Abstract

Shyamā sangīt, a devotional music genre dedicated to Goddess Kāli, holds a special place in Bengali religious and cultural traditions. These songs embody an intense spiritual connection with Kāli, blending themes of devotion, fear, surrender, and emotional depth. Originating in the 18th century through the works of poets like Ramprasad Sen and Kamalākānta Bhaṭṭāchārya, Shyamā Sangīt's lyrics explore the complex duality of Kāli—depicting her as both a fierce destroyer of evil and a protective mother. The music typically features simple ragas, repetitive rhythms, and instruments like the tabla and harmonium, enhancing the meditative atmosphere required for worship. This article delves into the historical origins, musical structure, and religious significance of Shyamā Sangīt, illustrating how these songs differ from other forms of devotional music in India. The study also examines the cultural and philosophical implications of the lyrics, emphasizing how they encapsulate themes of life, death, rebirth, and spiritual surrender. The paper concludes that Shyamā Sangīt remains a profound medium for expressing complex human emotions in relation to the divine, deeply intertwined with Bengal’s religious and cultural identity.