Music plays a very big part in most of our lives, through the kind of music we like differs from person to person; this is because of the variety of forms of music. Our country is especially rich in different varieties of music is a land with people of diverse backgrounds, cultures and traditions. Therefore, the music of each region is an expression of its culture. What make our music even more varied is the influences from countries like Persia, Arabia, and later even Britain.
We are usually familiar with the popular kinds like film music or pop music in India, but how many of us know about folk or classical music, or special categories like Rabindranath Sangeet or Quawali? Let us look at some these briefly folk music is a form of music that is handed down from generations, and practiced more by rural people. It is a simple expression of the daily lives of people, their festivals and celebrations, and history of their culture. Folk songs are also liked to folk dances.
We know of the Bhangra as a dance form, but it is also the name of a musical style. It is taken from the traditional music that accompanies the folk dance of Punjab, the Bhangra. This form of folk music is gaining popularity even in countries like the UK!
Maharashtra has its own folk music called Lavani. According to tradition, only women sing these songs; through men too sing them occasionally. There is also a dance associated with Lavani, called Tamasha.
Another popular dance –music is Dandiya, performed during Navaratri/Dussehra. Both the dance and music are called Dandiya. Like the Bhangra, it is being adapted to pop music, and becoming popular.
Rajasthan has a number of groups of musicians, who have their own special folk music. Some of these groups are langas, sapera, bhopa, jogi and manganiyar.
Interesting orders of musicians was formed in Bengal in the 18th and the 19th centuries, and survive even today, though in lesser numbers. The word Baul comes from Sanskrit batul meaning `divinely inspired inanity.’ Bauls would wander around, singing songs of devotion. They play music on instruments called `ektara’ dotara and a `khamak’. They are said to have been influenced by the Muslim Sufi saints, as well as the Hindu religion.
Though it is not considered as developed as classical music, folk music has had an influence on classical music. Some of the styles and instruments used in folk music have been used in classical ragas.
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