Itihasbigyaner Dristite Banglar Loksangeet (Bengali Version)

Book Details

• Author: Sk Makbul Islam
• Publisher: Bangiya Sahitya Samsad
• Language: Bengali
• ISBN: 9789382012641

About the Book

Itihasbigyaner Dristite Banglar Loksangeet (Bengali Version) presents a fresh and interdisciplinary exploration of the history and evolution of Bengali folk music through the lens of historical scholarship. Moving beyond a simple chronological account of events, the book examines how Bengali folk music has developed over time in response to changing social, cultural, political, and historical circumstances.

Rather than treating folk music merely as a collection of songs and lyrics, the author emphasizes that its history is equally a history of melody, musical performance, oral transmission, and cultural practice. Folk music is presented as a living archive of collective memory, reflecting the experiences, beliefs, aspirations, and everyday lives of the people who have nurtured these traditions across generations.

A distinguishing feature of this work is its interdisciplinary methodology. Sk Makbul Islam combines the perspectives of folklore studies, ethnomusicology, cultural anthropology, and historical research to examine the academic development of Bengali folk music studies. By integrating these disciplines, the book offers readers a comprehensive understanding of how folk music functions not only as an artistic expression but also as a valuable historical and cultural document.

The author also traces the growth of scholarly interest in Bengali folk music, highlighting its gradual recognition as an important field of academic inquiry. Through critical analysis rather than mechanical repetition of earlier research, the book introduces new ways of understanding the relationship between folk traditions, historical change, and cultural identity.

Rich in analytical insight and supported by a multidisciplinary approach, Itihasbigyaner Dristite Banglar Loksangeet encourages readers to rethink conventional perspectives on folk music. It demonstrates how historical analysis can deepen our appreciation of Bengal’s musical heritage while revealing the dynamic interactions between society, history, and artistic expression.

An invaluable resource for students, researchers, historians, folklorists, ethnomusicologists, and readers interested in Bengali folk culture, this book makes a significant contribution to the study of folk music as both a historical source and a vibrant cultural tradition.