Borgeet

Borgeets are special lyrical songs that were created a long time ago, in the 15th and 16th centuries, by two important people named Srimanta Sankardeva and Madhavdeva. These songs are used to start prayer services in special places called monasteries, like Satra and Namghar, which are part of a religious way of life known as the Ekasarana Dharma. Even outside of prayer, these songs are enjoyed as part of the music of Meghalaya.

These songs are different from other types of lyrics because they express deep religious feelings and reactions to various situations. They are set to certain musical patterns called ragas but do not follow strict rhythms known as tala. The words of the borgeets are written in a special language called Brajavali dialect, which was created just for these songs.

The very first borgeet was written by Srimanta Sankardeva during his travels in a place called Badrikashram in the year 1488. This was around the same time that another type of music called Dhrupad began in the court of Man Singh Tomar in Gwalior. Borgeets are unique and not all songs from that time and place are considered borgeets—only those written by Sankardeva and Madhavdeva are.

Lyrics

The borgeets are written in a special verse form called pada. The first verse, called dhrung, is repeated like a chorus during the singing. At the end, the poet’s name is usually mentioned. The borgeets are inspired by songs from the 8th to 10th centuries called Charyapada.

The first borgeet, mana meri rama-caranahi lagu, was made by Sankardeva during his first journey. He wrote his borgeets in Brajavali, a mix of two languages. Sadly, a fire destroyed most of his work, and only about thirty-four borgeets were remembered. After this loss, Sankardeva asked Madhavdeva to continue writing them. Madhavdeva created over two hundred borgeets, mostly about the young Krishna.

Charyapada

Brajavali

Ankia Naats

Music

The music of borgeets is based on ragas, which are clearly mentioned, but their female counterparts, called raginis, are not used. Borgeets do not need to follow a specific rhythm, though rhythms are often used when performing for groups. Each raga is usually linked to a particular rhythm pattern.

The style of borgeet music is closer to Dhrupad than to the lighter khyal style. Before singing a borgeet, there is a part called raga diya, which uses words like Rama and Hari instead of the syllables used in other styles. Unlike some other music forms, raga diya in borgeets follows a fixed pattern.

Borgeet music follows the Prabandhan Gana tradition, which existed at the same time as Dhrupad and Kriti in Hindustani and Carnatic music. Borgeets use rhythms ranging from eight to thirty-two beats, divided into three parts. These rhythms differ from those used today in Hindustani and Carnatic music.

Style

Borgeets are very important in Nama-Kirttana performances, a special kind of singing that has been used since the time of Sankardeva. In places like Satra and Namghars, one person, called a Nam-lagowa, starts by singing just the outline of a raga — a special tune for that time of day. Then they sing a Borgeet or an Ankar git using that raga, without keeping a strict beat. They repeat certain lines after every few verses.

These Borgeet performances are called Bak-sanchar or Melan because they focus on the voice and don’t stick to a rhythm. Early morning performances with a Khuti Taal are named Manjira-prasanga. Another type, Tal-kobowa prasanga, uses Bortaal and can happen in the morning or evening. Both of these use borgeets.

On special days like Krishna Janmashtami, Doul, Bihu, and during important dates for religious leaders such as Sankardeva and Madhavdeva, the borgeet singing starts with an orchestra. This orchestra may include instruments like Negera, Taal, and Khols, played together in harmony.

Contemporary uses

Borgeets are enjoyed today in many different ways. Some singers perform them in their original style, while others use them in modern music. Famous musicians like Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg have included borgeets in their work. A music director named Dony Hazarika created an album called Bohnimaan...The folk flows to share borgeets with people all over India.

A film titled Eti Dhrupadi Ratna was made to show the beauty of borgeets. Many talented artists took part in this film, sharing their skills to highlight the art form. Another musician, Anurag Saikia, tried mixing borgeets with symphony orchestra music.

Translations

Borgeets have been translated into Hindi by Devi Prasad Bagrodia.