Folk Music
Folk music from Kolkata and Bengal has had a special place in the hearts of many Indian musical geniuses. The term "Kolkata folk music" encompasses a staggering array of genres like Baul - sung by a specific sect of people called Bauls who lend their name to the genre; Kirtan - which is the narration or recitation of stories with religious or spiritual connotations and which is usually done in large groups and not one or a few performers; Bhatiali - sung by boatmen, usually in rhythm with the splashing of the oars; Ganasangeet - which was born during British rule and usually contains messages of social, cultural or political importance.
Rabindra Sangeet
Rabindra Sangeet refers to music written by arguably Bengal's most famous son - Rabindranath Tagore, a name that cannot be omitted due to the sheer volume of fields he contributed to, especially to the musical heritage of Kolkata. He is credited with having written over 2000 songs, including the national anthems of India and Bangladesh. His literary works like plays and stories were lyricised, leading to the origin of Rabindra Sangeet. An accomplished polymath, he was the first non-European to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Nazrul Geeti
This term refers to songs and poems written by Kazi Nazrul Islam. Also called Bidrohi Kobi, or rebel poet, for his works that staunchly opposed the British rule, he has over 4000 songs and poems credited to his name. A Muslim, he is praised for incorporating Persian and Urdu words into his works, a practice that was virtually unheard of at the time. He was awarded the title 'national poet of Bangladesh' in 1972, four years before his death.
