The onslaught of Bollywood, Hollywood and Western music had once eclipsed the classic folk of almost all provinces of India. But a recent regeneration of folk music, especially on Facebook and YouTube, has saved it from extinction for a long long time. The artistes demand the state government should compile an encyclopedia of folk music of Himachal to protect it for posterity.
Bollywood beauties from Himlayan state of Himachal of the likes of Preity Jinta from Jubbal Shimla , Kangna Ranaut from Mandi, Yami Gautam from Hamirpur Rubina Dilaiik, winner of Big Boss and small screen actress have made their big in the tinsel town and are making their waves on the national and international platform as well. Because of their “next home appeal”, they have blazed the trail in hills influencing local singers and dancer, leaving behind their footprints in the dances and folk songs.
Today, even foreigners are learning folk music, classical music, folk dance and classical dance in India because of the reach of social media. Yet, much remains to be done in preserving our folk music and culture.
Significance of music. P.B. Shelley says: ‘Our sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thought.’ Shelley’s remark is applicable to all ages and all lands. Doctor Samuel Johnson says: ‘Music is the only sensual pleasure without sin.’ But Johnson’s remark is not applicable to vulgar and erotic music.
Significance of music has best been specified by many classical singers like Kirtidan Gadhvi, Osman Mir, and Hamid Ali Khan in the Malkauns bandish ‘Pyar Nahi Hai Sur Se Jisko, Wo Murakh Insaan Nahi Hai.It has been said in Sanskrit.
Many men and women across the globe have been united with their favorite gods and goddesses with the help of Sufi and serious music (esp. by Classical Music). Classic music transports us to a new frame of reference, to the subtle world of spirits and duplicates.
New Pahari songs cannot prove 100% equal to old songs in matter and manner and there is a meager scope for classical innovation in this field. The heroic idealism and somber fatalism of old English poem Beowulf is present in serious old folk songs of Himachal Pradesh.
Many folk songs of H.P. show a shadow of Indian Classical Music in their tune. The classic songs Bhadrua, Daudi Rande, and Nai Auna Tere Aangne have the bitter (कषाय) taste of raw Amla which however tastes sweet towards the end. These three songs – and many other songs-- evince a shade of Raga Bhairav and Ragini Sindhu Bhairavi. The Kulluvi old folk song ‘Lal Chirie Ser Ni Jana’ is based explicitly on the Raga Hindol which basically is a jovial raga. Pravesh Nihalta’s ‘Hi Vidya’ shows a shade of Bhimpalasi. The majestic song ‘Bimlo Ta Roai Nale Nale’ goes softly with women in white and green which in turn are sober colors. Other soft and slow classic song is ‘ Rim Jhim Barkha’.
The geographical background or the ‘Objective Correlative’ ( TS Eliot’s term) in almost all folk songs on You Tube is appropriate. It resembles the typical theme and tone of each classic Pahari song.
Kangra element
The classic Kangra song ‘Dhoban’ shines as pure gold in the vast domain of music. It’s typical Kangri cadence, Kangri rhythm, Kangri tone and Kangri manner are enjoyable and noteworthy and unique. It’s sand tune matches perfectly with its tragic plot. Similar remarks can be framed for the classic Kangri song ‘Bhabhie Zehar Dei Marya’.
The old classic Mahasavi (Shimla) song ‘Kubja Dhilie Bikhe’ is a high serious unique song which moves slowly like the Biblical brook of Siloah where water moves slowly. Sung to perfection by Pravesh Nihalta , son late Prem Nihalta, a Akashwani singer, this song keeps resounding inside the mind of music lovers even when they are not listening to it on You tube and other platform.
The classic song ‘Kari Chuki Kari Chuki’ depicts the poor plight of a beautiful but faithful wife who is tortured frequently by her alcoholic husband. It’s sand tune evinces complete ‘organic unity’ or ‘unity of design’.
Pahari Dancers
The new Pahari ‘Pink Plazo’ shows a remarkable organic unity. A poor wife keeps on pestering her poor husband about her old clothes. She wants to purchase new expensive clothes but her Brahmin husband shows his inability to do so.
However, the wife reconciles with her husband when he promises to purchase new garments for her provided their apple orchard yields copious crop. Mr. Daulat Ram Chauhan, a pahari dancer from Chopal, used to dance esoterically on the classical song Daulie…., other good dancers used to be Rama Loathta, now a doctor, Singhta and Jai Gopal Chandel.
Devender Negi, a retired teachers danced beautifully in Panjavi at Mahasu Devta Temple at Kot in Peontara Pargana to the song Hara Kurta Piula Garara. Just cogitate that green Kurta and yellow pyjama is more feasible than yello kurta and green pyjama.
A sensitive listener starts swimming (metaphorically) in the memories and stories of distant past nostalgically and seriously as they sing the classic ‘Mashtara Layak Rama’ during night in a festive occasions of Jagara and Marriage ceremonies. when there was no facility of recording.
A local drum-beater from Kandaroo beats a dhol and singing ‘Ho Sumitra’ exquisitely in a gay and elated mood. Though this local artiste was a poor man, yet he lived a happy, contented and peaceful life.
Singers’ Classical Connection
Like old classic music of Garhwal and Indian Classical Music, classic songs of Himachal Pradesh also are ‘ Cathartic’ (Aristotle’s term in his Poetics). It makes us mature, positive and wise. After all, music is a fine art. Human history is recorded partially by music too.
The tune, the wording, the theme, and the dance- all these four must match with one another so that we get what is technically called organic unity or unity of design. However, one should not dance to a serious song simply because this despoils the organic unity of the piece.
Most songs sung by popular singer Kuldeep Sharma of Theog are jovial, light, brisk, romantic and positive. But his verve is infectious. Other artistes resembling Kuldeep are Deepak Khadrai , and Mohan Singh Chauhan. Inderjeet, Vicky Rajta, KL Sehgal, Dr. Mahender Rathour and Kishan Verma are mostly classical and jovial-cum-sad. Vicky Chauhan of Jubbal has combined folk and classical tunes into a unique folk genre of his and one of the most popular folk singers of Himachal these days.
Encyclopedia of Folk Music of Himachal
Sehgal is highly innovative too in songs like ‘ Kala Basha Koua’. Sehgal agreed to my suggestion ( in his letter) that all musicians of HP should collaborate and publish an encyclopedia of folk music of H.P., including every song, so that our hill culture remains intact for future generations. Dr. Mahendra Rathour Sings in a classical manner. Similar another classical singer is Kishan Verma.
Prem Nihalta is a well-known name in the domain of music. He brought folk music of Himachal Pradesh at national level. He was an expert in classical music too. He could play all musical instruments. He perfectly copied the timber of Late Mohammed Rafi. He died in harness in 2019 while teaching classical music to some students of H.P.
Following singers from Tehsil Chopal contributed a lot in preserving folk music of district Shimla :- Bal Mukund Nihalta, Bobby Nihalta, Shivlal, Ganesh, Mukesh, A.D. Singhta, Amar Singh from Neol, Kesta from Pauria, Ran Singh Karalta and A.K. Loathta.
Hailing from Kotgarh, Dr.Praveen Jaret , my university fellow and a close chum, has sung classic (old) Himachali songs in a melodious and unique manner. His voice is sweet,soft,and superb. For example, he has presented’ Naina Ladiye’ in an exquisite and melodious manner. Once he presented Raga Puriya Dhanashree at Gaety Theatre Shimla to a spellbound audience .
Dhara Reya Jogiya in the album Banjara by Piyush Raj and Kritika is a beautiful song.The two dancers / anchors ----one male ,another female -------are born under a central Jupiter. The two deserve each other for a lucky and happy marriage.
In a 29.59 minute recording under the title ‘Rana Jagdish Kalate ,Theth Mujara, recorded by Musical Hunter Z, Jagdish has presented four old local songs in a sweet appealing voice .Local people of Chopal expect that Jagdish Kalate shall produce similar beauties in future as well.
Amardeep Singhta, a teacher in Nerwa taught me Sargam on harmonium and ragas I learnt my self with the aid of music booklets. On Republic Day 1989 at New Delhi Singhta was a director and coordinator in a cultural group from Shimla. He has done research on the popular old Snai-Pajaik conflict. He performed meticulously several times in dramas, local Charevli, Panjavi,Divali and Boori Divali festivals.
Rajesh Malik from Haripur Dhaar has sung classic old songs like Bhadrua and Nai Auna Tere Aangane in a debonair and immaculate manner. He is very popular among young listeners.
Mithe Bago Re Kele Roti Rama by Parkash Bharti and Mayank Bharti (Tabla) is a classic ,soft and serene folk song.
Arun Justa’s Pahari Himachali Chhuma Meriye is a sombre and classic song depicting ups and downs of life and travails of love. His another classic superb song is Tunki.
Jovial Himachali songs: .
(1) Bhadura (2) Daudi Rande (3) Nai Auna Tere Aangne (4) Kointho De Kande Re Mama (5) Harul Kabai Shauno Ri Shanali (6) Hira Lariye (7) Budhua Mama (8) Lari Shauniye (9) Sada Rou Boue Tero (10) Kulu Ri Deiye (11) Budue Gairo Jaule (12) Teeta Mere Sharparande (13) Itni Talak Kahan Thi Budhi (14) Neelma (from Kotgarh) (15) Molu au Motu Boshi Tongo Di (16) Ae To Re Bhala Manajho Bura, Dhyana Banthano Khe Jhura (17) Ho Sumitra (18) Ho Lare Shanta (19)Kupari Mama Gindue Ro Khelo (20) Babu Roshna Naye Mashino (21) Bhanjie….Mera Pyaar Wo Hai Jo Mar Kar Bhi (22) Chala Meri Harshue (23) Methe Bago Re Kele Ratirama (24) Baro Phuto Re Kar Merea Motiya (25) Rugi Dharo De Goru Re (26) Jointe Re Shai (27) Deva ki Nati Sahi Pakare hai (28) Dhon Raja Jubalia (29) Gaine Badali kale (30) Kedia Mushkil Jeeuna Tera (31) Hare Kate Kakare (32) Nachadi Aye Lar Kutiye (33) Aisi Munjare… Gorakhie (43) Mhare Theogo Khe Aae Re Dharo Pande Re Gujarie (35) Rizo Gashe Sonia…Suit Paya Patyali (36) Kile Kimale .
Jovial-cum-sad Himachali Songs:
(1) Sone Ra Chidu(2) Sach Bol Wo Din Kaise The (3) Rim Jhim Barkha (4) Dunge Nalue (5) Pink Plazo (6) Indira Daliye (7) Runde Lage Resmiye (8) Kari Chuki Kari Chuki (9) Chamba’s Kujua Ho (10) O Malka Jane De Peuke (11) Ghadie Dalie Bisho Bodhane (12) Kindi Chale Kindi Chale (13) Shanue Nachane De (14) Daulie Re (15) Budie…Sunchi Bheri Ro (16) Dil Nai Torana Sath Nai Chorana Meri Reshma (17) Pyari Indira…Hill Stationa (18) Budhua Mama (19) Babli Pyarie.
Sad Himachali Songs. (1) Supane Dishi Meri Aamea (2) Kubja Dhilie Bikhe (3) Dhoban (4) Bhabhie zehar De Maria (5) Tijjo Pichhe Chhadde Ghar Bar Tulsi (6) Bimlo Ta Roai Nale Nale (7) Lal Chirie Ser Ni Jana (8) Mere Ni Shaure Jana Bapua (9) Mashtara Layakrama (10) Deve Ne Deve Bhagchanda Chive Ri dhai (11) Chori Re Khoro Di Lagi Jataro , Janaku Daie Lagi Jataro (12) Binea Badhantie (13) Surie Oye Umaro Pure (14) O Balma.
This three-fold list is not exhaustive or complete. Many songs have been missed. Besides, this classification is tentative and hence open for rectification by experts.
About the author: Ashwini K Loathta is currently Principal government sr sec school Dhabas, Chopal in Shimla district. He is a scholar and researcher in his own right. The views expressed in this writeup are his. (You can contact him on 9418942190, 6230436863)
