Sastriya Sangita and Music Culture of Bengal Through the Ages(2 Vols-Set)

Contents: Vol. I: Preface. Prologue. I. Pracina-yuga: Part I: 1. Pre-historic age. 2. Historic age to Maurya age. 3. Gupta-era to Pre-Pala-era. 4. Pala-era to Sena-era. Part II: 1. Music culture of Bengal from pre-historic to 12th cent. A.D. Part III: 1. Musical styles: a. Nathagiti. b. Caryagiti. c. Gitagovinda & Jayadeva. II. Madhya-yuga: Part I: 1. History of Bengal : Medieval period--Muslim-era (1200-1757). Part II: 1. Music culture of Madhya-yuga. Part III: 1. Music styles of Madhya-yuga: a. Mangala giti & Pacali. b. Krsna kirtana. c. Kirtana. d. Dhap kirtana. e. Sakta padavali. f. Baul-gana. 2. Treatises. III. Adhunika-yuga: Part I: 1. History of Bengal during the British era. Part II: 1. Music culture during Adhunik-yuga. 2. Jorasanko Thakurbari. 3. Pathuriaghata Thakurbari. 4. Gharanas and other Badis (Houses) that influenced the culture of Bengal's music.

Vol. II: Part I: 1. Music styles of Bengal: Pracina Kaviwalar gana. b. Pacali. c. Bengali tappa & Hindusthani tappa. d. Akhdai. e. Half-akhdai. f. Paksidaler gana. g. Dhrupada. h. Khayal. i. Thumri. j. Brahma Sangita. k. Jatra & Natya Sangita. l. Rabindra Sangita. m. Kavya Sangita. n. Ragapradhan gana. o. Svadesi Sangita. 2. Evolution of notation system. 3. Treatises & books. Index.

"This book is a detailed study of the development of Sastriya Sangita in Bengal from the distant ages to the present day, covering Pracina, Madhya and Adhunika yugas, together with their historic backgrounds. It also deals with various trends of music that came into Bengal through her business ties with other lands, and occupation by different races who settled down there bringing with them their distinctive styles of music influenced by their religious and social practices.

"The book brings to light the ancient styles, such as--Nathagiti, Caryagiti, etc.; medieval styles, such as--Mangalagiti, Pacali, Krishna-Kirtana, Kirtana, etc.; and more recent styles, such as--Kavigana, Akhadai, Half-akhdai, Brahma-Sangita, Rabindra-Sangita, Kavya-Sangita, Ragapradhana, along with Dhrupada, Khayal, Tappa, Thumri, etc. and instrumental music. These styles have been enumerated with notated examples wherever possible.

"Included in this book are biographical sketches of important musicians and also various gharanas with their maestros who influenced the music of Bengal. A special chapter on 'Evolution of Notation System' has been added. The concluding chapter which includes a list of books and treatises, gives an idea about the amount of study and research that were carried out on music in Bengal through the ages." (jacket)