West Bengal The Cultural Cradle of India
Monday, 25 April 2011 00:00By Srimal Fernando
The West Bengal state of India together with Bangladesh forms the historical ethno-linguistic region of Bengal. Known as “Golden Bengal” then boasts a varied landscape ranging from flat rolling farmland to dramatic towering mountains. Wildlife in this land is as diverse as its landscape, ranging from the famous roaring Royal Bengal tigers in the Sunder-bans, to the one-horned Indian Rhinoceros in Jaldapara .
West Bengal is the fourth most populous state of India. The Bengali language is considered the most important cultural identity of the Bengali people and boasts a rich literary heritage, shared with neighbouring Bangladesh. Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal. It was the capital of British India till 1911. It was called “the Jewel of the East” during the rule of the British Raj. Though highly populated, the city has not lost its charm over the years .The prominent land marks in the capital city of Kolkata include the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, the Indian Museum. West Bengal state is known as the cultural and intellectual capital of India and has produced some of the greatest poets, musicians, painters, architects and sculptors over the years. A few of the most eminent and world-renowned personalities like Nobel Laureate Rabidranath Tagore, Netaji Subhas, Chandra Bose, Mother Teresa, Amartya Sen and Satyajit Ray are from Bengal.
Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore lived in Bengal and penned many of his songs, plays, novels and poems. Tagore composed the national anthems “Amar Shonar Bangla” for Bangladesh and “Jana Gana Mana for Republic of India. The Visva-Bharati University at Shantiniketan was founded by him. It gives the description of the wonderful past of the state. The 150th birth anniversary of the Laureate is celebrated specially in many South Asian countries.West Bengal has many Hindu temples that are renowned for their exclusive craftsmanship of terracotta art work. Rice and fish have become the trademarks of the Bengali people. The Bengali lifestyle is a mixture of relaxing over a delicious meal, celebrating an impressive game of soccer or a cricket match and socializing with friends and family. The mighty rivers such as Ganga, Padma, Meghna and Brahmaputra have served many purposes in sustaining the life and prosperity of the Bengali people. Handicrafts of West Bengal are the symbol of rich socio cultural heritage. The exquisite Bengali silk saris, embroidery, shoal, conch bangles, terracotta, pottery, weaving, brass copper ware, woodwork, cane works and clay craft, are famous all over the world. West Bengal have adapted to diverse religious practices. Numerous tribes reside in the rural parts of the state. The tribes are mostly farmers. The state has a number of theatres alongside music venues, art galleries, and a range of other places where the arts can be appreciated. The true spirit of West Bengal culture is reflected in music, dance, drama, literature and cuisine.
Bengali music has followed an evolving trend.
Source : http://print.dailymirror.lk/life/132-life/41887.html Part 2
Bengali music has followed an evolving trend. Be it classical music or western fusion music West Bengal is the perfect place that has it all. The traditional music in Bengal shares the perspectives of the Indian sub-continent. Bengali poetry is one of the most beautiful in the world. The Bengali classical music is one of the most elaborate and inspiring artistic forms found in the region .A popular form of Bengali music is the Rabindra Sangeet, developed by Nobel Laureate ‘Rabindranath Tagore’. Rabindra Sangeet has had a very strong influence on Bengali culture. It is made up of a collection of over two thousand songs and is considered to be the most defining expression of Bangla music. Another popular music known as Nazrul Geet is the form of music developed by the great revolutionary poet Kazi Nazrul Islamis with catchy tunes was used popularly during the struggle for freedom. Baul sangeet is a popular Bengali folk music. The lyrics and music of Baul sangeet are highly spiritual and intellectual. The music aims to urge a man to find god within himself. Bhatiyali sangeet is another Bengali folk music said to be created by the boatmen .The songs consist of wonderful tunes, with highly philosophical lyrics. Shyama sangeet basically devoted to Maa Kali, the goddess of power, also known as ‘Shyama’ This music describes the form of love between deity and devotee. Adhunik sangeet includes different kinds of music developed in the state in the post independence era. Bengali pop and rock, along with Bengali film music, have also gained considerable popularity.
Bengal has a very rich and diverse dance culture. The dance culture of the state including the colorful array of costumes reflects the diverse ethnic makeup of West Bengal. Both ethnic and modern dances are featured in the dance festivals. All dances are structured around common emotions such as happiness, anger, disgust, fear, sorrow, courage, compassion, wonder and serenity .There are a number of dance styles but the most popular dance styles are Brita, the Chaau, the Tusu, the Santhal, and Gambhira. Brita Dance or Vrita dance is a dance performed by women of Bengal. Another folk dance known as Chhau is performed using a mask .This is a martial dance with shields, swords and sticks, and is based on the Ramayana and Mahabharata chronicles. In this warlike dance, the dancers jump around, kneel and suddenly rush towards their opponents. The dance consists of simple group movements that are accompanied by Tusu songs. The Gambhira dance, with its mixture of dialogue, dance, songs and music, resembles a folk play. The main musical accompaniments are the harmonium, flute, drum and judi. Lathi ,Santhal and Rava dances are the other famous folk dances performed in West Bengal. The famous stages in Bengali theatre still bear this rich history of Indian theater. Bengali cinema has captured the interest of the entire world. Films are a mirror image of the society. Drama in West Bengal has an old tradition and is very popular. In West Bengal many theater groups regularly stage locally written plays adopted from famous writers. West Bengal the land of varied cultures and tradition grace numerous festivals. One can find a mixture of various arts and cultural scenarios in the state .The traditional culture and customs, combined with the friendly welcoming nature of the Bengali people have a great deal to offer.
Source http://print.dailymirror.lk/life/132-life/42595.html
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