Folk Music in India

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : May 31, 2022, 7:49

Folk songs are the songs of ordinary people that are centuries old and do not follow any strict regulations. The free will of living life reflects the mood of the folk songs. Folk Music in India comes in different forms, specifying different cultural backgrounds. India is a vast territory, having 28 states and 8 union territories. Each part of India is unique, with its own style and cultural individuality.

Folk Music in India Origin

As folk songs are primarily derived from people's lives, religious beliefs, and traditions, India has many different types of folk songs, each of which is distinct from the others. Folk songs do not follow any rules or regulations, and they worship the power that lies within. Brisk rhythms and multifarious themes capture the aura of folk music.

Folk Music in India is crucial to understand since it depicts the culture of a specific region. It informs us about century-old human practices, traditions, and religious views and also helps us learn about our evolution.

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Types of Folk Music in India

There are numerous types of folk songs in India that can be heard being sung. Baul is a Bengali folk song that tells the saga of humanity. This type of folk song is hugely inspired by the Bhakti movement as well as the Sufi movement.

There are some folk songs that are particularly written to be sung at wedding ceremonies. Wanawan from Kashmir is such an example. Padwani is a Chhattisgarh-based folk song that recites the saga of the Mahabharata. Another Mahabharata-based heroic ballad is Alha, which is primarily sung in Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh also has another type of folk song called the pai song to sing during festival times.

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The Rajasthan-based folk music group, Pani Hari, sings about the women who bring water from the nearby territory. The other types of Indian folk music include Lavani, Mand, Dandiya Ras etc.

It can be concluded that Folk Music in India is so important to know as well as to preserve, as it carries the rich heritage and cultural history of India.

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FAQs on Folk Music in India

Q1. What is the use of Folk Music in India?

Folk Music in India has been used for centuries to sing about people's simple lifestyles, traditions, and religious views. Artistry often captures the philosophy of life.

Q2. Why is Folk Music in India important to know?

Folk Music in India is very important to know because it represents the culture belonging to a particular territory. It effortlessly tells the saga of life and beyond, of people and nature. It enlightens us about the ancient bond that grew between human life and the earth, specifying the importance of preserving the environment. Folk songs often play a major role in transferring information from a generation to its offspring.

Q3. Which mood predominantly defines Folk Music in India?

Folk Music in India has a tone that is predominantly defined as either gloomy, melancholic, nostalgic and dreamy, or beautifully sorrowful. There is some folk music in the dance numbers genre as well that expresses fierce joviality and a very explosive release of energy.

Q4. How many types of folk music can be seen predominantly in India?

There are eleven types of Folk Music in India that can be seen predominantly. Some examples of Folk Music in India are Bihugeet, Lavani, Baul, Naatupura Paatu, Zeilen, Koli, Bhatiali, etc.