeutic potential that lies within Read More …