MUSIC OF ORISSA
A Unique Sense Of Rhythm
The systematised and developed form of music, which has been sung in the
world famous temple of the
Lord Jagannath (also spelt as Jagannatha) at the sacred
'Puri-Dhama' in its
different festive occasions as a part of the temple services, and cultured
in the 'Jaga-Akhadas' of Puri and 16 'Sasanas', 36 'Karavada' (Brahmin
villages) as well as other rural areas in the district, is known as
Traditional Odissi Music.
This
tradition is also having a long and glorious history of its own for more
then 2,500 years. It is performed deftly in the shape of "Raga-Ksydrageeta-Prabandha-Gana",
a form of Indian classical music by the illustrious and celebrated poet
Sri Jayadeva in Orissa.
Like Hindustani and Carnatic systems, Odissi music is a separate system
of Indian classical music and is having all the essential as well as
potential ingredients of Indian Classical form. But it has not come to
limelight due to apathy from the time of British rule in Orissa,
want of its proper study, revival, propagation, etc. Despite the fact, the
traditional music form could be saved and maintained in its pristine form.
Thanks to the musicians particularly of Jaga Akhadas of Puri district, who
could develop and maintain the music.
Types Of Music
Like other aspects of her culture, music of the sacred land of Orissa is
charming, colourful, variegated encompassing various types of tunes. The
existing musical tradition of Orissa, the cumulative experience of the
last two thousand five hundred years if not more, can broadly be grouped
under five categories:
Tribal Music: The tribal music as the title signifies is confined
to the tribals living mainly in the hilly and jungle regions and sparsely
in the coastal belt of Orissa. It is interesting to note that Orissa has
the third largest concentration of tribes constituting about 1 ¼ of
the total population. They are distributed over 62 tribal communities.
Folk Music: Orissa is the treasure house of Folk Songs, which are
sung on different festivals and specific occasions in their own enjoyment.
Folk music in general is the expression of the ethos and mores of the folk
communities. Of the bewildering variety of folk music of Orissa, mention
may be made of 'Geeta', 'Balipuja Geeta', 'Kela Keluni Geeta', 'Dalkhai
Geeta', 'Kendra Geeta', 'Jaiphula Geeta', 'Ghumura Geeta', 'Ghoda Nacha'
and 'Danda Nacha Geeta', 'Gopal Ugala' and 'Osa-Parva-Geeta' etc.
Light Music: The light music category of Orissa include 'Sri
Geetagovinda', 'Anirjukta Pravadha', 'Divya Manusi Prabandha', 'Chautisa',
'Chhanda', 'Chaupadi' (now known as 'Odissi'), 'Champu', 'Malasri',
'Sariman', 'Vyanjani, and Chaturang.
Light-Classical Music: 'Bhajan', 'Janan', Oriya songs based on
ragas, 'Rangila Chaupadi' etc are grouped under Light classical music,
which forms an important segment of Orissan music.
Classical Music: 'Tribhang', 'Kuduka Geeta', 'Laxana' and
'Swaramalika' are the various sub-forms, which individually or
collectively constitute the traditional Odissi music. These sub-forms of
the traditional Odissi music can be categorised under the classical music
of Orissa too.
THE TRADITIONAL ODISSI MUSIC
The present form of traditional Odissi music is no doubt the outcome of
the continuous evolution of the earliest Indian classical music. Orissa
could imbibe all the waves of classical music beginning from 'Sama-Gana'
to Raga 'Prabandha Gana', but finally it assumed the present form of "Ragaksyudra-Geeta-Pravandha-Gana".
This system is popularly styled as traditional Odissi music.
Since, there is the dearth of recorded evidence to prove the exact time
of the advent of the earliest form of the Indian Classical Music into this
land, one may reasonably believe its inflow during the period of
Aryanisation of this land. Possibly Aryan culture crept into this land
during the Age of Brahmans when bulk of Indian peninsula came under the
Aryan influence.
Ritualistic Influence
The Sovaneswara inscription and the Brahmeswara inscription and also the
inscription from Madhukeswar temple reveal that dance
and music was introduced in the temples as a part of daily rituals. Music
tinged with religion, attained mass appeal and royal patronage. As such
the royal patronization of Art and Culture made the Orissan music so
developed and enchanting for enjoyment of both Gods and Goddesses and
human beings as well. This tradition is still continuous in its different
manifestations.
Style Of Music
The Odissi 'Sangeeta' (music) was composed following the styles ('Riti')
of four classes of music such as 'Dhrubapada', 'Chitrapada', 'Chitrakala'
and 'Panchali':
Dhrupada: The Dhrupada or "Ghosha" meaning the first
line or lines to be cited repeatedly has importance in Odissi music.
Chitrakala: The use of art in music is called "Chitrakala".
Chitrapada: Chitrapada means the arrangement of words.
Panchali: Panchali means multi-lined lyric ('Bahupadayukta Gita').
It is divided into two types - 'Adhruva' and 'Sadhruva'. In 'Sadhruva
Panchali' there is a Ghosha (The first line or lines to be cited
repeatedly). Odissi 'Choupadis' (Quadrants) are the best examples of
Sadhruva Panchali. 'Choutisha' belongs to the category of Adhruva
Panchali.
THE MELARAGAS
According to tuning the "Melaragas" were composed and their
names are completely different from the Ragas of "Hindustani"
and "Carnatac" music. The centres for physical education and
music were called "Jagas".
In all the festivals the members of a "Jaga"
arrange feasts. "Hazura", the chief member of the "Jaga"
arranges the competitions of gymnasiums ('Kushti Pratiyogita') and Music
concert or Sangeet Asara. Among the singers one group was meant for
singing in high pitch and the other group in low pitch.
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