Bangla Ganer Itibritta by Sabitri Ghosh Bengali PDF
Title: Bangla Ganer Itibritta (The History of Bengali Songs),
Author: Sabitri Ghosh,
Genre: History of Bengali Songs, Bengali Songs story, Bengali Story Books
Format: PDF, PDF Size: 8 MB, Pages: 136,
Bangla Ganer Itibritta (The History of Bengali Songs) – Sabitri Ghosh.
Introduction
Bangla Ganer Itibritta (The History of Bengali Songs), authored by Sabitri Ghosh, is a remarkable exploration of the evolution of Bengali music. Written with clarity and purpose, the book is designed to help students and general readers understand that music education is not limited to vocal performance or technical mastery of ragas and rhythms. Instead, it emphasizes the deeper roots of music—its origins, its relationship with literature, and its cultural significance.
Encouraged by eminent musicians like Sukhen Goswami and Professor Bholanath Ghosh, and supported by poet Narayan Choudhury, Sabitri Ghosh crafted this work to bridge the gap between music and literature, offering readers a comprehensive view of Bengali musical heritage.
The Origins of Bengali Music
The history of Bengali songs stretches back nearly a thousand years, with its earliest roots found in the Charyapada. These mystical verses, composed by Buddhist Siddhacharyas, were not merely philosophical texts but were also sung in ragas and rhythms derived from classical Indian traditions. This fusion of poetry and melody laid the foundation for Bengali music as both a literary and musical art form.
The Evolution of Kirtan
Following the Charyapada, Kirtan emerged as a dominant form of devotional music. Divided into two phases— Pre-Chaitanya and Post-Chaitanya—Kirtan flourished through the works of poets like Jayadeva, Chandidas, and Vidyapati. The post-Chaitanya era witnessed an explosion of musical creativity, with Padavali Kirtan, Pal Kirtan, Nagar Kirtan, and Nam Sankirtan sweeping across Bengal.
In 1582, Narottam Das Thakur organized the historic Kheturi Mahotsav, where Vaishnav saints formalized four major Kirtan styles: Manoharshahi, Garanhati, Reneti, and Mandarini, along with a fifth, Jharkhandi. For nearly three centuries, Kirtan reigned supreme, earning recognition as Bengal’s national music due to its unique melodic richness, rhythmic diversity, and lyrical ornamentation.
Shakta Music and Devotional Traditions
Parallel to Vaishnav Kirtan, Shakta music emerged as the musical expression of goddess worship. Forms such as Matri Sangeet, Kali Sangeet, Chandi Giti, Agamani, and Bijoya became popular. Ramprasad Sen and Kamalakanta Bhattacharya stand out as iconic composers in this tradition, blending simple melodies with profound spiritual depth.
Branches of Bengali Songs
Over time, Bengali music diversified into numerous forms:
- Epic and Narrative Songs: Ramayana songs, Panchali, and Mangal Giti.
- Folk Traditions: Baul, Bhatiyali, Jari, Sari, Bhawaiya, Gombhira, Tusu, Jhumur, Alkap, and more.
- Urban and Classical Influences: Toppa by Nidhu Babu, Kabigan, Tarja, Akhrai, and theatrical songs.
- Modern Era: The contributions of Rabindranath Tagore, Dwijendralal Roy, Rajanikanta Sen, Atulprasad Sen, and Kazi Nazrul Islam shaped the identity of modern Bengali music. These five luminaries were both lyricists and composers, giving Bengali songs their distinctive 20th-century form.
Swadeshi Songs: Music and Nationalism
One of the most significant chapters in Bengali music is the rise of Swadeshi songs. These patriotic compositions played a vital role in awakening national consciousness during India’s freedom struggle. Writers like Rangalal Bandyopadhyay, Rajendra, Satyendranath Tagore, Sarala Devi Chaudhurani, Dwijendralal, Atulprasad Sen, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Mukunda Das infused music with revolutionary zeal, making it a powerful tool of resistance and unity.
Conclusion
Sabitri Ghosh’s Bangla Ganer Itibritta is more than a history of Bengali songs—it is a cultural chronicle that intertwines music with literature, spirituality, and nationalism. Written in a simple and accessible style, the book avoids unnecessary scholarly complexity, making it invaluable for students of Bengali literature and music alike.
By tracing the journey from Charyapada to modern compositions, the book highlights how Bengali music has continually evolved while retaining its deep cultural essence. It is a timeless contribution to Bengali scholarship, ensuring that the legacy of its songs continues to inspire future generations.