INSIDE THE GURU'S GATE - Anpere

standings and experiences of gurbani in a dynamic and escalating process. Apart for
this basic structure the ragi jatha may insert parallel quotations of other gurbani lines
to amplify meanings of the hymns sung and let the tabla performer provide musical
interludes.
2nd antra
2nd sthai
1st antra
1st sthai
Figure 18.
The aim of the performer is to create a spiritual atmosphere and incite moods
(ras) in the interaction with an audience. Musically this is accomplished by structuring
each performance on a particular raga or melodic line which is believed to produce
a feeling appropriate for the particular event. The flavour which an individual
raga exudes is regarded appropriate for certain times of the day, seasons of the year,
or particular occasions in the human social life. 505 In North Indian classical music and
regional traditions the ragas and the specific emotions and moods ascribed to each
melodic measure are numerous. “All the ragas constitute a very big family and if a
musician wants to get to know all of them he will become very old. When he is near
to reaching them he will be dead,” a local ragi said. A purist interpretation would
maintain that Guru Arjan paid careful attention to the tune in which gurbani hymns
were sung, confirming that each raga evoked the same emotions as the content of the
hymn, and instructed the ragis to sing in a manner that would enhance the aesthetic
and spiritual experience of gurbani. 506 More orthodox Sikh performers would therefore
argue that each hymn set to music in kirtan should strictly follow the thirty-one
raga patterns given in Guru Granth Sahib to evoke the moods intended by the Guru.
In practice, however, adherence to the metrical system in the scripture always depends
on the choice and knowledge of the individual performer. A standard method
505
For studies on the Raga system in North Indian Classical Music, consult Gangoly 1948,
Danielou 1968, Kaufmann 1968, Jairazbhoy 1995.
506
Singh, Bhai Vir 1958.
291
Published on www.anpere.net in May 2008