The Extinct Culture of Rarh Bengal’s Kathi Nacher Gaan
THE EXTINCT CULTURE OF RARH BENGAL’S KATHI NACHER GAAN
Abstract:
The practice of Bengal history in India is quite ancient. `Rarh’ region is a toponym for an area in the Indian subcontinent that lies between the Chota Nagpur Plateau on the West and the Ganges Delta on the East. Looking at the history of Indian music, North Indian music has a significant place, even `Rarh’ Bangla music has a remarkable place in India.
The song of `Kathi Nach’ is the degenerated form of `Rarh Bangla’. When Rarh Bengal was ruled by the feudal lords during that time this stick dance was performed by the pike community with pleasure. They used to perform Kathi Nach on the occasion of any puja. Now a days ,These songs and dance is almost extinct. The song that accompanies with the` Stick Dance’ or `Kathi Nach’ is called` Kathi Nacher gaan’. When the Kathi Nach is performed with Jhumur song its called “Jhumur gaaner Kathi Nach”.This Kathi Nacher Gaan is based on Ramayana, Mahabharat or any mythological story and the story of Radha Krishna.
Research Proposal By – Maitri Sinha.
The practice of Bengal history in India is quite ancient. `Rarh’ region is a toponym for an area in the Indian subcontinent that lies between the Chota Nagpur Plateau on the West and the Ganges Delta on the East. Rabindra Nath Tagore wrote about the history of Bengal and its history in a quarterly magazine in ancient Bengal. He said that –
“He could not hope for all of India, If every district of Bengal starts collecting its own archives, if every zamindar helps him, the old archives of the royal dynasty of Bengal contain all the facts, and if the newspaper could enter into it, its purpose would be fulfilled.’’ (1)
Looking at the history of Indian music, North Indian music has a significant place, even `Rarh’ Bangla music has a remarkable place in India. The word“ Rarh” in the history of India is
quite old. The word Rarh existed for about 600 years before the birth of Jesus. In that time the word `Rarh’ was mentioned in the Jain scriptures. In fact the word` Rarh’ is mentioned in Bengal’s `Mongol kavya’.
`Nardiya’ is the last community which entered in India and was known as `Aryan’. Now a days our culture is a based on Aryan culture which has merged with Non – Aryan culture. The land of Rarh and the cultural history of West Bengal holds an important place in India. At that time Rarh was inhabited by `Astrik region’ whose Descendants were Santhal, sobor and orou.
Today in our life mixed with their language, manners, behaviour and culture. `Dr. Biraj Sankar Guho’ says about this –
“Totem or worship of kalketu’s puja related rituals, festivals, black magic and belief in food related restrictions is still visible in the lives of Indians. It is believed that, most of these were practiced by the Adi Astral religion.’’( 2)
`Rarh Bongo’ or `Rarh Bengal’ is one of the parts of Ancient Bengal. Kathi dance songs can be heard in various parts of Bengal. Among them Purulia, Bankura, Midnapur is worth mentioning. Usually the inhabitants of this region are Bagal, Bhuiya, Mahato, Bagdi, Muchi, Behara etc. among them we can see the song of `Kathi Nach’ or `Stick Dance’.
This Kathi Nacher Gaan is based on Ramayana, Mahabharat, or any mythological story. after some time the dance structure remained the same but the subject matter has been changed. After few times various social events had entered in this song.
In this event, only male candidates can take part. This dance is based upon hard work, that’s why female candidates cannot take part. While performing this dance the performers will make two circles and dancers incircle them and dance. Those who are playing instruments and singing songs will remain inside this circle. This dance can be divided into two parts – (a) old method (b) new method.
The ancient method follows the dance method of Guru Saday Dutta. The other is the modern method. In this presentation usually men dress up like girls, However, in some places, female candidates also participate with change in time.
“The attire of male candidates is – black full pants, white kurta, red fetti in waist, ghungroo, yellow ribbon on the head and a stick in hand (1/2ft). The attire of female candidates are –
white saree, red blouse, orange dupatta in the waist, and red dupatta on the neck They also wear white flowers garland in their hand and bun, bangles in hand. wrapped their saree up to the knees. With the support of the Madal instrument, they moved their body postures by twining the sticks.( Kathi).” ( 3 )
In this performance, it consists of 18 to 20 people in a group. And main thing is that no one dances hand in hand in this circle. Few people mention it martial dance and some people consider it as “Rash Nrittya”.
The main instruments of this song is Madal, Nagara, and Kartaal. Madal is a very significant instrument in Santhal community.it is a double
headed drum. This instrument’s both sides covered with animal skin. The left side face is
bigger than the right one. The bigger part of this side is approximately 12inches.The Madal consists of a cylindrical body. Typically , a wooden log is carved so as to form a hollow cavity. The Nagara or Nagarah are the kettle drums. These drums are about 1 – 2 feet in
diameter and played with sticks. Kartaal is an ancient instrument mainly used in folk or devotional song.
A song which is a example of a melody of sorrow tune –
“Mahul pore thoka thoka
Ki k(e) re kurar eka
Hai hai badhuyake
Baghrai gheroche.
A kathi nach song is written based upon Sri Chaitanya Dev –
Kolijuge sri Chaitanya abatar
Khelibar probondhe koilen
Goragori jan probhu nijeswa kirtane
Ghore ghore hori naam den sorbo jone (4)
The songs of Kathi Nacher Gaan based upon the story of Radha Krishna. Moreover the languages of “Rarh” can describe some different stories. The “Dev Bandana” is mandatory introduction for Kathi Nacher Gaan.
In this form of Kathi Nacher Gaan they had done their praise for both gods and goddesses of villages and gurus. After that the main part gets started.
The lyrics of the Rarh song can define the characteristics of Radha , Krishna, Ram, Sita etc. and they are getting alive with the help of this
song. There are so many stories which got there place in the form of“ Rarh “language. For that reason Sri Chaitanya Dev also migrated to the rural Rarh region. In that time some king, zamindar, feudal kings, land lords came closer and attracted by the Sri Chaitanya Dev. Later on
they spread the massage of Chaitanya Leela in the Rarh region. Usually these songs can describe the bonding of love, however, at times it can be pain full also.
The influence of Bengali music has a different dimension in Indian music. In Indian culture folk song, dance and instruments (music) has made a significant contribution. Folk music is an important pillar in our culture. Now a days this culture is being lost from our society in the pursuit of modernization. `Kathi Nacher Gaan’ is one of the lost folk music form. In the mist of modern life not only `Kathi Nach’ but also music and instruments are getting withered.
END NOTE –
1. Rarher Sanskriti O Dharmathakur, Dr. Amalundu Mitra, Page – 1
2. Lokayet O Poschim Rarh, Siva Prasad Chottopadhya, Page – 111
3. Banlar Loko Sahitya, Asutosh Bhattachariya,
Part – 2, Page – 215
4. Banlar Loko Sahitya, Asutosh Bhattachariya,
Part – 2, Page – 215
BIBLIOGRAPHY –
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3. Birbhum, Loko Sanskriti O Adibashi Kendra O Tottho O sanskriti Bibhag, West Bengal, 2002.
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