| Folk Music
Haryana has a rich tradition of folk music. Even villages
have been named after classical ragas. In Dadri tehsil, several villages
have names related to well known ragas. These are Nandyam, Sarangpur,
Bilawala, Brindabana, Todi, Asaveri, Jaishri, Malakoshna, Hindola, Bhairavi,
Gopi Kalyana etc. Similarly in Jind district there are Jai Jai Vanti,
Malavi etc.
The folk music of Haryana generally falls in to two
categories
(1) Classical form: The group song that is closely
linked with the classical form of singing comes under this category. The
themes of such songs are usually mythological. Allah, Jaimalphalla, Barahmas,
some Teej songs, Phag and Holi songs belong to this group.
(2) Country side music: This group includes legendary
tales, such as Purana-Bhagata, ceremonial songs, seasonal songs, ballads
etc. Its music survives in cross-cultural traits of social rapport. In
such songs Jai Jai Vanti, Pahari, Bhairavi, Kafi, Jhinjhoti and Bhairav
ragas are used. Raga Pilu is also used in some songs sung by the Ahirs,
using a scale with twelve semi tones. The main credit for popularizing
folk music in Haryana goes to Jogis, Bhats and Saangis. The Jogis use
Sarangi as an accompaniment to their songs. They are proficient
in using Allah, Jaimal-phatta and other heroic ballads with their rich
melodies and resonant-appealing voice. |
