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|---|---|
| Native name | कोळी/नाखवा गीत |
| Stylistic origins | Folk |
| Cultural origins | Konkan |
| Typical instruments | |
Koli Geet (also known as Boat Songs or Nakhva Geet) are a significant genre of folk music associated with the Koli community, particularly the Son koli sub caste, in Maharashtra, India. These songs are deeply rooted in the community’s lifestyle, religious practices, and emotional experiences, often reflecting the daily struggles and celebrations of the Kolis, who are traditionally fishermen and agriculturists. Koli songs are characterized by their rich variety of themes, including religious devotion, social rituals, emotional life at sea, and festivity.
Origin and history
The Koli community is one of the oldest and most prominent indigenous groups in Maharashtra, with a history connected to both agriculture and fishing. The Son koli sub community, primarily located in coastal areas, has traditionally depended on fishing for its livelihood. Koli songs, which originated from daily life and rituals, often explore themes of religion, nature, and the seafaring profession, evolving into a significant oral tradition over time.
The first commercial Koli song, "Phatki Not Mana Ghyavachi Nay, Dhandyat Khot Mana Khavachi Nay," was recorded in 1962 by Vitthal Umap, with lyrics by Kundan Kambale. Vitthal Umap is considered the father of Koli Geet.
In 1964, for the film Vaishakh Vanva, Pandit Abhisheki performed the Konkani Nakhwa song "Gomu Maherla Jate Ho Nakhwa" on the recommendation of the film's writer, Mahadevshastri Joshi. The music for this song was composed by Datta Davjekar.
Themes and types of Koli songs
Koli songs cover a wide range of subjects, reflecting different aspects of the Koli people’s lives. These songs are generally categorized into several themes, such as religious, ritual, festival, emotional, and boatman’s songs.
Religious songs
Koli songs have a strong religious component, with devotion to local deities like Khandoba, Ekvira, Ranai, Kalsubai, and Matubai. These songs are sung during religious ceremonies, rituals, and festivals, expressing gratitude, prayer, or devotion.
Ritual and marriage songs
Koli songs are linked to life-cycle rituals, especially marriages. Pre-marriage rituals like Haldi are accompanied by songs that describe the bride's beauty, using nature-based metaphors such as comparing her legs to sugarcanes or her eyes to flowers.
Boatman's songs (Nakhva Geet)
Nakhva Geet, or Boatman’s Songs, are iconic in Koli culture. They express the emotional lives of fishermen, often sung while at sea or by fisherwomen at home, conveying feelings of love, longing, separation, and hope. The boat symbolizes the community's relationship with the sea.
Festival songs
During festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Holi, and Narali Poornima, Koli songs celebrate cultural and religious significance. These songs incorporate traditional customs, folklore, and rituals.
Erotic songs (Ambvanya)
Ambvanya songs are playful, flirtatious songs sung by men, often to amuse and tease one another, especially during camaraderie among fishermen at sea.
Performance and dance
Koli songs are accompanied by traditional dances, which are integral to expressing the song's themes. Men and women dance together, responding to the rhythm and mood of the song. Dances often mimic natural or everyday movements, such as the undulating motion of a boat.
Boat Dance (Nakhva Dance)
The Nakhva Dance is associated with Boatman’s Songs. Performers use small wooden oars to mimic rowing motions, synchronized to create the appearance of a boat on the sea.
Musical instruments
Koli songs are accompanied by folk instruments like the Dholak (a two-headed drum), cymbals, Shehnai (a wind instrument), and wooden oars used in the Boatman’s Songs. These instruments provide rhythm and melody for the performances.
References
- Iqbal 2009, p. 83.
- Iqbal 2009, p. 84.
- ^ Iqbal 2009, p. 83–85.
- "महाराष्ट्रातील पहिलं कोळीगीत विठ्ठल उमप यांनी गायलं हे माहीत आहे का?; कधी आणि कोणतं? वाचा!". TV9 Marathi (in Marathi). 2021-03-13. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
- "कोळी बांधवांसाठी लोकशाहीर विठ्ठल उमप होते कोळीगीतांचे बादशहा, अशी झाली होती सुरुवात". Maharashtra Times (in Marathi). Retrieved 2024-12-17.
- Darekar, p. 43. sfn error: no target: CITEREFDarekar (help)
Cited works
- Iqbal, Dr Jaquir (2009). Islamic Financial Management. Global Vision Publishing House. ISBN 9788182202214.
- Darekar, Dr Mohan (2009). Majhe Jeevan Gaane (in Marathi). Dr Mohan Darekar.