Getting acquainted with “Jalalgeetika”

Sunil Karmakar: Photo: Mumit M.

Without knowing the name of the bard, perhaps many of us have listened to Jalal Khan's mystic songs such as Keho kore becha kena keho kandey and O amar dorodi. Born in Netrokona, a popular area for great bards and bauls whose ballads have been compiled in Mymensigh Geetika and Purbabanga Geetika, Jalal Khan (1894-1972) is one of the foremost mystic bards of the 20th century.
A torchbearer of traditional baul songs of the region, lyricist-composer-singer Jalal Khan had composed 848 songs in 14 genres including Atma-tatwa, Parom-tatwa, Nigurho-tatwa, Deho-tatwa, Srishti-tatwa, Sansar-tatwa, Shadhon-tatwa, Guru-tatwa and Prem-tatwa. Of these songs, 702 have been published in a book titled Jalalgeetika, which many contemporary critics label as one of the best books on 20th century Bangla poetry.
A follower of Sufism, Jalal glorified humanism in his songs. For his interpretation of God, he can be labelled as earth bound.
Rendering Jalal Khan's songs, visually impaired singer Sunil Karmakar has achieved popularity at home and abroad. He is the third generation disciple of Jalal Khan. To promote Jalal Khan's songs among the younger generation, the Training Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has arranged a fortnight-long workshop conducted by Sunil Karmakar.
Sunil Karmakar was a disciple of Israfil Miah whose mentor was Dulu Khan. Jalal Khan was the mentor of the latter. Sunil said, “I met Jalal Khan at the early stage of my career. I learnt a few songs from him.”
Sunil Karmakar appreciates the initiative taken by the Department of Training, BSA to popularise Jalalgeeti. He said, “People have little or no idea about this great bard. Jalal Khan's lyrics are simply wonderful. Through the workshop the participants will get acquainted with the bard's works.”
According to Sunil, Jalal Khan never got his due respect. To quote him, “Many legendary singers recorded his songs labelled as “Shongrihito” (a term used for popular songs when the writer/composer's name cannot be traced), though Jalalgeetika is available. Even researchers like Muhammad Mansur Uddin, in the collection of popular folk songs titled Haramoni (published by Bangla Academy), has presented Jalal Khan's songs crediting less familiar bards.”
Like the tradition of baul songs, compositions of Jalal Khan are under the threat of distortion. The tradition is passed on orally.
According to Sunil, Jalal Khan's songs are unique, which is similar to akharayee gharana (the style of rendering songs at akhras). He said, "It's quite disappointing that many of the singers have recorded Jalal's songs with traditional folk tunes."
The participants of the workshop will present Jalalgeetika on June 26 at Music and Dance Centre of BSA.