Maharashtra Heritage : Folk Music

 What did people do before the television? What forms did entertainment take before the advent of electricity and all the technologies that came after it changed the way we lived forever?

The human mind needs to be fed just as much as the human body does. The food for the mind is song, dance and music. All of which is used in folk entertainment. Each region had its own typical folk music and dances. It is sad to say but these are all dying a natural death, as the younger generation grows up watching cartoons on TV and playing video games.

In my case I never encountered folk entertainment at all till I was in college and deliberately sought it out. In culturally rich states it is easy to keep your ancient folk entertainment alive. Rajasthan has done a great job of preserving folk entertainment and so has Bengal. Alas the same is not true of Maharashtra.

Strange to say that despite the number of talented artists and the booming theater and film industry, the Folk Entertainment is a dying art form in Maharashtra. What the folk entertainment consisted of is listed here.

Kirtan

A musical discourse by a priest or learned man. This is the most common form of entertainment and is not restricted to the state. Bhajan Mandalis or singers of hymns would be the norm for any state rich in Hindu Population. What may be unique to Maharasthra is the Bhajan Saptahs or week long continuous singing of Bhajans. The sound of the cymbals and mridangs would accompany the singer.

In most temples there would be a priest singing the Kirtan and then explaining what was said in the mythological story. Its relevance to human life and living would also form part of the sermon. The elderly would usually sit for these Kirtans on all days of the week after lunch till it was dark and time to return home for dinner. Discourses and debates were common after the main Kirtan was over.

Gondhad

A noisier version of the Kirtans. A troupe of trained musicians would accompany the entire community as they gathered to sing in the praise of the saints and gods. It was more of a collective activity than actual prayer. In fact it was reputed to be a noisy rather than a musical affair. There is even a colloquial saying in Marathi, "Gondhad karo Nakka", which literally translates to don't create cacophony.

Povad

Akin to the odes and ballads sung for heroes of the past in English, Povads were poems composed on the many Maharashtrian heroes. Most popular of all being Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Povads would usually describe events in the life of these great leaders. The stories and situations were set to song and sung out with great fanfare.

Sangeet Natak

Simply translated it would mean a musical drama, yet it was not simple. The drama would contain elements of Hindustani Classical Singing as characters would burst into song as part of the drama. I would compare it to the Opera. The folk version just had one flaw, with a number of encores being asked for and provided an regular 3 hour Sangeet Natak could last up to 5 hours. (My father attended one with his mother when he was a child. It took the better part of the night and they missed dinner.)

Tamasha or Launi

Moving on from the sophisticated man's entertainment to the masses. The Tamasha was originally a platform to show a mirror to society, but degenrated into a crude and erotic dance form. The movements and lyrics contributing to ribald fun. Very popular among the rural areas, it is one of the forms of folk entertainment that is in a healthy state even today. The Mahar and Kolati communities are traditionally associated with the Tamashas and Launis or love songs.

There may be other forms of folk entertainment that I have missed out completely. I am by no means an expert, but since I know something about the folk entertainment of Maharasthra, after a long conversation with my father, I decided to share it with you. Do feel free to mention any performing art form that I may not have mentioned

Erotic Sculptures in Khajarao

Are the erotic sculptures in Khajarao temples inspired by the Kama Sutra. Or is it some other purpose that they serve?

 

From the land of the Kama Sutra it is expected to find ancient erotic sculptures. The eroticism in ancient Indian sculptures is legendary. The sculptures on the walls of the temples at Khajarao are just such an example. This set of about twenty temples is said to have been built during the reign of the kings of the Chandela dynasty during the 9^th and 10^th centuries AD. The UNESCO has declared these temples a world heritage site.

The artists have used the “Mithunas” or couples to depict all forms of colorful sexual imagery. That is not to say that only sculptures of couples adorn these temples. There are also groups involved in the art of making love. The sculptures show many positions which can be used by lovers. Some have been admired and others have been criticized, but everyone has had something to say about the statues. It is like visiting a visual guide of the Kama Sutra.

You may ask why a temple, a place of worshiping the lord is adorned with these graphic sexual images. There are many schools of thought here. For one set the answer lies in the fact that a person was supposed to overcome all desires in order to be near the lord and gain salvation. Of all the desires, it is the sexual ones that are the most basic and instinctive. So the sculptures were set as a test of self control. If the devotee could keep his mind on his prayers despite being surrounded by these erotic art forms he was indeed in control of his emotions.

For the second set there was a spiritual meaning behind every erotic sculpture. If a man and woman were in sexual embrace, it also signified the meeting of their souls as one in the eyes of the lord. So each sculpture can be interpreted in a deeply spiritual manner as well as in an erotic manner. It was also believed that man and woman could increase the fertility by visiting these temples.

For yet another school of thought more in touch with the Indus Valley civilization, the erotic sculptures exemplified one of the four stages in man’s life. When a man was in the householder stage the desire for “Kama” was natural and part of living. This is reflected in the erotic statues of Khajarao.

No matter why these sculptures were commissioned by the Chandela kings, the fact remains that they are in existence today. A very interesting take on ancient porn set in stone for immortality. These sculptures can provide insights into the ancient love making techniques that were prevalent in India long ago. These erotic statues are worth visiting if you can. So when you plan your trip to India, put Khajarao on the itinerary.

Discovery of India

My latest project has me writing web content for a travel to India portal. Despite being an Indian and a fairly well traveled Indian at that, I have learnt so much more about my country after getting involved in this project. Which is saying quite a bit as I have lived in more than 11 different Indian towns over the years.

Each part of the country has its own unique heritage to offer. The history is different, the culture is different, the food is different and the dress is different. All that I knew, what I did learn is the exact differences that exist. The smaller details that despite having lived through them, I had never bothered to pick up on.

From the Metros of Delhi and Mumbai there were no surprises. I have been visiting them almost every year of my life, passing through or on a holiday. Goa is great fun for all who visit, and in my case its become extended family home after marriage, so it was easy to write about.

The South was where I had my real challenge. Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi to be precise. My longing to visit Kerala has now intensified and am very soon going to plan a trip here. Chennai I have visited and don't think there is more to see, but despite my hubby knowing Bangalore inside out, I have not yet visited. Another trip to be made.

All in all the whole experience has been fun. It has been my personal discovery of India, a bit incomplete as they did not cover Rajasthan. In any case I have lived there for three years so I don't need to plan a trip there. Next holiday will be in gay Maharasthra.

The Moon and India

AS Chandrayaan-I lands on the moon I begin to wonder how we did it and right on cue I get all the information. Major lunar landmarks from Galileo Galilei’s telescope to Luna 2 having a hard landing on the moon’s surface. Luna 9 and its pictures transmitted of the lunar surface. Neil Armstrong and his epic landing which started a race among nations to put their flag on the moon’s surface. Indian ambitions in that direction fueled by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. The tom-toming of Rakesh Sharma, India’s first astronaut.

Why do we go overboard? Well because for once in our history it is worth it. The soft landing on the moon is India’s claim to fame as it joins an exclusive club of 5 nations (including us) who have achieved this feat. Okay so the Japanese Hiten crashed but it did reach the moon. Finally we can begin getting over the tag of third world country that the Australian Cricket Captain so recently tainted us with. After all Australia has not yet reached the moon! Congratulations are due and being offered to everyone associated with the project.

Now move away from this function with flashing light bulbs and long speeches. Come outside to the countryside. See the night sky glittering with a million stars. This is a sight that no city child can see anymore, thanks to all the lightening and glow from the city itself. Now as you see the moon gliding by surrounded by those twinkling skies try and understand what your nation has just done. They have actually reached that far. As difficult as it is to comprehend, the moon is the next frontier. In a few generations there will be colonies on the moon.

The space on earth will grow short and the need shall arise to populate the moon. Slowly and steadily we will grow from one planet to the other and eventually science fiction will come true. The thought boggles my mind and I only wish I live long enough to visit the moon in a shuttle one day.