Road Map for research Projects as envisaged by Pandit Bhatkhande in 1930
It was briefly mentioned on the “Genesis” page that the theme of the
web site is a part of the vision of Pandit V N Bhatkhande
regarding the projects he could not complete in his life time. In the last 2 pages
of the book – Sangeet Shastra Volume 4- he had listed 15 projects. Given below
is a link for image of the two pages in Hindi and the translation of the same is
given below:
image
of the two pages in Hindi
Translation :
“Scope for further study, as envisaged by Late Pandit V N Bhatkhande (in
1930s) in his book – Sangeet Shastra- Volume IV”
(The book is written in a format as if a teacher is discussing the subject with
the student) During our discussion, you might have noted that, my study and research
in respect of some important projects had not reached a conclusive stage. Similarly,
work on some important topics is incomplete. I give below a list of such projects:
1) To check the extent to which the comparison of swaras (notes) of SamaVeda
period (Vedic period) and swaras (notes) established by subsequent
writers is possible;
2) To explain the melodic structure and other characteristics of Ragas described
in “Sangeet Ratnakara” and other ancient texts on the basis of information
contained in those texts;
3) To understand principles of “Raga-Ragini- Putra” Classification of
Ragas done in old texts and to study if application of such a Classification would
be fruitful in the context of present scenario of Classical Music;
4) To try to establish a relation between “Raga” and “Rasa”
emotion/ sentiment as documented in the past vis-à-vis current observations
and studies;
5) To study effects of Shruti and swara - microtones and notes - on living
beings (including animals and human beings) and try to develop a satisfactory and
scientific relation between the two; and to study further whether lyrics (of the
composition) are important in achieving the results;
6) To analyse the Natya Sangeet - music presented in drama on stage-
and evaluate what research is needed (to enhance its effect on viewers) ;
7) To conduct research on Shruti and swara - microtones and notes- and
their effects on creation of emotion/ sentiment with the help of modern science
and to present the findings in Seminars of Experts;
8) To establish a theoretical and practical relation between the Ragas performed
in day and night;
9) To study how the traditionally accepted concept of Raga and Time (suitable for
performing the Raga) came into being and to fix time for different Ragas on scientific
basis and present the study before (and gain acceptance of) experts;
10) To study the present state of Dance Systems/ streams and analyse their merits
and demerits and work out how their growth can be achieved;
11) To try to amalgamate the music systems of North and South such that an integrated
national Indian Music System emerges;
12) To translate ancient literature into Marathi (and other languages) and publish
books and establish libraries (devoted to literature in Music) in each city;
13) To establish music colleges in cities and run them with the help of experts
in a contemporary manner;
14) To establish a separate music college (/University) for the budding artists
where experts from different Gharanas can teach them so that traditional art and
special features of different Gharanas will be kept alive;
15) To collect records of old and obscure Ragas and preserve them in libraries so
that students can utilize them for their study; etc. etc.
As you are young and enthusiastic, I wish you success in your study of the abovementioned
and any other related projects. To achieve success, you will not only have to persevere,
but also face good and bad criticism. However, I am confident, that you will succeed
in your endeavour if you work selflessly on these projects and leave the outcome
(success or otherwise) to God. I shall certainly guide you, if I can, in your efforts.
Whether I can contribute in your future studies or not, is left to the Almighty.
I trust the knowledge gained by you so far will guide you in your endeavour - I
wish you good-bye and good luck.
(Pandit VishnuNarayan Bhatkhande; 1860- 1936)
[Translated by Sudhir V Gadre]