O P Sharma
Name of Book : Adhi Granth Mein Sangeet Sarita
Author : Savita Bakshi
Publisher : Highbrow Publications, Bari Brahmana, Jammu
Pages : 292
Price : Rs. 575
The book entitled “Adhi Granth Mein Sangeet Sarita” in Hindi authored by well known Sitarist musician, Savita Bakshi is a detailed and an authoritative study on the musical features in the holy Adhi Granth.
The author, a well known Sitarist of Jammu has remained as Special Secretary in the J&K State Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and superannuated last year. She has contributed to the enrichment of literary and cultural heritage of the State as also given Sitar performances both within and abroad winning applaud and appreciation.
Research Study
“Adhi Granth Mein Sangeet Sarita” contains 17 chapters devoted to elebroate and deep study of various features of Raga and Music in the Sikh holy scriptures. It makes an interesting and informative reading for this unique subject in the language which is easily understandable by one and all. Significantly, Guru Nanak Devji, founder of Sikh faith choose the unique medium iof musical kirtans for spreading the divine message (“Banies) among the masses in very simple and sweet language.
Everlasting Impact
It had aN everlasting impact of his spiritual impact on masses. This was known as “Gurmat Sangeet” which caught the imagination of the people and had deep, everlasting impact.
The book under review is first of its kind as it is a detailed study of devotional music of the holy Sikh scriptures. It is noteworthy work of extensive research by an expert in the field of music. It is valuable book indeed.
Valuable book
The first chapter deals with th Gurmat Sangeet which is a tradition of Kirtan performance that focuses on Shabad (main message) through music as most powerful medium of communication. It is a known fact that this leaves deep impact of the shabad of Guru Granth Sahib among the common masses.
The second chapter “Raga and the Adhi Granth” is study of power of music to colour, impress and have deep imprint. The subsequent four chapters”: “Raga and Music Tradition,” “The Medival Age, Raga and Guru Granth Sahib” and “An Analysis of the Guru Granth Sahib” are scholarly research done by Ms Bakshi.
Another chapter is on study of ragas and their musical characteristics and notations. There is also “Journey of Music in various Ages” which is detailed account of different music arts in India since time immemorial. The fifth Guru Arjun Devji compiled and edited the holy Adhi Granth which comprises works of 17 Bhakti saints and seers
Informative and Enlightening
This book authored by a musician, Sabita Bakshi and publishedby Highbrow Publications is very valuable work and should be read by all those interested in music as also our proud religio-cultural heritage. Ms Bakshi has done a commendable job and this book is for valuable contribution. I was informed that the author is going to publish its Punjabi as well as Dogri editions for much wider circulation and readership.
I have gone through this valuable book and found it worth reading by every reader especially, the musiciologists, academicians, students and all those interested in the rich heritage of India.
(Starline Syndicate Service)
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