Abstract

India is a land of rich musical treasure and diversity as well where music is not only a medium of mere entertainment but also it has appeared as a tool or sometimes as a weapon of revolution. For example- the Bhakti movement where music led the way of a renaissance. That form of music was different in different places with a diversity of language, culture and contemporarily influence of popular music. ‘Kirtan’ is a form of music exists in Indian Music since very early times and evolute as the main component of Bhakti movement as well as religious vigil and is still in practice in a different form almost everywhere in India. The Bengali Kirtan is a very popular and strong musical practice that is derived from an ancient musical form of Prabandha Gaan. It is also considered an aesthetic emotional art of Vaishnavism. Here this paper is been attempted to study the kirtan especially Bengali Kirtan in detail. This paper will discuss the origin and evolution of Kirtan. Again, will analyze the different structural information of Kirtan songs and will try to elucidate their historical significance. This study aims to disclose the importance of this rich form of music and various form of Bengali kirtan so that this music can be revived, retain and remain as it used to be an important part of Indian culture and tradition.