Rabindra Sangeet refers to the songs composed and set to music by Rabindranath Tagore, a prominent figure in Bengali literature and music. These songs hold a unique and significant place in the world of Bengali music. Two of Tagore’s famous songs, “Jana Gana Mana”, and “Amar Sonar Bangla”, are the national anthems of India and Bangladesh, respectively. Moreover, Tagore also composed the music for “Bande Mataram”, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, which serves as India’s national hymn.
The Volume of Rabindra Sangeet
Rabindranath Tagore composed a vast number of songs—totaling 2,232 songs during his lifetime. These songs are infused with deep influences from various schools of thought and traditions such as the Upanishads, Sanskrit literature, Vaishnavism, and Baul philosophy. Tagore’s music draws inspiration from both Indian classical music (both Hindustani and Carnatic styles) and a variety of regional folk tunes, including Kirtan, Baul, and Ramprasad songs, alongside Western classical and folk music elements.
These songs are compiled in the Geetabitan, a collection of Tagore’s works. In the first two volumes of Geetabitan, Tagore himself categorized his songs into six broad themes: ‘Puja’ (Worship), ‘Swadesh’ (Homeland), ‘Prem’ (Love), ‘Prakriti’ (Nature), ‘Bichitra’ (Miscellaneous), and ‘Anushthanik’ (Occasional). Later, a third volume was released in 1950, which included previously uncompiled songs, categorized into segments like ‘Geetnatya’ (Song Drama), ‘Nrityanatya’ (Dance Drama), and ‘National Songs’, among others.
The Swarabitan, a 64-volume collection, houses the complete musical notations of Tagore’s songs, demonstrating his contributions to both literature and music.
The Influence of the Tagore Family on Rabindra Sangeet
Rabindra Sangeet was heavily influenced by the musical atmosphere of the Jorasanko Thakur Bari (Tagore family residence). Rabindranath’s father, Debendranath Tagore, and other relatives of his family were keen practitioners of music. At a young age, it was his elder brother, Jyotirindranath Tagore, who had the most significant influence on Rabindranath’s musical education.
Rabindranath’s first song, “Gogoner Thale Rabi Chandra Deepak Jwale”, written at the age of eleven, is considered to be his first composition. Over the next 70 years, he composed music prolifically. His later works also included several songs set to the lyrics of others, such as Vedic hymns, Buddhist chants, and the writings of Vidyapati, Gobindadas, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Satyendranath Tagore, and others.
Tagore’s Role as a Singer and Musician
Rabindranath Tagore was not just a composer and lyricist, but also an accomplished singer. He frequently performed his own compositions at family gatherings, social meetings, and public events. Some of his songs were also recorded on gramophone discs. Apart from his original compositions, Tagore also wrote essays on music and integrated his songs into his plays and dramas. He believed that music was an integral part of education and should be used to enhance learning.
Definition of Rabindra Sangeet
Rabindra Sangeet refers specifically to those songs written and composed by Rabindranath Tagore or his elder brother Jyotirindranath Tagore. Songs that were written by Tagore but set to music by other artists are not classified under Rabindra Sangeet. A popular example of this is the song “Diner Seshe Ghumar Deshe” (music by Pankaj Kumar Mallik), which is not considered part of Rabindra Sangeet.
The History of Rabindra Sangeet
Rabindranath’s First Song
Rabindranath’s first song, “Gogoner Thale Rabi Chandra Deepak Jwale”, is an almost literal translation of Guru Nanak’s hymn “Gagan Mein Thaal Rabi Chand Deepak Bane”. This song was first published in Tattvabodhini Patrika in the month of Falgun 1281 (January 1875). The song was initially attributed to Jyotirindranath Tagore, but Rabindranath himself considered it his own creation.
Features of Rabindra Sangeet
Tagore’s musical compositions are unique for their fusion of lyrics and melody. His approach to songwriting involved using a clear and fluid structure of “Sthayi” (Refrain), “Antara” (Verse), “Sancharini” (Bridge), and “Avag” (Outro). Tagore is credited with creating a form of music where the melody flows naturally with the lyrics, bypassing traditional classical music’s insistence on ornamentation.
Additionally, Tagore experimented with various rhythmic patterns, even using unconventional time signatures. His exploration of different “matras” (beats) added a distinct flavor to his compositions. Tagore’s influence on Indian classical music was groundbreaking, as he strived to create a more accessible style that blended elements of both classical and folk music.
Rabindra Sangeet in Bengali Cinema
Rabindra Sangeet made its way into Bengali cinema starting in 1937 with the film Mukti, directed by Pramathesh Barua. The renowned singer Pankaj Kumar Mallik composed the music for this film and, with Tagore’s permission, set his poem from Kheya to music. The song “Diner Seshe Ghumar Deshe” was a major success, marking the beginning of Rabindra Sangeet’s significant role in Bengali cinema.
From then on, filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Gautam Ghosh, and others seamlessly incorporated Rabindra Sangeet into their films. Their films not only popularized the songs but also brought new interpretations of Tagore’s music to the silver screen.
The Popularity of Rabindra Sangeet Among Famous Singers
Rabindra Sangeet became an integral part of Bengali music culture and has been embraced by a multitude of renowned singers. Tagore himself was a noted singer, and many of his contemporaries, such as Dinendranath Tagore, Sahana Devi, and Indira Devi Choudhury, were influenced by his style. Other prominent artists, including Pankaj Kumar Mallik, Kundan Lal Saigal, and Kanon Devi, helped popularize Rabindra Sangeet during Tagore’s lifetime.
In the modern era, artists such as Kanika Bandopadhyay, Hemanta Mukherjee, Suchitra Mitra, and Manna Dey carried the torch forward, further establishing Rabindra Sangeet’s cultural significance.
Renowned Singers of Rabindra Sangeet
- Hemanta Mukherjee
- Kanika Bandopadhyay
- Suchitra Mitra
- Manna Dey
- Kishore Kumar
- Lata Mangeshkar
- Asha Bhosle
- Kumar Sanu
- Shreya Ghosal
- Subinoy Roy
- Ruma Guha Thakurta
These artists have contributed significantly to the dissemination and popularity of Rabindra Sangeet, both in India and abroad.
Controversies Surrounding Rabindra Sangeet
In the 1950s, the World University Music Committee (Sangeet Samiti) made headlines with its disputes regarding the copyright of Rabindra Sangeet. There was an issue with the permission granted to certain recordings, particularly in cases where the recordings of certain songs were delayed or denied. This led to significant debates among prominent artists like Debabrata Biswas, who faced restrictions in recording Rabindra Sangeet songs.
The Timelessness of Rabindra Sangeet
Rabindra Sangeet continues to be an enduring symbol of Bengali cultural identity, transcending generations and geographical boundaries. The unique blend of poetic lyrics and evocative music makes Rabindra Sangeet a vital part of both Indian and world music heritage. Its timeless appeal and adaptability ensure that the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore remains ever-present in both the hearts of listeners and the world of music itself.
