The Influence of Classical Music on Indian Poetry - A Harmonious Symphony of Artforms by Jankhana
When poetry dances to the tune of music, the world becomes a stage of emotions.
The quote by Rabindranath Tagore beautifully encapsulates the synergy of music and poetry, with each possessing its sovereignty to captivate and evoke emotions. For centuries, the two creative art forms have lived in a timeless relationship - the melodies of the ragas interplaying with the rhythmic modulation of the poetry. The same synchronization shines with all its glamour and magnificence through the rich tapestry of Indian culture, shaping the landscape of Indian literature.
The Historical Confluence
Om Asato Maa
Sad-Gamaya,
Tamaso Maa
Jyotir-Gamaya,
Mrtyor-Maa Amrtam
Gamaya.
Translation:
Lead me from the
unreal to the real,
Lead me from darkness
to light,
Lead me from mortality to immortality.
The verse from Brihadaranyaka Upanishad has been used both as a standalone poem as well as a musical notion in various ancient compositions, showcasing the harmonious union of the two. Tracing back to ancient texts and traditions is the simplest way to experience how the combination of words and music has been used to invoke blessings and spiritual experiences. The journey started with the development of Natyashastra. Maybe, much before that.
So, what is Natyashastra? It is an ancient Indian treatise on performing arts, encompassing the three musical art forms, Gayan – vocal music, Vadya – instrumental music, and Nritya – dance. Compiled in the Sanskrit language by an ancient Indian musicologist, Bharat Muni, it comprises a total of 6000 poetic verses and a description of 108 art forms with each showcasing its unique fusion of poetry and music, conveying different emotional and spiritual traces.
Where Poetry Meets Melody
Poetry forms the skeleton of expression and music breathes life into the poetic skeleton with the symphony of ragas and talas, evoking powerful artistic experiences.
Such was the divine embrace of melody and verses, proclaimed by a revered Carnatic musician, playback singer, and filmmaker Kalyan Vasanth. He strongly believes in the ethereal realm of artistic expression where poetry with its incredible power of words evoke sentiments and emotions to paint an artistic skeleton. At this juncture of laying the foundation, human experiences keep unfolding like a luminescent moon drawing its light from varied emotions, including joys, sorrows, victories, defeats, love, and heartbreak. Furthermore, when the celestial orchestra with ragas and talas providing magnificent colours and hues to the skeleton, the experience heightens, verses come alive, and the skeleton gets its universal structure, making it complete.
Going deeper, Dr. Lalmani Misra, a celebrated Indian classical musician of the 19th century, threw more light on this ethereal experience. He added more spark to this symphony through the golden pages of his book ‘Bharatiya Sangeet Vadya - Elements of Music – I’. In his words, a wailing newborn who knows not savor of the sensory world becomes happy when fed on nectar of notes. Words speak it all! In his book he also mentioned, just as a flower blossom with air and water, the union of notes and rhythm enhances the qualities of sweetness and brilliance in poetry.
There are other dimensions of the Indian cultural heritage where the symphony of the lyrical and melodic is evident. Some of these include:
Dhrupad: It is a traditional genre of Indian poetry with its roots in the ancient Vedic chants and Sama Veda recitations, combining lyrical beauty with intricate musical patterns.
Ghazals: Portrayed by renowned ghazal poets like Mirza Ghalib, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and Jagjit Singh, the fusion is a defining feature of this music characterized by rhyming couplets.
Thumri: A semi-classic genre of music beautifully reflected through the masterpieces of poets like Nawab Wajid Ali Shah., where classical and folk elements converge in various ragas.
Qawwali: A celebrated qawwali singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan leaves an incredible impact on this Sufi musical tradition characterized by vocal performances and rhythmic patterns.
Ragas Influencing the Mood of the Poetry
Raga is like a vessel filled with a myriad of emotions, waiting to be poured out through the voice of the musician, touching the hearts of the listeners, and carrying them on a journey of beauty and transcendence.
Ragas are intricate melodic frameworks that embody the confluence of music and poetry, evoking specific emotions and moods. It creates an emotional backdrop to the verses that when infused with musical notes create an immersive experience. It resonates with the varied themes and moods of the poetic compositions, adding more depth and energy. Let’s take the example of Raga Bhairavi, an ancient raga of Indian classic music that is often associated with morning prayers to invoke a sense of peace, serenity, and spirituality. Now, read the poem below by the famous saint poet Kabir,
Bhajo bhajo re man re
Rama,
Japo japo re man naam.
Surati samaadhi
lagaaye re man,
Bhule vishayasaak bhaam
Translation:
Adore, adore within
your mind, O mind, the name of Rama,
Chant, chant within
your mind the divine name.
With focused
meditation, merge your mind,
And forget the glitter of worldly distraction.
Now imagine the same verses of Kabir using Raga Malkauns, a haunting raga of Indian classical music. It would intensify the sense of solemnity and longing. When set to Raga Todi, the impact of the verses would be amplified with deep sadness, sorrow, or pensive reflection. The same poetic verses when set to different ragas evoke varied emotions and moods.
Here is another example from the expansive list of poems. The verses are from a popular ghazal by the famous Urdu poet, Mir Taqi Mir.
Ab garm o sard dahr se
yaksan nahiṅ hai hal
Pani hai dil hamara kabhi to kabhi hai ag
Translation:
The heat and cold of
the times have upset the equanimity of life.
My heart is water sometimes, at other times fire.
The
verses suggest that the world is changing every moment, signifying the impermanent nature of existence. The reference to
“heat” and “cold” represents the ups and downs in life. The reference to
“water” and “fire” in the second line signifies the notion that our hearts hold
a mix of emotions, calmness (water) and passion (fire). However, when set to
different ragas like Pahadi, Yaman, Bhairavi, and Kafi, the contrast between
water and fire becomes more evident, evoking a sense of emotional depth and
intensity.
How interesting it is to experience the way the choice of ragas plays in shaping and nurturing the soulful melody of words. And the fusion keeps transcending time and space.
Versatility Influencing the Structure of Poetry
Dil ki dhadkan table
ki dhun jaisi,
har rag mein sama gayi muskaan si
Translation:
The heartbeat of the
heart is like the rhythm of a tabla,
In every vein, a smile has spread like a melody
Indian classical music exhibits remarkable versatility when it comes to ragas, rhythms, and expressive nuances. From spiritual liberation to milestone celebrations and sorrowful introspection to love melodies, the choice of moods and cultural expressions are in abundance. This choice inspires poets and writers to explore a wide spectrum of themes while adding more depth and meaning to their poetic compositions.
Considering the cadence and flow of the verses, rhythmic patterns and musical meters have a deep influence. Known as ‘talas’ and ‘chhandas’ respectively, they enhance the aesthetic appeal while shaping the structure of poetry. Chhandas help determine the number of syllables in each line of the poem to provide symmetry whereas talas help create the pace of each line. The harmony defines the structural integrity of poetic compositions, reflecting the creative choices of different poets.
In an unending list showcasing the fusion of imagery in the rich tapestry of the confluence, some of the common examples include:
Taanpur ki dhun se hai
jeevan ka sangam
Sangeet ki dhun se
baje dil ke taar
Jeevan ki taal par
khelen sukh dukh ke sangam
Bansuri ki dhuno mein
basti hai prakruti ki dhun
Dil ki sez par table bajana
Translation:
Life finds its
confluence with the melody of the musical instrument
the strings of the
heart resonate with the tune of music
on the rhythm of life,
the confluence of joys and sorrows play
in the notes of the
flute reside the melody of nature
playing the tabla on the strings of the heart
Celebrating the Union
The union is well celebrated in the aesthetics, emotions, and language of renowned poets like Rabindranath Tagore, Mirza Ghalib, and Subramania Bharati. The Noble Prize-winning collection ‘Gitanjali’ by Tagore is one of the best examples showcasing the integration of classical music's essence into poetry. Similarly, Ghalib's Urdu ghazals and Bharati’s Tamil verses resonate with the melodic strains of Indian classical music.
Digging deeper what comes across are more notable examples celebrating the union:
Example 1:
Man kunto Maula fa
alaihi rauni,
Man toonda toonda ban koi.
Translation:
Whoever accepts me as
a master, to him will I show the way.
I am the slave, He is the Lord; anyone who has a heart, may come and see.
The poem by has been popularly adapted into various musical renditions, including qawwali, khayal, and thumri with each having its unique musical interpretation and emotional resonance.
Example 2:
Na main vich kufar
dian reetan
Na main pakan vich paleetan
Na main andar bed
kitaban
Na main rehnda phaang
sharaban
Na main rehnda mast kharaban
Translation:
Bulla, I know not who I am.
I am not among the
believers in mosques,
Nor am I among the
rituals of the infidels.
I am not in the pure
or impure,
I am not in the Vedas
or the holy books.
I am not in the
intoxication of wine,
I am not in seeking
pleasure.
I am not in the renunciant's
cell,
I am not in the tavern of drunkards
The poem by Bulleh
Shah, a Sufi poet, has been transformed into various songs in Sufi music,
including qawwali renditions. The creative fusion here creates a pathway to
self-discovery.
Yoonhi pahlu mein
baiṭhe raho
Yoonhi pahlu mein
baiṭhe raho
Aaj jaane ki zidd na karo
Haaye mar jaaen ge ham
to luṭ jaaen ge
Aisi baaten kiya na
karo
Aaj jaane ki zidd na karo
Translation:
Don't insist on leaving today,
Just keep sitting by my side without reason.
Just keep sitting by
my side without reason.
Don't insist on
leaving today.
Oh, we may die, or we
may lose everything,
Don't speak of such
things now.
Don't insist on
leaving today
This famous poem by Fayyaz Hashmi, a Pakistani poet and screenwriter, has been widely adapted into ghazals, thumri, and khayal.
Example 4:
Yeh dekh gagan mujhme lay hai
Yeh dekh pawan mujhme
lay hai
Mujhme wilin jhankaar
sakal
Mujhme lay hai sansaar sakal
Translation:
See, the sky resides within me,
See, the wind resides
within me.
Within me, lies the
subtle melody of all,
Within me, resides the rhythm of the entire world.
These are the verses
of a popular poem from Rashmirathi (Part of "Krishna ki Chetavani) written
by the 19th-century poet Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar. The poem has been adapted to a
Bollywood song in the movie Gulaal, directed by Anurag Kashyap in the year
2009. Further to this, a musical play adaptation directed by Dr. Shakuntala
Shukla and Vyomkesh Shukla has also been very popular in influencing the masses
through the story of Karna, the main protagonist of the Hindu epic-
Mahabharata.
The realm of poems transformed into mesmerizing melodic compositions is an expansive tapestry woven intricately across the rich landscape of Indian artistic expression. It is a formidable task to commit each poem to the blog comprehensively. However, a diligent endeavour has been undertaken to filter some noteworthy examples from this vast reservoir that stands as a testament to the enduring allure of harmonizing the spoken and the sung.
Conclusion
Is there a more captivating example that seamlessly blends words and music? Look no further than the mesmerizing composition that stands as a testament to this exquisite fusion — the National Anthem of India, Jana Gana Mana. Penned by Rabindranath Tagore as a Brahmo hymn in December 1911, its captivating melody was later added, set to the enchanting raga Alhaiya Bilawal. In 1950, this harmonious masterpiece has bestowed the honour of becoming India's National Anthem.
The intertwining of Indian classical music and poetry reveals a timeless tale in all its splendour and intricacy. At one end melodies in the form of ragas and talas breathe life to the verses and at the other, verses deliver a soulful voice to the music. Look from any end, it’s the intricate blend that resonates deep within the human soul, taking emotions and experiences beyond the realm of the mundane.
Ans 1: Indian
classical music is a traditional Indian art form characterized by ragas and talas.
It has various styles including Hindustani, Carnatic, and Thumri with each
offering unique expressions of melody, rhythm, and emotions.
Ans 2: Some of the
renowned Indian classical musicians who left an indelible mark on the ancient
art form include Pandit Ravi Shankar, Lata Mangeshkar, Ustad Zakir Hussain, M.
S. Subbulakshmi, and Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, among many others.
Ans 3: Raga influences
the mood, meaning, and atmosphere of the poetry by providing a specific
framework to evoke a distinct emotion.
Ques 4: Are there any specific forms of poetry that incorporate classical music?
Ans 4: Yes, Ghazal,
Thumri, Khayal, Dhrupad, and Qawwali are specific forms of Indian poetry that
incorporates classical music.
Ques 5: What role did this integration of music and poetry play in the development of literary expressions?
Ans 5: The integration
influenced the poets to recreate their verses in multiple forms, emotions, and
gradations, making it more engaging, captivating, and spiritually profound.
This, indeed, over the passage of time, contributed to the evolution and
richness of Indian Literature.
Ques 6: What role did fusion play in healing and therapy?
Ans 6: Since time
immemorial, Indian classical music has been used to promote emotional
well-being. When combined with poetry, the therapy is known to have a more
powerful impact on the mental health because words go straight into the human
hearts and music soothes the mind.
References
A
Beginner’s Guide to Essential Sanskrit Mantras - Sonima
The Story of the
Origin of Natyashastra - 1 | Prekshaa
What
Is Natya Shastra And Why Is It Important - Invisible Ropes
Omenad
- Online Music Education
Emotions in Indian
music history: anxiety in late Mughal Hindustan - PMC (nih.gov)
Comments
Post a Comment