Purab Anga Gayaki: A tradition at the crossroads
The Purab Anga Gayaki musical tradition is facing a transformation as it moves from its rural roots toward a more urban, ornate performance style. Experts and practitioners are debating whether this shift threatens the authenticity of the genre.
Why it matters
This reflects a broader cultural tension between preserving traditional folk art forms and adapting them for modern, commercialized audiences.
In the wake of Purab Anga Gayaki’s revival and consequent popularity in Bengal, it is becoming evident that this rich style is undergoing a gradual transformation. Its rural charm seems to be giving way to a glitzy, urbane showmanship that thrives on khayal’s ornate style. I hear many young vocalists making thumris walk on stilettos of complex taans. The seasonal kajris in thumri (read: khayal) anga are also being treated in the same way. Is this a desirable trend?
To analyse this issue, the Purab Anga Gayaki (PAG) Parivar, with the support of Sree Satyananda Devayatan, recently organised a baithak at Devayatan Hall. It brought together the gurus and scholars associated with the PAG Project, patronised by Vinod Kapur, the inspiring personality behind the VSK Baithak, in New Delhi.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in