Folk Songs of Karnataka
A song originating among the people of a country or area, passed by oral tradition from one singer or generation to the next, often existing in several versions, and marked generally by simple, modal melody and stanzaic, narrative verse.
Folk songs in Kannada or Janapada geethe can be classified as follow;
- Small songswhich are sung on occasions such as marriage, festivals, traveling and even while doing every day activities from cooking to the harvesting of crops. There are songs which are sung even while cleaning the house, washing clothes, flooring the corn and weaving basket or cloth. They are sung either to relieve the tedium and the monotony of work or purely for the sake of entertainment. The subject could be parental love for their children, the sorrows of a childless woman, the suffering of a married woman under her mother in law, a young man forbidding his mother after being married, pure love songs, the agony of separation; there are endless subjects on which we find a folk song for each occasion.
- Balladssung in commemoration of some heroic deeds by the legendary men and Women; these are basically narrative in their form. Very often these songs are related to deities or mythological figures. Particular communities such as Goravas, Gollas Koravanjis have accustomed their own different styles of folk songs. There are songs of sacrifices made by the common people or even heroes to protect and safeguard the community from natural calamities, wild animals or even some evil forces.
It can be further classified into 12 tradition, namely-
1.devara guddas, 2.neelagaras, 3.ganeplayers, 4.gorvas, 5.choudikeyavaru 6.aradigalu 7.karapaladavaru, 8.tamburiyavaru 9.kinnara jogigalu 10. Dombidasaru 11.helavaru 12.Telugu jangamaru
Some of the popular Ballads are:
Gunasagari, sarajappa nayakana kathe, madakari nayaka, kiththuru chennamma, sangoli rayana, balanagamma, Malaya madeswra kavya, manteswami kavya, yallammana kavya, mailaralingana kavya.
- Religious and philosophical songssuch as the songs of Dasa sahithya popularized by Purandaradasa, Kanakadasa and Tatvapadas of Santa Shishunala Sharifa are both religious and have philosophical message for life. Though the originators in this case are well known the literature has managed to flow through the ages.
- Lullabiesare the expressions of parental love and care for their young ones. They are sung to make a crying or an adamant baby to fall asleep soon.
Now a day, the tender and supple folk song culture is being suppressed under the heaviness of Modern music and culture.
In Karnataka real attempt to collect folk-songs was made by the end of the 19 th century. In recent years, scholars such as L.R.Hegde, M.M.Kalburgi, Aravinda Malagathi, Karim Khan and H.L.Nagegowda have made considerable research work in the field of folk literature.
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Folk songs are an important part of the cultural heritage of Karnataka. They are passed down from generation to generation and are often used to tell stories, teach lessons, and celebrate important events. There are many different types of folk songs in Karnataka, each with its own unique style and history.
Bhatkatha is a type of folk song that is performed by a single singer. The singer tells a story through song, accompanied by a simple instrument such as a drum or a flute. Bhatkata is often used to teach moral lessons or to entertain people.
Bedara Gana is a type of folk song that is performed by a group of singers. The singers sing in unison, accompanied by drums and other instruments. Bedara Gana is often used to celebrate festivals or to commemorate important events.
Dollu Kunitha is a type of folk dance that is performed to the accompaniment of drums. The dancers wear colorful costumes and masks and perform intricate steps. Dollu Kunitha is often performed at weddings and other celebrations.
Gombe Gana is a type of folk song that is performed by a group of singers and dancers. The singers sing about the exploits of heroes and gods, while the dancers perform acrobatic feats. Gombe Gana is often performed at temples and other religious festivals.
Katari Vesha is a type of folk dance that is performed by a single dancer. The dancer wears a mask and a costume that represents a character from a story or legend. Katari Vesha is often performed at weddings and other celebrations.
Kudiyattam is a type of folk theater that is performed in Kerala and Karnataka. The actors wear masks and costumes and perform stories from Hindu mythology. Kudiyattam is often performed at temples and other religious festivals.
Lavani is a type of folk song that is popular in Maharashtra and Karnataka. The songs are often about love and loss, and they are often accompanied by dance. Lavani is often performed at weddings and other celebrations.
Naada Geethegalu are a type of folk song that is popular in Karnataka. The songs are often about nature, love, and social issues. Naada Geethegalu are often performed at concerts and other public events.
Paddana are a type of folk song that is popular in Karnataka. The songs are often about the history and culture of the region. Paddana are often performed at weddings and other celebrations.
Padayani is a type of folk dance that is popular in Kerala and Karnataka. The dancers wear colorful costumes and masks and perform intricate steps. Padayani is often performed at temples and other religious festivals.
Rangayana is a type of folk theater that is popular in Karnataka. The actors wear masks and costumes and perform stories from Hindu mythology. Rangayana is often performed at temples and other religious festivals.
Yakshagana/”>Yakshagana is a type of folk theater that is popular in Karnataka. The actors wear masks and costumes and perform stories from Hindu mythology. Yakshagana is often performed at temples and other religious festivals.
Folk songs are an important part of the cultural heritage of Karnataka. They are passed down from generation to generation and are often used to tell stories, teach lessons, and celebrate important events. There are many different types of folk songs in Karnataka, each with its own unique style and history.
Here are some frequently asked questions about folk songs:
- What are folk songs?
Folk songs are traditional songs that are passed down orally from generation to generation. They are often simple in melody and structure, and they may be accompanied by instruments such as the fiddle, banjo, or guitar. Folk songs often tell stories about people, places, and events, and they can be used to express a wide range of emotions.
- What are the characteristics of folk songs?
Folk songs are typically characterized by their simple melodies, repetitive structures, and use of traditional instruments. They often tell stories about people, places, and events, and they can be used to express a wide range of emotions. Folk songs are often passed down orally from generation to generation, and they can vary from region to region.
- What are some examples of folk songs?
Some examples of folk songs include “John Henry,” “The Ballad of Jesse James,” and “Amazing Grace.” These songs are all simple in melody and structure, and they tell stories about people, places, and events. They are also all passed down orally from generation to generation, and they can vary from region to region.
- What is the history of folk songs?
Folk songs have been around for centuries, and they have been passed down orally from generation to generation. They often tell stories about people, places, and events, and they can be used to express a wide range of emotions. Folk songs are often used to preserve history and culture, and they can be a valuable source of information about the past.
- What is the role of folk songs in Society?
Folk songs play an important role in society. They can be used to preserve history and culture, and they can be a valuable source of information about the past. Folk songs can also be used to express a wide range of emotions, and they can be a source of comfort and support.
- What is the future of folk songs?
The future of folk songs is uncertain. However, they are still enjoyed by many people around the world, and they are likely to continue to be passed down from generation to generation.
Sure. Here are some MCQs about folk songs from different parts of the world:
Which of the following is not a type of folk song?
(a) Ballad
(b) Lullaby
(c) Rap
(d) HymnWhich of the following is not a characteristic of folk songs?
(a) They are passed down orally from generation to generation.
(b) They are often anonymous.
(c) They are usually simple in melody and structure.
(d) They are often about love, work, or religion.Which of the following is not a country where folk songs are popular?
(a) United States
(b) China
(c) Japan
(d) IndiaWhich of the following is not a traditional folk instrument?
(a) Fiddle
(b) Guitar
(c) Drum
(d) PianoWhich of the following is not a traditional folk dance?
(a) Square dance
(b) Waltz
(c) Salsa
(d) BalletWhich of the following is not a traditional folk costume?
(a) Kilt
(b) Sari
(c) Kimono
(d) TuxedoWhich of the following is not a traditional folk food?
(a) Pizza
(b) Tacos
(c) Sushi
(d) HamburgerWhich of the following is not a traditional folk festival?
(a) Oktoberfest
(b) Carnival
(c) Thanksgiving
(d) ChristmasWhich of the following is not a traditional folk art?
(a) Painting
(b) Sculpture
(c) Music
(d) DanceWhich of the following is not a traditional folk craft?
(a) Pottery
(b) Glassblowing
(c) Weaving
(d) Sewing
I hope these questions were helpful!