Folk Music Tradition – UPSC Notes – Art and Culture

Indian Folk Music in the UPSC IAS Exam is included in the Art and Culture syllabus for the UPSC IAS exam, this article explores the diverse landscape of Indian folk music hailing from different regions of the country.

The Indian subcontinent boasts numerous music genres, each falling under various categories. Every state in India possesses a distinct musical form deeply rooted in its cultural identity. Unlike classical music, folk music thrives without strict adherence to predetermined rules and regulations. Instead, it predominantly revolves around a variety of themes and rhythmic patterns.

Features of Folk Music

1. Classical Ragas:
   • Incorporates classical ragas; for example, raga manda is popular in Rajasthani folk music.
2. Oral Transmission:
   • Knowledge transmitted orally, not from written sources.
   • Musical compositions cannot be traced to a specific written origin.
3. Community Acceptance:
   • Propagation and survival depend on acceptance by the community.
4. Regional Uniqueness:
   • Each performance is unique to a specific region.
   • Reflects the rural society and culture of that region.
5. Preservation of Traditions:
   • Tells stories of life and traditions, preserving aspects at risk of disappearing.
6. Increased Repetition:
   • Involves increased repetition, with emphasis on the importance of the first line.
   • Subsequent lines often set to rhyme with the first.
7. Interactive Lyrics:
   • Lyrics often structured as a set of questionnaires.
   • Facilitates a relationship between the performer and the audience.
8. Diverse Themes:
   • Famous themes for folk songs include agriculture, caste, region, children, gods, goddesses, and local traditions.

Folk Music of India

India, with its vast geographical and cultural diversity comprising 28 states and 8 Union Territories (U.T.), is united by a shared spirit of nationalism. The distinction between Classical music and folk music lies in their adherence to different principles. Classical music adheres to the rules outlined in the Natya Shastra and upholds the Guru-Shisya tradition, whereas folk music thrives on spontaneity without rigid guidelines.

Folk music, characterized by its vibrant themes and lively rhythms, often revolves around dance-oriented beats. Each state has its distinct type of folk music, reflecting the unique cultural identity of that region.

Folk Music Style and their traditions

1. Rasiya Geet, Uttar Pradesh
   • The rich tradition of singing Rasiya Geet flourished in Braj, the sacred land of Lord Krishna’s charming leelas.
   • Not confined to any particular festival; closely woven into daily life and day-to-day chores.
   • ‘Rasiya’ derived from ‘rasa’ (emotion), reflecting the personality of the singer and the song’s nature.
2. Pankhida, Rajasthan
   • Sung by peasants of Rajasthan while working in the fields.
   • Peasants sing and speak while playing algoza and manjira.
   • Literal meaning of ‘Pankhida’ is lover.
3. Lotia, Rajasthan
   • Sung in the chaitra month during the ‘Lotia’ festival.
   • Women bring lotas and kalash filled with water, decorated with flowers.
4. Pandavani, Chhattisgarh
   • Tales from Mahabharata sung as a ballad.
   • Main singer assumes all characters with powerful singing and symbolic gestures.
5. Shakunakhar – Mangalgeet, Kumaon
   • Numberless songs sung on auspicious occasions in the Himalayan foothills.
   • Sung during religious ceremonies without instruments, focusing on themes like baby-shower and Ganesh pooja.
6. Barhamasa, Kumaon
   • Describes the twelve months of a year with specific qualities.
   • Songs symbolize different months, with Ghughuti bird representing the onset of the chait month.
7. Mando, Goa
   • Goan regional music dealing with love, tragedy, social injustice, and political resistance during Portuguese presence.
   • A slow verse and refrain composition.
8. Alha, Uttar Pradesh
   • Typical ballad of Bundelkhand narrating heroic deeds of Alha and Udal.
   • Popular regional music in Bundelkhand.
9. Hori, Uttar Pradesh
   • Based on the love pranks of ‘Radha–Krishna’ and associated with the festival of Holi.
   • Tradition of singing Hori during spring season and Holi.
10. Sohar, Uttar Pradesh
    • Strong tradition of singing ‘Sohar’ songs during the birth of a son.
    • Reflects the mingling of two cultures.
11. Chhakri, Kashmir
    • Group song; the most popular form of Kashmir’s folk music.
    • Sung with instruments like noot, rababs, sarangi, and tumbaknari.
12. Kajri, Uttar Pradesh
    • Folk song sung by women during the rainy season.
    • Sung during the bhadra month, women sing Kajri songs all night while dancing.
13. Qawwali
    • Originally sung in praise of God; brought to India from Persia around the thirteenth century.
    • A mode of singing, presenting an interchanging use of solo and choral modalities.
14. Tappa, Punjab
    • Semi-classical vocal music inspired by folk songs of camel riders in Punjab.
    • Characterized by jumpy and flashy tonal movements with rhythmic and rapid notes.
15. Powada, Maharashtra
    • Traditional folk art; narration of a story in glorious terms.
    • Fast tempo, controlled by the main singer; odes in praise of heroes or incidents.
16. Teej Songs, Rajasthan
    • Celebrated by women in Rajasthan; festival on the third day after the new moon.
    • Songs revolve around the union of Shiva and Parvati, magic of monsoon, and peacock dance.
17. Burrakatha, Andhra Pradesh
    • Highly dramatic ballad; performed with a bottle-shaped drum (tambura).
    • Singers wear makeup and stylized costumes.
18. Bhakha, Jammu and Kashmir
    • Popular in Jammu region; sung during harvesting.
    • Considered to be regional music with melodic and harmonious elements.
19. Bhuta Song, Kerala
    • Rooted in superstitions; performed to send away evil ghosts and spirits.
    • Accompanied by vigorous dancing; music has a piercing and eerie character.
20. Daskathia, Odisha
    • Ballad singing prevalent in Odisha; performed with a unique musical instrument called “Kathi” or “Ram Tali.”
    • A form of worship and offering on behalf of the devotee.
21. Bihu Songs, Assam
    • Distinctive folk songs of Assam with literary content and musical mode.
    • Blessings for a happy new year; dance associated with an ancient fertility cult.
22. Sana Lamok, Manipur
    • Sung during the coronation ceremony by the Maaiba (priest).
    • Potent with magical powers; sung to evoke the spirit of Pakhangba.
23. Songs of Lai Haraoba Festival, Manipur
    • Festival of gods and goddesses; performed for the Umang-Lai (forest deity).
    • Ritualistic songs sung on the last day of Lai Haraoba festival.
24. Saikuti Zai (Songs of Saikuti), Mizoram
    • Mizo’s singing tribe; songs in praise of warriors, brave hunters, and young men.
    • Composed by poetess Saikuti.
25. Chai Hia (Songs of the Chai Dance), Mizoram
    • Sung and danced during the Chapchar Kut festival.
    • Special occasion for singing and dancing known as ‘chai’; songs are called ‘chai hia.’
26. Villu Pattu, “Bow Song,” Tamil Nadu
    • Popular folk music of Tamil Nadu; lead singer plays the role of the main performer.
    • Revolves around theological themes; emphasizes the conquest of good over evil.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Folk Music:

1. What is the tradition of folk music?
   • Answer: The central traditions of folk music are transmitted orally or aurally, learned through hearing within informal social networks. This contrasts with formal institutions like schools or churches.
2. What are the 4 types of folk music?
   • Answer: Folk music can be categorized into four types: ‘primitive’ or ‘tribal,’ ‘elite’ or ‘art,’ ‘folk,’ and ‘popular.’ These categories help define the diverse nature of music within this genre.
3. Which is the best-known traditional folk music of India?
   • Answer: Some popular types of folk songs in India include Baul songs in West Bengal, Lavani songs in Maharashtra, Bhangra songs in Punjab, Rajasthani folk music in Rajasthan, Garba songs in Gujarat, Bihu songs in Assam, Koli songs in Maharashtra and Gujarat, and Kirtan in Bengal, Odisha, and Assam.
4. Why are folk songs important in India?
   • Answer: Folk songs play a crucial role in preserving the history and cultural identity of the people. They often convey important information across generations and tell stories of life that may be forgotten or on the verge of disappearing.
5. What are 5 characteristics of folk music?
   • Answer: Folk music typically:
     • Is transmitted orally rather than through written scores.
     • Often lacks a known original composer, spreading organically.
     • Is played on traditional instruments.
     • May incorporate themes of cultural or national identity.
6. What is folk tradition?
   • Answer: Folk tradition refers to the common beliefs, practices, customs, and cultural elements of an ethnic or social group rooted in the past. These traditions persist into the present through various means such as arts and crafts, songs, music, dance, foods, drama, storytelling, and oral communication.

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