Renowned folk artist Malini Awasthi has unveiled the fourth edition of her captivating book, ‘Chandan Kiwad,’ marking a significant contribution to the understanding of Indian folk music. This meticulously researched volume, the result of a dedicated two-and-a-half-year effort, aims to illuminate the origins and historical context of traditional songs. Awasthi, who also writes regularly as a columnist, views this book as a deep dive into the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of folk melodies.
The book’s essence is captured by the cover line, “Guiyā̃ Darwajwa Mein Thāṛī Rahūn,” a line from a traditional Banaras thumri, which Awasthi says is indispensable to her creative process. ‘Chandan Kiwad’ centers on the narratives of ordinary women, presenting them in everyday scenarios of domestic life and creative expression through song. Awasthi’s extensive career on stage, spanning four decades, has imbued her with a profound empathy for the characters she encounters in these folk traditions.
‘Chandan Kiwad’ serves as an invitation to readers passionate about culture and heritage. Awasthi explained that the book’s central phrase embodies this welcoming spirit of cultural exploration. Music aficionados will find particular interest in the section dedicated to ‘Mat Ja Mat Ja Jogi,’ a famous composition in Raag Bhairavi, which also leads into discussions on the jogis, the Nath tradition, and Guru Gorakhnath’s legacy. The book also examines Amir Khusro’s classic song about a daughter leaving her home, “Kahe Ko Byahi Bides O Lakhia Babul More.” The 27 chapters of ‘Chandan Kiwad’ represent the harmonious convergence of Awasthi’s musical, literary, and academic passions, highlighting how classic folk songs continue to resonate with universal themes across generations.