Month: November 2024

 Tamal Das, Research Scholar, Vocal Music, Rabindra Bharati University Banglagan embodies the essence of Bengali culture, with its melodies intricately woven into the fabric of the Bengali language for over a thousand years. Over this extensive period, the music has evolved, diversifying in melody, mood, and lyrical depth. This evolution reflects the emotional and cultural expressions of a vast region’s people, enriching the legacy of Bengali music. Among the many genres of Bengali music, Padavali songs hold a unique place. Based on their characteristics, Padavali songs are categorized into two main types: Both genres are deeply devotional, but the Shakta Gita, being the younger form, has distinct features. Shakta Padavali songs are devoted to the praise of Mother Shakti and resonate with themes of love, devotion, and surrender. Their spiritual and emotional depth has earned them an eternal place in Bengali culture. The promotion and propagation of Shakta Padavali began with the saint-poet Sri Ramprasad Read More …

Smarajit Sen Abstract: Music is an extraordinary and multifaceted form of human expression, capable of transcending cultural, linguistic, and temporal boundaries to connect people in profound ways. Through melody, rhythm, and harmony, music conveys emotions that words often fail to capture, fostering a deep emotional resonance between artist and listener. Embedded in human cultures worldwide, music serves as a vital medium for preserving traditions, values, and histories, often playing a central role in rituals and communal activities. Moreover, research highlights the cognitive benefits of music education, including enhanced memory, creativity, and critical thinking. Beyond entertainment, music’s therapeutic potential is widely recognized in healthcare, aiding in mental and emotional well-being. Music’s universality fosters social cohesion and collective experiences, breaking down barriers and creating a shared emotional language. From a scholarly perspective, music encompasses the rigor of science, the precision of mathematics, and an aesthetic appeal that contributes to personal and spiritual growth. This paper explores these Read More …

Subarna Saha, Ph.D Research Scholar, Performing Arts (Dance), Sister Nivedita University, DG1/2, New Town, Action Area-1, New Town, Kolkata: 700156, West Bengal, India. The Guru-Shishya Parampara, or the traditional teacher-disciple lineage, holds a pivotal role in the preservation and transmission of Indian classical dance. Rooted in the cultural and spiritual ethos of India, this ancient practice is more than a pedagogical method; it is a sacred bond that embodies respect, dedication, and continuity of knowledge. This tradition has enabled the oral transmission of dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, and others, ensuring their survival through generations. By immersing themselves in the guidance of a Guru, disciples cultivate technical mastery and internalize the philosophies and aesthetics that underpin Indian classical dance. This parampara has historically upheld the cultural integrity of dance by emphasizing direct experiential learning, where disciples receive personalized instruction and embody the art form as a way of life. However, in modern times, with Read More …

Subhraparna Biswas,Ph.D Research Scholar, Performing Arts (Music), Sister Nivedita University, DG1/2, New Town, Action Area-1, New Town, Kolkata: 700156, West Bengal, India. Abstract: Music journalism has long been a vital component of the global music ecosystem, documenting the development of musical trends, artists, and industries. In India, where music is deeply woven into the cultural and social fabric, music journalism has played an integral role in chronicling the evolution of various music genres and their interactions with society. The Indian music industry, rooted in classical traditions yet embracing modern popular forms, provides a unique context for understanding the function of music journalism. This paper explores the historical significance, current trends, and challenges facing music journalism in India, examining its role in shaping public discourse, promoting musical talent, and influencing the industry’s dynamics. Music Journalism in India, Indian Classical Music, Hindustani Music, Carnatic Music, Bollywood Music, Indian Indie Music, Rock Music in India, Playback Singers, Music Read More …

Rima Dey, Research Scholar, Department of Performing Arts, Sister Nivedita University Abstract:Tala (rhythmic cycles) and rhythm hold a foundational role in the compositions of Rabindranath Tagore’s songs, which blend classical Indian music traditions with a distinctive poetic sensibility. Tagore’s approach to rhythm transcends mere metric patterns, embodying the nuanced moods, thematic content, and emotional depth of each song. In his compositions, tala is not only a structural component but also a vehicle for enhancing the expressive character of lyrics. By exploring the intricacies of Tagore’s rhythmic innovations, this study illuminates how he adapted and reinvented traditional talas, creating new rhythmic textures that resonate with both his poetic language and the thematic requirements of his compositions. The interplay between tala and melody in Tagore’s songs provides insight into his artistic vision and his contribution to modern Indian music. This paper examines Tagore’s approach to tala and rhythm, analyzing its impact on the listener’s experience and its Read More …

Dr. Srabani Sen Associate Professor, Department of Music, Tarakeswar Degree College, Email: srabanisn1@kami Mobile no- 6290855102 AbstractLalon Shah is celebrated as one of the most influential figures in the Baul tradition, lastingly impacting Bengali music and spirituality. His songs, deeply embedded in the oral tradition, resonated profoundly with the common people. Lalon’s philosophy was radical for its time, rejecting societal distinctions based on caste, class, and creed, and denouncing racism and religious conflicts. His teachings on humanism and inclusivity remain significant in today’s world, offering a pathway to universal humanity. Lalon’s profound simplicity and spiritual depth left a lasting impression on Rabindranath Tagore, inspiring a philosophical and stylistic transformation in his poetry. Tagore’s engagement with Lalon’s existential humanism reshaped his worldview, infusing his work with Baul-inspired themes of devotion and unity. Keywords: Lalon Shah, Baul tradition, existential humanism, Rabindranath Tagore, Bengali philosophy, oral tradition, universal humanity, caste and creed রবীন্দ্রনাথ ঠাকুর ও লালন শাহ রবীন্দ্রনাথ Read More …

Nazmul Hoque, Assistant Professor, Department of Music, Udaynarayanpur Madhabilata Mahavidyalaya Abstract The folk life and folk culture of Murshidabad occupy a significant position in the broader tradition of Bengali folk heritage. Shaped by a river-based geography, agrarian economy, historical Nawabi legacy, and long-standing religious coexistence, the region has developed a rich and diverse folk culture. This research-oriented paper examines the socio-cultural, historical, and anthropological background of Murshidabad’s folk life, with particular focus on the folk performance traditions of Alkap and Bolan. Alkap, a folk theatrical form, employs humour, satire, and parody to reflect social realities, power structures, and resistance against exploitation. Its carnivalesque nature, as conceptualized by Mikhail Bakhtin, allows marginalized communities to question authority and social hierarchies through performance. In contrast, Bolan songs are primarily associated with the Gajan festival of Lord Shiva and represent a synthesis of devotion, ritual, and communal participation rooted in the agrarian life cycle. The paper also contextualizes Alkap Read More …

Farjana Yasmin, PhD Research Scholar, Performing Arts (Dance), Sister Nivedita University, DG1/2, New Town, Action Area-1, New Town, Kolkata: 700156, West Bengal, India. Puppetry, one of the oldest forms of theatre, plays a significant role in the folk dramas of Bengal, often referred to as “folk plays.” These performances are typically staged on small to medium-sized platforms, where puppeteers expertly bring human or animal puppets to life through skilful manipulation. In Bengal, puppetry has a rich tradition dating back nearly a thousand years, featuring various forms of puppets including wire, stick, braided, and shadow puppets. Each type has its own unique method of control, from the fine wires used in wire puppets to the hand manipulation of braided puppets, known locally as “Beniputul.” Historically, puppet shows were a beloved form of entertainment in rural Bengal, captivating audiences of all ages with their ability to portray human emotions like joy, sorrow, and humour. The relatable expressions Read More …

Ayan Bandyopadhyay Abstract The evolution of media music in India reflects the profound changes in technology, society, and cultural consumption over the last century. This transition began with print media, where sheet music and songbooks were crucial in disseminating music to a broader audience. These print forms were complemented by early gramophone records and radio broadcasts, marking the initial stages of mass media music. The introduction of film in the early 20th century, particularly with the advent of Bollywood, revolutionized how music was produced, consumed, and shared, making film songs a dominant force in the Indian music industry. As technology advanced, the role of radio, vinyl records, and cassettes played a significant part in shaping India’s music culture in the mid-20th century. With the globalization of media and the rise of satellite television in the 1990s, music videos became a powerful medium of expression and promotion, allowing artists to reach larger audiences through MTV, Channel Read More …