Haryanvi Music


Evolution 

Owning a rich tradition of classical & folk music, The Indian state of Haryana set in the red soil of Aravalli Hills, is rich with fertile land, thus making it one of the highest crop producing states in India. The geographical location of Haryana has Punjab on its North-West, Rajasthan in the South-West, Delhi in the South-East, Uttar Pradesh in the East, and Uttaranchal in the North. The folk music of Haryana can well be classified into two main categories: The first one includes the countryside music wherein legendary tales, such as Purana-Bhagata, ceremonial songs, seasonal songs, ballads etc fall into. Its unique feature is that their music survives in cross-cultural traits of social rapport wherein ragas such as Jai Jai Vanti, Pahari, Bhairavi, Kafi, Jhinjhoti and Bhairav are used. This apart, Raga Pilu is also used in some songs sung by the Ahirs, and uses a scale with twelve semi tones. Yet another form is the classical one which comprises of songs with mythological themes. Herein the group song that is closely linked with the classical form of singing comes under this category. It is worth mentioning that Allah, Jaimalphalla, Barahmas, some Teej songs, Phag and Holi songs, belong to this group.Communities such as the Jogis, Bhats and Saangis own the pride of popularizing folk music in Haryana whereby the Jogis are skilled in using Allah, Jaimal-phatta and other heroic ballads with their rich melodies and resonant-appealing voice. This apart their use of the musical instrument sarangi as an accompaniment to their songs is also a noteworthy feature.

Trends write-up 

The main musical instruments of Haryana include: Iktara - a stringed instrument with one string, made from a piece of bamboo with a gourd at one end. This instrument is associated with the Jogis. The iktara's two-stringed variant is the dotara. Been - two bamboo pipes fixed in a gourd, associated with snake charmers, Sarangi - a bow instrument, used both in Haryana's folk and classical music, Shehnai – a wind instrument , Bansuri – a wind instrument with an ancient history ,Shankh - a sacred wind instrument, associated with Lord Vishnu


Trivia/ Quotes

It is interesting to note that there are villages in the north Indian state of Haryana that have been named after classical ragas. A remarkable feature seen in Dadri Tehsil district is that, several villages have names related to ragas like Nandyam, Sarangpur, Bilawala, Brindabana, Todi, Asaveri, Jaishri, Malakoshna, Hindola, Bhairavi, Gopi Kalyana etc. Similarly in the Jind district there are villages named Jai Jai Vanti, Malavi etc.

The festivity of harvesting has indeed given rise to the tradition of art and craft, music, dance and folklore of Haryana as the state is primarily an agriculture oriented state. The happiness of celebrations has mingled with the colours of dazzling attires backed by the beats of dholak in Phag, Dhamal or Ratvai.


Source:    http://www.planetradiocity.com