Blog Layout Three

Present is a working paper on how Indian music was Islamised, but only on the surface as the Islamists did not have the knowledge, skill, or imagination to go beyond nominal changes. Yet most Indians, uneducated in our ancient traditions lapped this narrative up and gave it currency. Here are arguments to show that Khayāl is a name given by the Islāmists, to a rather attractive Dhrupad  form of singing which existed before the plunder of this part of the world began.

During the time of sorrow and misery, in an attempt to gain independence, the political sagacity, and judiciousness, the sacrifice and vision as shown by the Bengali race is never-to-be-forgotten. Being a fish out of water, just for the sake of the welfare of the mother-land, this type of individual renunciation and self-sacrifice by many coming under one umbrella... and bringing greater welfare to the society is actually very rare in the history of mankind. Nonetheless, every cloud has a silver lining. This sacrifice and unity of the Bengalis made them reach the zenith of development, pride and glory later in history.

Apart from the Indians, there are few who have openly declared that creation, sustenance, and destruction of this mysterious world is the task of one frenemy. The power of the world is not always the “All-good” Durga, but it is also congruent to Kali- the dancing, devastating and destructive one. The coefficient (which unites in action to produce a given effect) of life /Kurukshetra, himself is the charioteer or guide and the creator of living life. Through all these turmoil and conflicts, starting from global to the system, societal, household, relationship, and professional till petty personal level, to what Godliness is He taking us into? For the better good? We have to sort out by our own in which way we are going, how and for what?

The appeal of the Mother Goddess had gained an additional dimension in the days of the national struggle for freedom when patriot-poets like Bankim and Bharati saw in Mother India the same Goddess of Sakti and sang the new mantras of 'Vande Mataram' and 'Om Sakti om'. May this triple Goddess bless this country that she might grow into Power, Plenty and Wisdom!

The conception of divinity as parents, father and mother, which is the most natural and primary mode of worship, is fully seen in the dual deity of Heaven and earth, Dyava-Prthivi, who save from sin, remain by one's side, gratify and protect one and with wisdom give one moral guidance... The mystic potency, being the wonderful mother who projects this variegated picture of the universe, is not only Illusion (Avidya) that beguiles one, but also, ultimately, Vidya or Spiritual Wisdom, as it is by Her grace that we get over Her and see the truth of Brahman.

The popularity of Badu Chandidas lies as the writer of the legendary drama in verse, Shreekrishna Kirtana. Taking the Puranic tale of Krishnaleela with a notable influence of Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda and based on the simple village gossips about Radha-Krishna prevalent among the masses, the story revolves around three main characters- Krishna, Radha and Badai (Dyuti).

“If he is there, then he might protect you, and if not, mark my word, I will chop your head with my sword”. Then he rushes towards the pillar and strikes it hard with full force. At a glance, a voice of thunder came roaring out of the post. The next scene provided goosebumps, as out of the blue, shattering down the strong construction, emerged a fierce form, making the blood run cold- a human shape with the head and limbs of a lion.

Till we believe that the source of happiness is in the objects of this world that we deal with, the endless Karmic cycle would continue. The real happiness lies beyond ego and its actual form is the last word Ananda of "Sat-Chit-Ananda"- the eternal bliss.

Shonibarer haat is a weekly Saturday afternoon bazaar set up by local artisans in Santiniketan, Birbhum district, West Bengal. It takes place on Saturdays in the khowai region, which is a geographical formation of small canyons resulting from constant erosion caused by wind and water. This place is characterised by Shyambati canal on one side and a patch of dry forest of Sonajhuri (Acacia Auriculiformis) trees on an eroded landscape of red laterite soil on the other side. Sonajhuri literally means “droplets of gold”. 

Joseph Campbell mentioned in his book "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" that the concept of hero-hood is predestined. However, the path towards the destination is never very simple. The hero’s miraculous childhood presented in the stories features and highlights some special manifestation of inherent divine principles embodied in his human life. The playing of various roles as per the demands of life makes a bog-standard hero turn into an extra-ordinary.