Chapter 6: Music and Us

The song that we listened to had a clear structure. It began with a short musical introduction played on instruments. After that, the main repeated part or chorus/sthāyī was sung. This part came again and again, so it was easy to identify. Then the singer sang the antarā or verse, which had different words but followed the same mood. After each antarā, the song returned to the sthāyī/chorus.

One unique feature of the song was that the chorus was simple and memorable. The rhythm remained steady, and the instruments supported the emotion of the song. The song created a devotional/peaceful/joyful mood and made the listeners feel connected with its theme.

Devotional music can be placed in the overlapping area of classical, folk, and popular music. Some devotional songs are based on rāgas and tālas, so they are close to classical music. Some are sung in regional languages during festivals and rituals, so they are close to folk music. Some devotional songs are also presented in modern style with keyboards, guitars, and electronic beats, so they may also come near popular music.

Contemporary folk-rock bands can be placed under fusion music. They combine folk melodies, regional languages, and traditional instruments with modern rock instruments like guitar, drums, and bass.

Yes, many songs have influences from multiple genres. For example, some film songs are based on classical rāgas but use modern instruments. Some patriotic songs use folk tunes and orchestral music. Some modern band songs use folk lyrics with rock rhythm. Devotional songs may also use classical tunes, folk language, and popular musical arrangements.

A festival song that is commonly sung during Diwali is the traditional bhajan “Om Jai Lakshmi Mata.”

A few lines are:

“Om Jai Lakshmi Mata,

Maiya Jai Lakshmi Mata.”

The theme of the song is devotion to Goddess Lakshmi. It is sung during Diwali and Lakshmi Puja to pray for prosperity, happiness, and well-being. The emotion of the song is bhakti rasa, or devotion. It also creates a feeling of peace, hope, and gratitude.

These features helped me identify the genre because the words, mood, rhythm, and way of singing clearly showed the purpose of each song.

1. Pandit Ravi Shankar

Pandit Ravi Shankar was a famous sitar player. He helped popularise Indian classical music across the world. His performances introduced many international audiences to the beauty of rāga-based Indian music. He also collaborated with musicians from other countries and created a bridge between Indian and global music.

2. M. S. Subbulakshmi

M. S. Subbulakshmi was one of the greatest Carnatic vocalists of India. She was known for her pure voice, devotion, and mastery over classical compositions. Her singing of devotional and classical music inspired many listeners. She made Carnatic music popular among people of different regions and generations.

In the composition, the sthāyī/pallavī/chorus was the part that was repeated again and again. It had the main tune and main idea of the song. The antarā/charaṇa/verse was the part that came after the chorus and had different lyrics.

I identified the parts by listening carefully to repetition, tune, and lyrics. The repeated part was the chorus or sthāyī. The changing part with new lines was the antarā or charaṇa.

A song related to occupation is the “Seed Sowing Song” from Nagaland, mentioned in the chapter.

A few lines from its meaning are:

“Oh please pause for a moment,

lend us your ears,

as we unfold the song of joy and woes

of the farmers.”

Occupation mentioned: Farming/Agriculture

Meaning/Summary: The song describes the life of farmers. It talks about preparing the land, clearing shrubs, sowing seeds, praying for a good harvest, protecting oneself from the heat, and working together in the fields. The song shows the hard work, hope, and joy of the farming community.

i. Film songs have the influence of many genres.

Film songs have the influence of many genres because cinema uses music according to the situation, story, and emotion. A film song may use classical rāgas, folk tunes, devotional style, qawwali, pop, rock, jazz, or electronic music.

For example, a wedding song in a film may use folk rhythm and dholak. A devotional film song may use bhajan style. A romantic or dance song may use pop or electronic beats. Therefore, film music is hybrid in nature.

ii. Folk songs provide information about the region they are from.

Folk songs provide information about the region because they are connected with local language, festivals, occupations, rituals, customs, dress, food, and lifestyle. They are usually passed orally from one generation to another.

For example, a farming folk song tells us about crops, seasons, tools, and the life of farmers. A festival folk song tells us about local celebrations and beliefs. In this way, folk songs preserve traditional knowledge of a community.

Both Classical Music and Folk Music are considered traditional because they have been practised for many generations. They are part of India’s cultural heritage and connect people with their past.

However, they are different from each other. Classical music is more structured and follows rules of rāga, tāla, composition, and improvisation. It usually needs formal training. Folk music is community-based and is connected with regional life, festivals, rituals, occupations, and local customs. It is often learnt orally from family and community members.

Family Tradition: Lighting lamps during Diwali

Sthāyī / Pallavī:

Together we light the lamps so bright,

Filling our home with joy and light.

With love and prayers, we all unite,

Celebrating Diwali tonight.

Antarā / Charaṇa:

Grandmother tells stories of old,

Of kindness, faith, and hearts of gold.

Mother decorates the doorway fair,

Fragrance of sweets fills the air.

Sthāyī / Pallavī repeated:

Together we light the lamps so bright,

Filling our home with joy and light.

With love and prayers, we all unite,

Celebrating Diwali tonight.

These songs show that modern bands often mix many genres. They may use folk lyrics, classical tunes, rock guitars, drums, electronic sounds, and regional languages. This mixing of styles is called fusion music.