well what are folk songs?
Folk songs are the traditional songs originated among the people and has been
passed down from one place to the next. They are our identity and pride. They also
represent the contemporary society .
They represent the culture of past generation.
They are the source of history that tells about the lifestyle of people in
different time.
They describe about place, rituals, rites,people etc .
They are the experiences which were shared by our forefathers.
INDIAN FOLK MUSIC
The evolution of Indian Folk Music has a unique tale. Some scholars are of the view
that folk music is as old as Indian Civilization. Pandavani, a folk music in
central India, is considered as old as the epic Mahabharata.
Earliest mention of Indian Folk Music can be found in Vedic literature
Later, folk music took the shape of ragas and was eventually named after countries.
Also, they have played a very important role in passing on information for
generations.
The story of the shaping of ragas continued for ages which led to the evolution of
Indian Folk Music.
India is a country with diverse cultures, and each region has its own unique style
of folk music. Each state and region has its own instruments, rhythms, and melodies
specific to its local culture. Folk music in India is an integral part of the
country's cultural heritage and is deeply rooted in its traditions and history.
Importance of Folk Music in India
The Importance of folk music in India is
Folk music, since time immemorial, has acted as a source for the development of
classical music, where the different ragas are being derived from these Folk tunes.
These songs are sung during different occasions like birth, death, marriage, and
harvest or accompany the daily activities of an individual.
It is an important thread that connects an individual to his culture and keeps his
identity alive.
Folk songs are appreciated not only for serving as a means of entertainment but
also for passing on critical information for generations.
Current status of Folk Music in India
Various studies have time and again highlighted that folk tunes are almost being
forgotten by the younger generations.
With the spread of modern education, urbanization, the displacement of various
communities and a general falling apart of the traditional socio-cultural Matrix,
the continuity and creativity of folk music are in peril.
Various states are taking steps to revive the folk traditions in India.
Also, recently folk music has been fused with modern music, and various Pop singers
have played an important role in reviving folk music.
