Lesson 2 folk music hsc English

 

 

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A. Warm-Up Activity

 

1. In the class, give a talk on what you know about Baul / Bhatiyali / Bhawaiya songs of Bangladesh.
2. Request someone in the class to sing a few lines of a folk song. Then, in groups, discuss the theme, lyrics, style, and impact of the song on the listeners.

⊗Answer:⇔

1. Talk on Baul / Bhatiyali / Bhawaiya Songs:Baul Songs:
   Baul songs are a significant genre of Bengali folk music, originating from the Baul tradition of Bengal. The Bauls are known for their unique musical and spiritual practices. Their songs often express deep spiritual ideas, mysticism, and social criticism. The music is usually accompanied by simple instruments like the ektara or dotara. Baul songs emphasize the importance of internal spiritual awakening and the rejection of social norms.

   Bhatiyali Songs:
   Bhatiyali is a form of folk music from the riverine regions of Bangladesh, particularly associated with the experiences of boatmen. The songs often describe the beauty of rivers and the life on the water. Bhatiyali music is characterized by its melodious and emotional tunes, which reflect the daily lives, struggles, and joys of the people living along the rivers.

   Bhawaiya Songs:
   Bhawaiya is a type of folk music that comes from the northern regions of Bangladesh. It is known for its distinctive style, which includes themes of love, longing, and rural life. Bhawaiya songs often use a specific rhythm and melodic pattern that sets them apart from other forms of folk music. The lyrics typically focus on the local culture and the experiences of the rural population.

2. Group Discussion:
   • Theme:
     The themes of Baul, Bhatiyali, and Bhawaiya songs often revolve around love, nature, spirituality, and daily life. Baul songs may focus on spiritual enlightenment and social criticism, while Bhatiyali songs celebrate river life and its beauty. Bhawaiya songs generally explore rural experiences and emotional narratives.
   • Lyrics:
     The lyrics of these folk songs are usually in local dialects and are straightforward, reflecting the everyday experiences and emotions of the people. They often use simple language and poetic devices to convey their messages.
   • Style:
     The style of these songs varies. Baul songs have a mystical and spiritual tone, Bhatiyali songs have a melancholic and riverine quality, and Bhawaiya songs are characterized by their emotional depth and rural themes. Each style incorporates unique rhythms, melodies, and instruments.
   • Impact on Listeners:
     These songs often have a profound emotional impact on listeners. Baul songs may inspire spiritual reflection and social consciousness, Bhatiyali songs evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection to nature, and Bhawaiya songs resonate with rural experiences and emotional stories. The music helps listeners connect with their cultural heritage and personal emotions.

By discussing these aspects, the class can gain a deeper understanding of the significance and characteristics of these traditional Bengali folk songs.

 

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B. Read the excerpt and answer the questions that follow.

 

Here is an excerpt from an article on Bengali Folk Music written by the late Mridul Kanti Chakravarty, who was an expert in music and also sang Baul songs, and published in Banglapedia. The excerpt has been slightly edited for English For Today, courtesy of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. 

Folk music consists of songs and music of a community that are not influenced by any sophisticated musical rules or any standard musical styles. Bangladesh has a heritage of rich folk music which includes both religious and secular songs.

Folk music may be described as the music of ancient times that sprang from the heart of a community, based on their natural style of expression uninfluenced by the rules of classical music or modern popular songs. Any arrangement of sound created by the combination of tune, voice, and instrument/dance may be described as music.

Folk music is the combination of song, tune, and dance that originates from the traditional culture of ordinary people (the folk). For example, Baul songs are a combination of tune, music, and dance that are associated with the Baul tradition in Bengal.

 

Folk music has the following characteristics:

(i) It is composed by rural folk on the basis of ancient rules transmitted orally;

(ii) These ancient rules of music have not been influenced by classical or modern music;

(iii) Folk songs may be sung in groups or individually;

(iv) No regular practice is required for folk music;

(v) It is composed and performed by illiterate or semi-literate people;

(vi) It is a spontaneous expression of feelings and thoughts in easy language, local dialect, and simple tune;

(vii) Both words and tune are appealing;

(viii) Despite its universal appeal, it uses local dialect;

(ix) It depends upon nature and the rural environment;

(x) It is an explicit manifestation of the joys and sorrows of daily life;

(xi) It uses simple and natural rhythms;

(xii) It contains a strong emotive expression of human love and separation.

 

In Bangladesh, folk music has great variety, with songs composed on culture, festivals, views of life, natural beauty, rivers, and rural and riverine life. These songs are also about social inequality and poverty, about the material world and the supernatural. Mystical songs have been composed using the metaphors of rivers and boats.

Since the country is basically riverine, the Bhatiyali forms an important genre of folk music. Nature plays a role in providing the content and rhythm of folk music. The folk music of Bangladesh varies from region to region, reflecting changes in the natural environment and the dialects people use. Thus, there are the northern Bhawaiya, the eastern Bhatiyali, and the southwestern Baul songs.

The culture and the lifestyle of the different ethnic minorities, such as the Chakmas, Manipuris, Santals, or Tripuris, have also influenced folk music. Their interaction with Bengali culture and lifestyle over the years has been clearly reflected in the richness of our folk music.

Folk songs may be sung individually or in chorus. Folk songs sung individually include Baul, Bhatiyali, Murshidi, and Marfati, while songs sung in chorus include Kabigan, Leto, Alkap, and Gambhira. Some songs are regional in character, but others are common to both Bangladesh and West Bengal.

Similarly, some songs belong distinctively to one religious community, the Hindus or the Muslims; others cross religious boundaries. Some songs belong exclusively to men, others to women, while some are sung by both men and women. Thus, only women compose and sing Bratagan and Meyeli Git, but both men and women participate in the old practice of ‘roof-beating’ songs that are sung while beating down and firming rooftops.

Different folk songs belonging to different regions of Bangladesh are listed below:

• Baul and spiritual songs: Kushtia, Birbhum, and West Bengal
• Jarigan: Dhaka, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Faridpur, Murshidabad
• Bhawaiya: Rajshahi, Dinajpur, Rangpur, Pabna, Cooch Bihar
• Gambhira: Rajshahi, Malda
• Wedding songs: All regions
• Roof-beating songs: The northern regions of Bangladesh
• Sari: The lower marshy regions of Sylhet and Mymensingh
• Bhatiyali: Nearly all regions of Bangladesh
• Pastoral songs: Dhaka, Mymensingh, Faridpur, Sylhet, Habiganj

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C. Answer the following questions:

 

a. How is folk music defined in the excerpt? Can you add some thoughts of your own to the definition provided?

b. What are the characteristics of folk music?

c. According to the excerpt, folk music has great variety in Bangladesh. Do you know about any other variety of folk music in our country? Which aspects of our folk music do you like?

d. The excerpt mentions several types or classes of folk songs from different regions of Bangladesh. How many of these are you familiar with? Give a brief assessment of them.

 

⊗Answer:⇔

a. How is folk music defined in the excerpt? Can you add some thoughts of your own to the definition provided?

In the excerpt, folk music is defined as the music of a community that is not influenced by sophisticated musical rules or standard musical styles. It is described as originating from the heart of a community, based on their natural style of expression, and is uninfluenced by classical or modern popular music. Folk music includes combinations of song, tune, and dance that arise from traditional culture.

My Thoughts:
I would add that folk music represents a living tradition that evolves with the community’s experiences and environment. It serves as a reflection of the community’s values, struggles, and celebrations, often acting as a means of preserving cultural heritage. Folk music can also be seen as a form of communal storytelling that connects generations through shared experiences and emotional expressions.

b. What are the characteristics of folk music?

The characteristics of folk music, as mentioned in the excerpt, are:

1. Composed by rural folk based on ancient, orally transmitted rules.
2. Uninfluenced by classical or modern music.
3. Sung individually or in groups.
4. No regular practice is required.
5. Composed and performed by illiterate or semi-literate people.
6. Spontaneous expression of feelings and thoughts in simple language, local dialect, and easy tunes.
7. Appealing both in words and tune.
8. Uses local dialect despite its universal appeal.
9. Dependent on nature and rural environment.
10. Manifestation of joys and sorrows of daily life.
11. Uses simple and natural rhythms.
12. Contains strong emotive expressions of human love and separation.

c. According to the excerpt, folk music has great variety in Bangladesh. Do you know about any other variety of folk music in our country? Which aspects of our folk music do you like?

Apart from the varieties mentioned in the excerpt, another notable type of folk music in Bangladesh is “Sari” which is sung in the lower marshy regions of Sylhet and Mymensingh. Additionally, “Jari” and “Sari” songs are also significant.

Aspects I Like: I particularly appreciate how folk music captures the essence of regional and cultural diversity. The way it reflects the daily lives, struggles, and celebrations of ordinary people is truly fascinating. The use of local dialects and simple tunes makes the music accessible and deeply connected to the community. I also enjoy the emotive and spiritual aspects of Baul songs, as they offer profound insights into human experiences and beliefs.

d. The excerpt mentions several types or classes of folk songs from different regions of Bangladesh. How many of these are you familiar with? Give a brief assessment of them.

I am familiar with the following types of folk songs mentioned in the excerpt:

1. Baul Songs:
   Baul songs are characterized by their spiritual and philosophical themes, often performed by Baul practitioners with simple instruments like the ektara or dotara. They explore deep spiritual ideas and social issues.
2. Bhatiyali Songs:
   Bhatiyali is associated with river life and the experiences of boatmen. The songs have a melodic and emotional quality, reflecting the beauty of rivers and the life on water.
3. Bhawaiya Songs:
   Bhawaiya songs come from the northern regions and are known for their distinct melodies and emotional depth. They often deal with themes of love and rural life.
4. Gambhira:
   Gambhira is a form of folk drama and music from Rajshahi and Malda, known for its humorous and satirical content, performed during festivals and community events.
5. Wedding Songs:
   These songs are performed during wedding ceremonies across various regions, celebrating marriage and related traditions with joyful and rhythmic tunes.

Each of these types of folk songs has its own unique characteristics and cultural significance, contributing to the rich tapestry of Bangladesh’s folk music heritage.

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D. Look up the meanings of the following words and terms in the dictionary and write sentences using them:

 

a. Classical

b. Mystical

c. Note

d. Tempo

e. Rhythm

 

⊗Answer:⇔

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E. You have a friend on social media who lives in Afghanistan and is very keen to know about your culture, especially folk music. Write an email to your friend, describing the various types of folk music in Bangladesh. You should write between 150-200 words in the main body of your email.

 

⊗Answer:⇔

 

From: sabbirhossain6565@gmail.com

To: kabirkhanafg75@hotmail.com 

Cc: ——

Bcc:—–

Subject: Discovering the Rich Folk Music of Bangladesh

Hi [Friend’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well! I’m excited to share with you some insights into the vibrant folk music of Bangladesh, a key aspect of our cultural heritage.

Bangladesh boasts a rich variety of folk music that reflects our diverse traditions and regional characteristics. One prominent genre is Baul music, performed by the Baul community, known for its spiritual and mystical themes. The Bauls use simple instruments like the ektara and dotara to convey profound messages about love and enlightenment.

Bhatiyali music, on the other hand, is associated with the life along our rivers. These songs often celebrate the beauty of the rivers and the experiences of boatmen. They have a melodic and emotional quality that resonates with the riverine lifestyle.

In the northern regions, you’ll find Bhawaiya songs, which are characterized by their unique melodies and themes of rural life and love. Additionally, there are Gambhira songs from Rajshahi, known for their satirical and humorous content performed during community events.

Each type of folk music in Bangladesh tells its own story and is deeply intertwined with our cultural and social life. I hope this gives you a glimpse into the richness of our folk traditions!

Best regards,
[Your Name]

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F. Read the text below and answer the questions that follow.

 

Lalon Shah

Lalon Shah (1774-1890) is best known as an icon of the Baul tradition in Bengal, although he was also a philosopher, thinker, and social reformer. He preached religious tolerance and rejected social differences based on class, caste, and creed. He also believed that a search for truth should begin with the body, which reflects the mystery of creation.

Although Lalon’s songs are admired for the profound philosophical and mystical insights they offer, he did not receive any formal education. Not much is known about his early life. A popular story about him—which many believe to be true—is that while on a pilgrimage to a holy place, Lalon, who was born a Hindu, contracted smallpox and was abandoned by his companions. A Muslim fakir, Siraj Sain, picked him up and took him to his own house where he nursed him back to health. When Lalon returned home, his family refused to take him in as he had lived in a Muslim household.

So Lalon returned to Siraj Sain and took up a life of devotion and asceticism under his guidance. After the death of Sainji, Lalon set up an akhara or monastery in Chheuriya near Kushtia. It soon attracted admirers and mystics in search of salvation who became initiated into Baul asceticism and became his disciples. As Lalon began writing and composing songs, which his disciples sang with the accompaniment of ektara or dotara, his fame spread to faraway places.

Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam were among those who admired him and were influenced by his sahajiya philosophy (the attainment of the self through the simple truths that reside in one’s own body and soul—not outside—which can be reached through sadhana or meditation). Many of his disciples also became famous for their songs. They included Kangal Harinath Majumder, Pagla Kanai, and Dudu Shah.

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G. Answer the following questions:

1. Have you heard any Baul song composed by Lalon? If yes, what is it about?
2. Why are Baul songs popular even today?
3. What is the essence of sahajiya philosophy of Lalon?
4. Who are some of the prominent people who admired Lalon?

⊗Answer:⇔

• Have you heard any Baul song composed by Lalon? If yes, what is it about?Yes, one of Lalon Shah’s well-known Baul songs is “Kothay Kothay Se Kothay, Moner Moton Jodi Jete.” This song reflects Lalon’s deep spiritual thoughts and his quest for the divine. It delves into themes of searching for truth and the essence of human existence, often questioning the material world and emphasizing the pursuit of inner spirituality.
• Why are Baul songs popular even today?Baul songs remain popular today because they address universal themes such as love, spirituality, and human nature. Their simple yet profound lyrics resonate with listeners across generations. The songs are often performed with traditional instruments like the ektara and dotara, creating a unique and captivating musical experience. Additionally, the Baul tradition’s emphasis on spiritual enlightenment and social critique continues to appeal to people seeking deeper meaning in their lives.
• What is the essence of sahajiya philosophy of Lalon?The essence of the sahajiya philosophy of Lalon Shah is the belief that true spiritual enlightenment and understanding come from within oneself, rather than through external religious practices or rituals. Lalon’s philosophy emphasizes that the divine truth resides in the human body and soul, and that one can achieve enlightenment through personal meditation and self-realization. It advocates for a direct, personal experience of the divine and rejects the rigid structures of conventional religious practices.
• Who are some of the prominent people who admired Lalon?Some prominent figures who admired Lalon Shah include Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam. Both of these renowned Bengali poets and musicians were influenced by Lalon’s philosophical ideas and musical style. Tagore appreciated Lalon’s contributions to Bengali music and spirituality, while Nazrul was inspired by Lalon’s revolutionary and mystical approach to life and religion.

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