Dr. Snigdhatanu Banerjee - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Dr. Snigdhatanu Banerjee

Sangeet Galaxy e-Journal, 2025

Hindustani Classical Music evolved from Indian Classical Music which appeared in a number of Clas... more Hindustani Classical Music evolved from Indian Classical Music which appeared in a number of Classical and Semi-classical Forms during the medieval period in northern India. Initially, the Classical Forms and later on some Semi-classical Forms under Hindustani Music were considered as Court-music and the same being patronized by the Kings, the Nawabs, and the Zaminders of our country. Gradually the trend of this music expanded to the eastern region of India. Raga being an integral part of Classical music and the prevailing Cultural Tradition of our country, both Classical and Semi-classical music have enriched the repository of Hindustani Music through the form of Cheez or Bandish (composition) as certain Classical and Semi-classical genres by the noble contribution of the Court-musicians and the Gharana exponents.
Girija Shankar Chakraborty of Bengal was born in the mid of nineteenth century A.D. and made a permanent and indispensable position in the world of Hindustani Music since the second decade of the twentieth century A.D. Besides being a Performer and a Trainer he served other various roles for the spread and development of both the Classical and the Semi-classical genres and ultimately has left a permanent significant impression in the minds of music lovers. This paper explores Girija Shankar’s excellence in the field of Hindustani Music which will prove his distinctness from other contemporary music professionals of Bengal.

The Social Science Review A Multidisciplinary Journal

Music plays a vital role over the human life as well as the society. Starting from the Vedic peri... more Music plays a vital role over the human life as well as the society. Starting from the Vedic period to the modern age the society has passed through intricacies in the evolution of music. It nurtures Folk music from time immemorial as the nature of the same easily relates with social life of the common people. The society, on the other hand, has also accustomed to the practice of Marga and Deshi Sangeet; amalgamation of the both resulting into several Forms of Prabandha Sangeet, have further given birth to a number of derivative Classical musical Forms. Rag-Raginis, the core of Classical music and various Folk music being the prevailing Cultural Tradition have definitely enriched the treasure of Indian music. This paper tries to capture the relation between society and music of different time periods which has helped the inhabitants of Bengal for the constitution of the cultural mindset till date.

International Journal of Humanities & Social Science Studies (IJHSSS), 2024

The tradition of Hindustani Classical Music is age-old. Different forms under this music evolved ... more The tradition of Hindustani Classical Music is age-old. Different forms under this music evolved out of Indian Classical Music in due course time. Raga is the core of Indian Classical Music and the prevailing Cultural tradition as well. Various Classical and Semi-classical Forms of Hindustani Classical Music such as Dhrupad, Dhamar, Khyal, Tappa, Thummri, Tarana etc. had been exercised by the Court-musicians and the Gharana Maestros since from the medieval period in northern India. Gharana, an exclusive feature or system in Hindustani Classical Music, is meant for maintaining the standard and variety. The practice of the same has also meticulously been observed among the Performers and Practitioners belonging to specified Gharanas till the twentieth century. The overall standard as well as the versatility of such music is being found gradually deteriorated in spite of the foundation of numerous institutions under the Department of Higher Education across the country as well as consistent practice and performances among the learners both from institutional and private segments.
This paper intends to find the cause of the concurrent problem through proper analysis and the solution at the same time.

Pratidhwani the Echo, 2024

Hindustani classical music, an offshoot of Indian classical music, evolved during medieval period... more Hindustani classical music, an offshoot of Indian classical music, evolved during medieval period as a consequence of the culture of Court-music in northern India. Raga being an integral part of Indian classical music and a prevailing cultural tradition of India naturally enriched Hindustani classical music through various forms and styles. The popular Classical and Semi-classical Genres of such music were aptly performed by the Court-musicians and the Gharana exponents as well. The learning of the same are supposed to be transmitted from one generation to the other in Gharana system, being exclusive in Hindustani classical music. The trend of Hindustani classical music initially flourished in central and western regions of northern India which gradually pervaded over the eastern regions.
Nagendranath Bhattacharya of Bengal put his great and versatile contribution in the field of Hindustani classical music during from the mid of nineteenth century A.D. to the first phases of twentieth century A.D. This paper seeks Nagendranath’s salient contributions in Hindustani classical music in many quarters despite a great deal of contributions of other contemporary music practitioners of Bengal to their respective fields.

Social Science Research Network, Dec 31, 2022

Swar Sindhu (National Peer-Reviewed/Refereed Journal of Music), 2021

The exclusiveness of Gharana has made Hindustani classical music different from Carnatic classica... more The exclusiveness of Gharana has made Hindustani classical music different from Carnatic classical music as well as other Indian classical musical forms. Classical music that deals with Ragas has been very aptly interpreted by the Gharana maestros through their performances since from the medieval period. Innumerable Bandishes (compositions) of Dhrupad and Khyal, exercised by the same Gharana representatives have also been transmitted among them from one generation to the other. These compositions known as Cheez to the Gharana representatives, supposed to be the most precious things as the hint of proper rendition of Ragas are hidden within. This paper highlights on varieties and versatilities among the same major Ragas, once formed out of innovations and exclusive creations by the Gharana exponents whether are being used or not. And if so, this is to be investigated where are these unconventional practices still in use among the Gharana representatives or people of particular places as Ragas being the prevailing Cultural Tradition of India which to be preserved through the culture of these Traditional treasures.

Ideal Research (An International Multidisciplinary e –Journal), 2021

The universality of music is beyond suspicion. Music acts as a stimulus too, helps to strengthen ... more The universality of music is beyond suspicion. Music acts as a stimulus too, helps to strengthen impetus and willpower. There are perhaps a very few in this world who keep themselves away from it. Music has been a prevailing Cultural Tradition in the society. This is our ardent duty and responsibility to preserve prevalent musical forms by exploring our Cultural resources.
Music should not be treated as a piece of amusement; on the contrary it could be a means to recognize our Cultural Heritage. Associated literature, musical patterns and so many of different musical forms helps a Performer to render his performance properly. Exploration to this matter also develops the power of Cultural assessment and an attempt to sustain age-old Cultural Tradition to the right direction. The purpose of this paper is to retrieve the potency of the Cultural Tradition through Performing Art into common practices.

Sangeet Galaxy, 2020

Gharana being an exclusive feature of Hindustani classical music deeply associated with professio... more Gharana being an exclusive feature of Hindustani classical music deeply associated with professional performers or the Court-musicians. Ragas, the integral part of Indian classical music, have been a prevailing Cultural Tradition through the expression of various musical forms. Indian classical music started its journey through the evolution of Deshi and Marga Sangeet and met Hindustani classical music with some specific forms in northern India during medieval period. Hindustani Ragas are rendered basically through the forms of Dhrupad and Khayal for centuries with different social and cultural mind-set. The Gharana representatives, as it seems to be during Raga presentation, go through certain steps by applying some elements underlying the forms. Differences of steps of application make distinction from one Gharana to the other. This article inquiries about a thorough analysis of the Gharana system from its inception as well as exemplary exceptions into it. The rigidity and flexibility of Gharana in the modern perspectives of Institutional training system and the performance by the recognised practitioners has also to be evaluated.

Cosmos Multidisciplinary Research E, 2021

The evolution of Indian music is vast and intricate. During this journey Sangeet (music) included... more The evolution of Indian music is vast and intricate. During this journey Sangeet (music) included the elements of Deshi (regional) and Gaandharva or Marga (classical) Sangeet at times and appeared with various classical forms or styles in different ages. Dhrupad in the medieval period and still prevalent, has been considered one of the most authentic forms in Hindustani classical music through which Raga may be properly expressed.Raga being a prevailing Cultural Tradition of India which had been rightly executed as well as preserved by the Gharana representatives till the mid and even later phase of the twentieth century A.D. through Alaap and in the form of Bandish (composition). These compos Cheez to the Gharana exponents, supposed to be the most precious things as the hint of proper rendition of Ragas were hidden within. So, this cultural heritage should not go beyond our reach and we need to preserve this by proper cultu investigation is sought why this high class musical form as being losing its glory day by day and not being able to attract the present generation; the practice of Dhrupad is waning and no such clear idea regarding the of the Academic Institutions (Colleges and Universities) under Higher Education Departments in India where Institutional Training in Music is being exercised.

MUSICAL FORMS (Department of Indian Music, University of Madras, Chepauk, Chennai 600005) [Seminar paper presented on 28th & 29th October 2015], 349-359. Chennai, India. ISBN: 978-93-5254-627--5., 2015

India has a very long tradition of music. The course of music has been flowing in the human life ... more India has a very long tradition of music. The course of music has been flowing in the human life since the civilization started. There are basically two trends of music in India namely folk music and classical music. Folk music deals with folk tales, culture and rituals. This music narrates the day to day life of the common people. Classical music, on the other hand, may be explained as music for the class people. Raga is the core of Indian music and it plays a very significant role in classical music. The traditional folk songs acknowledge the regional tunes with colloquial language and void of the strictness of Raga. India has passed through several vicissitudes in the evolution of classical music. Raga is being exercised among the musicologists and the classical performers through various forms of different ages. Deshi or regional tunes were classicized by the musicologists and were elevated as Abhijata Deshi Raga. These Ragas were in use in the form of Prabandha. Different Prabandhas, in course of time, resulted into a number of derivative classical forms in Hindustani and Carnatic music. Dhrupad and Khyal are two classical forms in Hindustani music where proper application of Raga may be possible. Many expert musicians and performers have brought about changes and modifications in the form of Khyal. Gharana is an exclusive feature in Hindustani music which indicates different schools of music (Gayaki). There are recognized Gharanas of Khyal with certain exponent/s and followers of the same. Gharana encourages Practice and Discipline. Practice brings forth perfection and discipline or step works for enhancement of artistic sense. The popularity and practice of Khyal are rising day by day. The purity of Raga and the consistency of the Gayaki should be kept in mind in time of performance so that the tradition of Hindustani classical music may be assessed.

Pratidhwani the Echo (A Peer-Reviewed International Journal of Humanities & Social Science), 2019

The exclusiveness of Gharana has made Hindustani classical music different from Carnatic and othe... more The exclusiveness of Gharana has made Hindustani classical music different from Carnatic and other branches of North-Indian classical music. Ragas, the integral part of Indian classical music, have been a prevailing Cultural Tradition through the expression of various musical forms. The practice of Hindustani classical music is rightly executed by the Gharana representatives and those styles have enriched Indian art and culture. There had been many native lands or estates under certain kings or rulers before their inclusion into India. Most of the rulers possessed good sense and knowledge of art and culture. The formation of Court music was the consequence of their patronage to Indian classical music and dance. Princely Tripura was also blessed with Gharana maestros along with music personalities of other genres. This article inquires about those Gharana maestros who were somehow related to the Tripura Royal Court music and any sustainable development thereof.

Books by Dr. Snigdhatanu Banerjee

Role of Teachers in Nation Building, 2020

Indian classical music implies an organised and developed state of music. Devotion and dedication... more Indian classical music implies an organised and developed state of music. Devotion and dedication of several centuries went into the preparation and perfection of Indian classical music. Ragas, the integral part of Indian classical music, have been a prevailing Cultural Tradition through the expression of various musical forms. Indian classical music started its journey through the evolution of Deshi and Marga Sangeet and met Hindustani classical music with some specific forms in northern India during medieval period. Hindustani Ragas are rendered basically through the forms of Dhrupad and Khyal for centuries with different social and cultural mind-set. The excellence of these musical forms depends upon proper execution of several specific articulations of sound and embellishments. The Gharana representatives have left remarkable contributions to the formation as well as exclusive presentation of Raga till before the Institutional system was introduced. Academic institutions under the Department of Higher Education have immense scopes to explore different aspects for the development of Hindustani classical music. To be continued with advanced and sustainable development in this regard, some specified ideologies are to be incorporated along with formal training.

Contribution of Literature and Music in the treatment of Depression, 2020

Epidemic implies massive loss in terms of man power, supply of essential commodities, proper serv... more Epidemic implies massive loss in terms of man power, supply of essential commodities, proper services to the people for smooth running of the society. Human beings are social creatures and epidemic disrupts the social life of the people very badly. People, being stressed and burdened, quickly lose hope and become traumatised thinking for the future. Livelihood of many people is also at the front of danger. The severity of life repeatedly hammers on mental peace and thrusts a man into depression. During this crisis, survival of a large number of people has become a big challenge today. Literature and Music, being essential parts of Fine Arts, possess immense potentiality and scope to regulate Education and Culture in a proper direction. A regular consumption of literature and music might be a useful diet for every person to keep away darkness of life. Proper knowledge over this matter will provide clear notion about the way of tension free life with remarkable changes.

Devashruti (an anthology on Indian Classical Music), 2010

Evolution of Indian music, Hindustani classical music and its prevalent forms with a hint to sust... more Evolution of Indian music, Hindustani classical music and its prevalent forms with a hint to sustainable development through teaching and performances (Khyal, the most prevalent form of Hindustani classical music has been elaborately discussed)