Author: Utpola Borah
Publisher: B R Publishing
Year: 2005
Language: English
Pages: 172
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8188827053
Description
This book is an attempt to establish a discipline of academic importance of Bihu songs from an ethnomusicological perspective.
Although a fairly good number of books and article have been written on these songs, the need for considerable survey and research, especially in its musical aspects, is ow being felt, particularly by those involved with its study as an academic pursuit.
It is a result of an extensive field work, hours of recordings (both video and audio), interviews of performers and also non performers to take their views about Bihu songs. This is a step towards fulfilling the need for research and creating awareness and interest in these priceless gems.
REVIEW
Very few scholars have written about Bihu of Assam with so much passion and emotion. Since the author Ms Utpola Borah comes from Assam and also being a musicologist and performer of not only classical Indian music but also traditional regional music of Assam, this work has the authenticity of information and is a cultural musicology work on the Bihu festival of Assam. The work would be greatly useful for ethnomusicologist and those who work on the regional music and dance of India. Ms Utpola Borah’s work is no doubt a praiseworthy contribution to the world of music.
-Dr S A K Durga,
Director for Center for Ethnomusicology, Chennai Emeritus Professor, Madras University, Chennai
Contents
FOREWARD
PREFACE
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
ASSAM-AN OVERVIEW
People
Religion
Language
Traditional Attire
BIHU-A REFLECTION OF ASSAM’S ETHOS
Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu
Bohag Bihu celebration in Lower Assam
Spring carnival among some tribes of Assam
Kati Bihu or Kangali Bihu
Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu
CHANGING MELIEO OF BOHAG BIHU
Bohag Bihu during Ahom period
Impact of colonialism on Bihu songs
THE PERFORMANCE
Husori
Bihu
THE MUSIC
Melodies
Tunes
Notations
Oi-Nitam
THE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Rhythm
Dhol
Toka
Tal
Pepa
Xutuli
Gogona
BIHU IN URBAN SETTINGS
Glossary
Biblography
Personal Interviews and recordings
INDEX