Introduction

Melodies of Diversity explores the rich variety of musical traditions, styles, languages, rhythms, and instruments found across different communities and cultures. Music is a universal form of expression, but every culture develops its own distinctive melodies, instruments, rhythms, and ways of performing. From Indian classical and folk music to Western classical, African rhythms, Asian traditions, and contemporary music, the diversity of musical expression reflects the history, values, celebrations, and experiences of people around the world.

Definition

Melodies of Diversity refers to the exploration and appreciation of different musical traditions and forms from various cultures, regions, communities, and backgrounds. It highlights how music can be different in style while connecting people through shared emotions and creativity.

Exploring India’s Musical Tapestry

Objective: Listening and learning songs from various genres of Indian music.

1. Ha Urit Napanghi

Manipuri Song

• Language: Manipuri
• The song talks about a bird named Urit.
• The bird does not hear the calls of its parents.
• People clap and call the bird to come.
• the bird is described as red in colour and flying high like a dove.

Songs:-

Ha Urit Napangbi, Namana Kouwi

Tadabi

Napana Kouwi Khumdabi

Ya hoi hoi Ya hoi Hoi Ya Ya Tahoi hoi

Urit ngangbi khunu Chaijon

Napangi Phouka Ayamba

Ya hoi hoi Ya hoi Hoi Ya Ya Tahoi hoi

Meaning

The bird, Urit, did not hear the mother’s call or the father’s call. Clap your hands and call the bird. The red coloured bird, Urit, is similar to a dove that has a belly and flies high. Clap your hands and call the bird.

2. Kuttanadan Punchayile

Boat song from Kerala

Language: Malayalam

• This song is a Vanchipattu ( boat song).
• It is sung during the snake boat races in kerala
• The song celebrates the beauty of the kuttanad region and nature.
• Boat songs are Lively and rhythmic and help rowers maintain rhythm.

Songs:-

Kuttanadan Punjayile

Kochu Penne Kuyilale

Kottu Venam Kuzhal Venam, Kurava Venam

Kuttanadan Punjayile, Thithai Thaka Theithei

Thom

Kochupenne Kuyilale, Thiti Thara Thei Thom

Kottu Venam Kuzhal Venam, Kurava Venam

(O … Thithithara Thithithai Thithai Thaka

Thei Thom) × 4

Varavel Kanaaru Venam Kodi Thoranangal

Venam

Vijayashree Laali Tharayi Varunnu Njangal

(O … Thithithara Thithithai Thithai Thaka

Thei Thom) × 4

Karutha Chiraku Vachu Thithai Thaka Thei Thei

Thom

Arayanna Kilipole Thitithara Thei Thom

Karutha Chiraku Vechor Arayanna Kilipole

Kuthichu Kuthichu Payum Kuthira Pole

(O … Thithithara Thithithai Thithai Thaka Thei Thei Thom) × 4

Meaning: The song depicts the beauty of the Kuttanad region in Kerala, and it expresses a desire to sing and enjoy the natural surroundings.

3. Ei Maatire Moro Mote

Assamese song

language : Assamese

• The song expresses love and respect for the earth.
• It says that happiness and beauty are found on earth and in nature, not just in the sky or ocean.

Do You Know?

Bhupen Hazarika, a famous musician from Assam, used music for social change and received many awards including the Bharat Ratna.

songs:-

Ei Maatire Moro Mote

Maatike Sumilo

Ei Maatite Jibon Sobi

Aanki Aanki Mosilo

Door Aakahar Rohon

Kiyono Laage Laage

Haagor Tolir Maanik

Kiyono Laage Laage

 Aaanha Aaanha

Maatir Bukut Monor Maaloti Butolon

Monor Koronire

Hooror Paaporire Aaji

Hukumaar Thaapona Hojuwa

Hundor Hudinor

Noton Drishtikona Nomuwa

Meaning: The singer expresses affection for the earth and discusses finding joy on it, rather than in the colours of the sky or the pearls of the ocean.

The singer feels that all aspects of nature like sunlight or forests, etc., are on the earth and are extremely valuable.

4. Potana J Dariya Ma

Gujarati songs

Language:- Gujarati

• The song compares life to a journey across the sea.
• The boatman represents guidance and direction in life.
• Pearls symbolize valuable experiences in life.

Songs:-

Potana J Dariya Ma

Potani J Doobki Thi

Jaat Nu Amul Moti Lo

Evo Kon Che Khalasi

Mane Kahi Do Ne

Ena Thaam Ne Thekana

Mane Dai Do Ne

Evo Kon Chhe Khalasi

Mane Kahi Do Ne

Goti Lo, Tame Goti Lo Goti Lo

Meaning: The song metaphorically describes life as a journey through the sea. The boat man symbolises someone who provides direction and purpose, while the pearls represent valuable moments or treasures gained through these experiences.

5. Learn a Garba from Gujarat

Garba is the name of a traditional form of music and a folk dance which is often performed during the festival of Navaratri.

Traditional rhythm instruments such as

• Dhol,
• Tabla,
• Dholak,
• Harmonium
• Flute are played with this form.
• Body percussion such as clapping, stomping and tapping with the dandiya sticks add more rhythmic layers.
• The melodic patterns evoke a sense of joy and celebration. The dancer is singing about her love for Lord Krishna (Kanuda).

songs:-

Taari Baanki Re…

Taari Baanki Re Paghaldi Nu

Fumtu Re Mane, Ghamtu Re Aato

Kaunchure Kanooda Tane Amtu

Taari Pagnu Re Pagarkhu Cham

Fumtu Re Mane, Gamtu Re Aato

Kaunchure Kanooda Tane Amtu

Fumtu Re Mane, Gamtu Re Aato

Kaunchure Kanooda Tane Amtu

Taari Baanki Re Paghaldi Nu

Fumtu Re Mane, Gamtu Re Aato

Kaunchure Kanooda Tane Amtu

6. Athinthom

Tamil Song

Language: Tamil

• The song celebrates the joy of singing and music.
• It has strong rhythmic patterns, making it lively and enjoyable.

Songs:-

Athinthom Thinthium Thomdana

    Thinthaadhi Thinthom

Thakathinthom Thinthium

    Thomdana Thinthaadhi Thinthom

Aadaatha Javaathu Manam Aadidum

   Bommi

Aandavanai Thaalaatum Isai Keladi

   Bommi

En Paatu Vandhalea Manam

   Thullidum Bommi

Avan Paatu Illaadha Idam Yengadi

   Bommi

Mukannan Muthaaga Thandha Paatu

   Padichen

Paatilea Palakodi Nenja Naanum

   Pudichen

Athinthom Thinthium Thomdana

   Thinthaadhi Thinthom

Thakathinthom Thinthium

   Thomdana Thinthaadhi Thinthom

Meaning: This song explores the joy of singing. The song has rhythmic elements which make it catchy.

7. Cheluvayya

Kannada Song

Language: Kannada

• A joyful folk song celebrating the beauty of karnataka.
• It mentions places such as the Chitradurga Fort.
• The song invites people to dance and enjoy nature and culture.

Songs:-

Cheluvayya Cheluvo Thani Thandnana

Chinmaaya Rupe Kolanna Kole C

heluvayya Cheluvo Tani Tandana

Chinmaaya Rupe Kolanna Kole

Atha Nodu Itha Nodu

Chitradurga Kote Nodu

Hathi Nodu Nanna Tavoorna

Cheluvayya Cheluvo Thani Thandnana

Chinmaaya Rupe Kolanna Kole C

heluvayya Cheluvo Tani Tandana

Chinmaaya Rupe Kolanna Kole

Meaning: This is a joyful folk song celebrating the beauty of Karnataka. The song invites you to dance and see the beauty of things around including the magnificent Chitradurga fort in Karnataka.

8. O Jind Mahe Bajare

Punjabi song

Language: Punjabi

• The song expresses love and longing for loved ones.
• It talks about remembering special moments spent together.

Songs:-

O Jind Mahi Bajare …

O Jind Mahi Bajare Kumlaiyan

Ve Teriyan Laadaliyan …

Ve Teriyan Laadaliyan Parjaiyan

Ke Baaji Pher Kade …

Ke Baaji Pher Kade Na Aiyan

(Umma … Umma … Umaa … Umma …

Umma … Umma … Umm) × 2

Ke Ek Pal Behi Jaana

Ke Ek Pal Behi Jaana Mere Makhna

Ve Tere Baaju Oye

Ve Tere Baaju Veda Sakhna

Ke Ek Pal Behi Jaana …

Ke Ek Pal Behi Jaana Mere Kol …

(Umma … Umma … Umaa … Umma …

Umma … Umma … Umm) × 2

Meaning: This song expresses love, and yearning for the return of loved ones and the cherished moments spent together.

9. Kshatriya Kulavatsana

Marathi song

Language: Marathi

• The song praises Chhatrapati shivaji maharaj.
• It celebrates his bravery, leadership and achievements.

Songs:-

Kshatriya Kulavatansa

Sinhasanadeeshwar

Shrimant Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai

Are Aale Re Aale Re (Aale Aale Re)

Aar Marathe Aale Re (Aar Marathe Aale Re)

Shaan Rajanchi Gheun (Shaan Rajanchi

Gheun)

Aaata Rani Nighale Re (Jay Bhavaani)

Aar Tufaan Petal (Tufaan Petal)

Aan Ganim Khetal (Ganim Khetal)

Tar Yekach Naav He

Aamchya Shivabanch Ghetla (Aamchya

Shivabanch Ghetla)

Shwasat Raja R Dhyasat Raja

Ghavat Raja R Bhavat Raja

Jagnyat Raja R Maranyat Raja

He … Shivba RR …

Meaning: These lyrics pay homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, praising his lineage, valour and achievements. They express reverence, and admiration for his leadership and courage.

Devotional Path to the Divine

Indian music often expresses devotion to God. Different religious have their own devotional songs.

Children must have seen people worshipping and singing different types of devotional compositions. Let us learn some of them.

Types of Devotional Music :-

1. Kirtan

• Devotional singing praising God ( example: songs of saint Tukaram ).

Sung by Bharat Ratna Bhimsen Joshi

Language: Marathi

Songs:-

Je Kaa Ranjale Tyaasi Hone Jo

Aapuley

Tochi Sadhu Odey Khaawaa Dev

Tethechi Janava

Tukamane Saangu Kiti Tochi

Bhagvantyacha Moorti

Meaning: This composition by Saint Tukaram is performed as an abhang kirtan. The song conveys the message, “Recognise a true human being as one who deeply feels, and empathises with the distress and pain of others. God resides in the hearts of such compassionate individuals.”

2 . Shabad

• Sikh devotional songs in Gurudwaras.

Songs:-

Nanak Chinta Mat Karo,

   Chinta Tis Hi Hay!

Jal Meh Jant Upaaiyan,

   Tina Bhi Rozi Dey!

Nanak Chinta Mat Karo,

   Chinta Tis Hi Hay!

Othei Hatt Na Challaee,

   Na Ko Kirs Karey!

Sauda Mool Na Hovaee,

   Na Ko Laye Na Dey!

Jeea Ka Aahar Jeea,

   Khana Eho Karey!

Vich Upaye Saayera,

   Tina Bhi Saar Karey!

Nanak Chinta Mat Karo,

   Chinta Tis Hi Hey!

Meaning: Shabad is a song that is sung in gurudwaras. The song advises against worrying excessively because everything is ultimately determined by a divine will. God has created plants and creatures in water. He provides sustenance to them as well. Guru Nanak asks his disciples to stop worrying and have faith. Be it the river or the oceans, the creatures that live in them are able to survive, as they live in accordance with the laws of nature. The Almighty takes care of all creatures.

3. Hymns

• Christian devotional songs sung in churches.

songs:-

Give me oil in my lamp, keep me

burning

Give me oil in my lamp, I pray

Give me oil in my lamp, keep me

burning

Keep me burning till the end of day

Come on and sing Hosana sing

Hosana sing Hosana

To the King of kings

Meaning: This song is a Christian hymn. It asks to keep one’s faith and devotion to the Almighty. It praises and worships Jesus Christ as the king of kings.

4. Sufi songs

• Spiritual songs expressing the unity of all souls.

These songs teach values like faith, compassion, love and unity.

songs:-

Mo Mina Ma

Language: Persian

Mo Mina Ma Dudh Leke Ema Yake

Jismisha Ma Dudh Lekin Ja Yake

Jamaa Guftam Jaan Ha Ye Shaan

Meaning: Listen and learn a Sufi song. ‘The Faithful are One Soul’ is a poem from the Masnavi, a collection of anecdotes and stories inspired by the Quran and written in Persian by Jalal ud-Din Muhammad Balkhi, also known as Rumi. The poem ‘The Faithful are One Soul’ speaks of the one divinity within all of us. When we remove the barriers of our bodily covering, we realise that the life force driving each of us, the soul, is the same.

Forms of Indian Music

Indian music includes many forms such as:

• Classical Music
• Regional Folk Music
• Devotional Music

Learning songs from different regions helps us understand the culture and traditions of India.

Summary

• India has a rich musical heritage with songs from many languages and regions.
• Each region has its own unique style, instruments and themes.
• Music can express nature, culture, love, history and devotion.
• Devotional Music includes Kirtan, Shabad, hymns, and Sufi songs.
• Learning songs from different regions helps students appreciate India’s cultural diversity.
• Music connects people and spreads joy, unity and cultural understanding.