The Malashree tune not only plays an integral role in the auditory experience of Nepal's national festival, Dashain, but it has also become part of the nation's identity through this celebration.
The title may reference the Malashree tune, but the auditory delight in this video differs significantly from the usual rendition. Why is this the case? And what exactly is the Malashree tune, one might wonder?
To clarify, our exploration relies on ancient music treatises and enduring musical genres that continue to captivate enthusiasts. What emerges is that Malashree is not merely a tune; it is a vital component of a complex and highly structured melodic performance known as a raga, a tradition that has endured for centuries.
One of the venerable musical traditions where Malashree finds its voice is within the realm of Dapha music, cherished by the Newars. Dapha, a form of devotional music, resonates through the alleys and squares of the traditional Kathmandu Valley settlements. For the fortunate few, glimpses of hand-written song books may surface, where lyrics are inscribed in black ink, and the names of ragas and talas in red. Some lyrics even bear references to Newar Malla kings, signaling their practice during the Malla reign. In contemporary times, most Dapha groups prefer digital printout versions.
Intriguingly, while the festival of Dashain lasts a mere ten days, Dapha singers celebrate Raga Malashree for an entire month during the eleventh Newar month, known as Yenla (local vernacular, September-October). This suggests that Raga Malashree holds a seasonal significance, performed by Newars at specific times of the year within the Kathmandu Valley.
Conversely, Raga Malashree can be readily observed in Newar and other ragamala paintings, which visually represent musical modes and extend across the Indian subcontinent. Another significant source showcasing Raga Malashree is the carya tradition of Buddhist tantric ritual music and dance. In carya, much like Dapha, songs are entwined with melodies rooted in the Indian subcontinent's raga and tala system.
Delving deeper into the history of this tune, despite regional variations in pronunciation, such as Malasri, Marsri, and more. Yet, in Sangitaratnakar by Sarngadeva, the spelling Malavsri is employed, which describes the tonal approach required for performing this tune.
There is substantial evidence that supports the existence of Raga Malavsri dating back to prehistoric times and thus not just a tune. A comprehensive comparative study might further illuminate its origin and legacy.
References:
1. Nepal, Bigyesh. (2019). "Malashree: A Continuity of a Tradition." Unravelling Nepal.
2. Nepal, Bigyesh. (2019). "Ragas of the Kathmandu Valley: The Change in Meaning and Purpose." NJMR.
3. Wegner, Gert-Matthias. (2023). "Drumming in Bhaktapur: Music of the Newar People of 4. Nepal." Heidelberg University Publishing.
5. Widdess, Richard (2013). "Dapha: Sacred Singing in a South Asian City." Ashgate.
6. Widdess, Richard. "Implicit Raga Knowledge in the Kathmandu Valley."
7. Wegner, G. M. & Widdess, R. "Musical Miniature from Nepal: Two Newar Ragamalas."
8. Sharma, P. L. & Shringy, R. K. (2007). "Sangitaratnakara of Sarngadeva: Sanskrit Text and English Translation with Comments and Notes." Munshiram Manoharlal Publisher Pvt Ltd.
9. th-cam.com/video/1rD22kz-b5c/w-d-xo.html
If you wish to explore this topic further in a detailed video, please leave a comment.
Structure of the Rhythm/Composition:
1. Tala Astra (10-beat cycle)
2. Tala Jati (7-beat cycle)
3. Tala Cho (4-beat cycle)
4. Dyahlyahgu (first half 4 beats and second 7 beats also known as Partal)
Melody collected, rearranged, and performed by Bigyesh Nepal.
Rhythm rearranged according to the melody and performed by Abhaya Krishna Shrestha.
Flute accompaniment by Sabin Maharjan.
We extend our gratitude to Shyamantak Music Scholarship and all our subscribers for their appreciation of our work.
We would also like to thank Sijan Maharjan for teaching us the Dapha khi (drums) repertoire, Guruji, Sujina Bajracharya, Family & Friends, and Kathmandu University Department of Music.
Subscribe for more captivating videos.
Thank you.