The last of the Monidas artisans
Sushil Chandra Monidas (42) learned the craft of making musical instruments from his father Kalachan Monidas when he was 12 years old. When he lost his father at the age of 20, he took over the business.
With Sushil at the help, the family business was running smooth.
However, Sushil's business, based in BDR Haat area of Lalmonirhat municipality, is on the verge of closure. "There are no more musical events like before, so our musical instruments aren't being sold," said Sushil.
"For the sake of survival, many like me have moved to other professions since the price of leather, wood and other necessary materials have increased," he added.
"This wasn't the case even eight years ago when there used to be vibrant local music sessions often," recalled Sushil.
There are no official statistics on the number of families of the Monidas community in the greater Rangpur region.
However, according to the information of the elders of this community, there are 250-260 families in the five districts Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Nilphamari and Rangpur in the greater Rangpur region.
Even a decade ago, every family of the community was involved in making and repairing musical instruments. Now just 70-80 families in five districts are involved in their ancestral profession. The rest are earning a living by engaging in other work.
Members of the community are involved in making and repairing musical instruments, including, dhak, dhol, khol, tabla, dugdugi (baya), nal, kongkon, screw drum, ektara, dotara, sarinda, Bangla dhol and others.
These instruments are played in various cultural events like -- Jatra, Kushan, Palagan, Bhawaiya, Palligeeti and Manosamangal.
"Our ancestral profession is no longer sustainable. Most have left, while those who are clinging on to it are living an inhumane life," said Dinesh Chandra Monidas (85) of Kurigram's Rajarhat area.
"Nowadays, we only get a handful of clients," he added.
Amal Chandra Monidas (50) of Mahendranagar area in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila, said around 10 years ago, members of various cultural organisations came to them to make or repair musical instruments. Now there's no music festival going on anywhere. Many artists have also given up their profession.
"Music has almost disappeared from society. If there is no music, there is no use of musical instruments," said Narayan Chandra Monidas (56) of Kurigram town. "If the musical instrument is not used, the Monidas community is not needed either."
Echoing Narayan, Pala Gaan (folktales and devotional songs) artist Amullo Barman (80) of Karnopur village, said, "Pala Gaan has almost become extinct. Now Jatra, Bhawaiya, and Palli Geeti song sessions aren't held anymore. Sometimes Manosamangal song sessions are arranged, but they're rare."
Bhawaiya artist Shuklal Roy (46) of Lalmonirhat's Aditmari upazila said even some 4-5 years ago, he used to get calls to perform almost every day. At present, Bhawaiya sessions aren't even held once a month.
Shuklal has left the profession and is now working as a day labourer.
"The government should come forward to keep the Monidas community alive and help fellow artists of this community," Shuklal said.
Contacted, MA Matin, deputy director of the social services department, said the government has various projects to help communities with their trades or professions.
"If they apply to us, they will also get assistance. I will also look into the issue of the Monidas community," he told The Daily Star.
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