Introduction
Rabindranath Tagore , the world famous Noble Laureate, is the propounder of an independent strand of songs, known as Rabindra Sangeet. Rabindra Sangeet finds its cultural roots here in Bengal pertaining to the fact that Tagore himself was born and brought up in this place.
The Legend himself
Source : Chatgpt gifted the painting on Rabindra Jayanti
The Gitabitan or the Bible of Rabindra Sangeet has more than 2000 songs at its disposal. Out of so many, only a handful around 700 has been researched and sung or found in records. A lot more work and research still remains to be done with regards to the exquisite work by the Bard in his entire life time.
Source : Wikipedia
Origin
The National Anthem of both India and Bangladesh, be it ‘Jana Gana Mana‘ or ‘Amar Shonar Bangla‘ , owe their significant tribute to Tagore. Both the National Anthems have been significantly and sufficiently been penned down by the bard himself. A lot of people seem to confuse devotion with love. There are multiple porjaes across Gitobitan like Puja, Prem, Prokriti , each pertaining to the inner divine connection of the soul. In fact, as scholars explain, when one interprets God and love to be same and starts respecitng both in due accordance, they find the divine magic themselves. Each of the songs have unique raga base coupled by matra, chhondo and taal. Not only that, as the book proceeds forward, we find Tagore’s inspiration from world music infused both in melody and lyrics that makes the unique strand even more classy by nature.
Source : Wikipedia
Primary Content / Context
SaReGaMa claims to have over 5000 recordings of Rabindra Sangeet till date. They have played a significant role in making Rabindra Sangeet go viral around the globe. The great saint and social reformer, Swami Vivekananda got so infused into the world of Tagore that he performed several classical based versions of popular songs like Bhenge Mor Ghorer Chabi, which are lesser known to the general public. Calcutta Theatre, Hemanta Mukhhopadhay, Debabrata Biswas, Suchitra Mitra are known as some of the pioneers and exponents in the world of rediscovering or practicising Rabindra Sangeet
Source : Wikipedia
Influence of Rabindra Sangeet
The bard plays a significant role in bringing Noble Prize to India after his collection of poems book named “Gitanjali“ was transalated into English and greatly or highly recommended , regarded of by the Noble committee. Tagore played a very essential role in the struggle for India’s Independence and Swadeshi Andolon in both Bengal and Bangladesh got influenced as a result of his masterpieces. There are multiple songs which raise the nationalism sentiments and actively acts as a driving force for freedom movements. In fact, he worked tirelessly on propagtaing the Bengali language over and across the globes. The abode of Santiniketan is regarded as the storehouse and generic heaven for Rabindranath and Rabindra Sangeet. People like Indira Gandhi spent her graduation days in this place of art and culture of the highest ordeal.
Source : Self Clicked + Wikipedia
Cultural importance / relevance
Rabindra Sangeet, soon widened its branches to give birth to an independent dance form, known as Rabindra Nritya, influenced solely by Tagore’s work over his lifetime. These dances stem beautifully depicting love, devotion, uniqueness, bond, friendship, cultural nuances, seasonal diasporas among others. They are usually performed in groups or even solo. Dress up is very typical which often represents the culture and tradition of Bolpur, Santiniketan. It is however simplistic yet elegant and poised so that the focus always remains on the main theme that the dance or art form wishes to convey.
Source : Instagram
Contemporary Status
Rabindra Sangeet transcends geographical boundaries and borders. Initially, there was a code of conduct known as Ocholayaton that did not allow copyright of experimentation much beyond the traditional norms by Visva Bharati. With time however, rules got much more relaxed and people now have the freedom to experiment or perform all sorts of fusions and such others. However, it is absolutely our own responsibility to be mindful while propagating and experimenting with Rabindra Sangeet to make sure that it does not lose its charm or original thoughts. Generations of Bengalis have practiced this and taken this art form to their minds and heart. Mindless deviations are costly to digest.
Source : Wikipedia
Conclusion
Rabindranath Tagore worked with the common folks from the closest of quarters. The section of the local people known as Bauls , who wander aimlessly from place to place, have a huge role in propagating the spirit of local folklores. This Baul community has on multiple occasions not only influenced but also significantly endorsed the song bundles of Tagore in a significant manner. The ektara, dotara, madol, dhol, mridangam, tabla or even Santhal dhamsa-madols play a very important role in the act of propagtaing this Baul form of raw , original Rabindra Sangeet. Bengal is extremely blessed to be the land of Tagore and wistfully wishes to keep up with the traditions as generations flow by. It is our duty to imbibe the cultural heritage among the young people in their way so that they get excited to work about the same on their own accords.
References
https://www.deccanherald.com/content/66947/magic-rabindra-sangeet.html