Music of Madhya Pradesh

Background

In Bastar, the Muria and Sing Maria tribes are known for the songs called relo, which are sung by children. The same region is home to the dhankul songs associated with invoking Danteshwari, a goddess, and the seasonal chait parah. Around Jagdalpur, leha songs are popular. They are sung as part of a ritual for the departure of a loved one. The Kamar people are known for a kind of marriage song, often addressed to legendary trumpeter Moharia.

Bundelkhand and Baghelkand, home of the Baghelas, are a land known for semi-historical songs devoted to Hardaul and other deities. Many songs in this area were written by the poet Isuri. Pai songs are sung, accompanied by the saira dance, during the rainy season.

In the south of Nimad, philosophical nirguni lavani and ertoci shringari lavani songs are popular. The same area, as well as Malwa, are inhabited by the musically inclined Adivasi people.

Various kinds of drums are found throughout Madhya Pradesh. These include the large drums of Bastar, the dhols and maandals played by the Bhils, the Muria parang and the ghera, damahu, timki, tasa, chang and dphala.

The bans is an instrument unique to Madhya Pradesh, though it is similar to the ayar kuzhal of the south. It is an aerophonic instrument about four feet in length, made of bamboo, and played by the Rawats.