"Thumri" and "Bajubandh"

As signified by its feminine nomenclature, “thumri” is characterised by a striking note of tenderness and the theme of compositions around it is invariably related to some aspect of human love in a stage of separation or union. The most widely accepted theory regarding the origin of “thumri” is attributed to the royal court of Oudh, especially that of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. It is said that he was so impressed by the renditions of love tuned to this style that “thumri” became the overarching genre of classical music during this regime; this brawny patronage has resulted in the continuation of popularity of the same even today.

Thumri restricts itself to expressing the countless hues of “shringar” by combining melody and words. The musical effect of the thumri is far more dependent on its poetic content. By design, emotional core of a composition is more important. Thus, each syllable and piece revolves around ardent feeling and sensuous sentiments. This also demands a special quality of voice, natural or cultivated, for its proper rendering. The compositions encompass classical singing and dance (particularly Kathak). A delicate heart is also a pre-condition to listening thumris; be sure about that when you think of developing a taste for the same!

Needless to say, Radha, her love, her feelings for her beloved and thoughts engulfing her in her separation have become major themes over the years. Indeed there are many compositions around it. One such famous one is, “Baju Band Khul Khul Jaye”. This signifies the loosening of the baju-bandh (the ornament armlet) of the protagonist, Radha. And the answer to the phenomenon lies in loosing weight, pinned in the thoughts of her beloved.

It has been immortalized by various legends. Do find appended links to some legendary renditions Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpG_1v2sUaU

Ustad Fareed Ayaz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY74M6P5C88

Pt. Ajoy Chakraborty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4ExQFM59oM

Bade Ghulam Ali: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJYq82KaPCw

Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEkfvZ0MtPk

Girija Devi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGSVdIGxmEo&feature=youtu.be

Abida Parveen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nqvbwCzKfM

Jagjit Singh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ox1cvd5Ltvg

Ghulam Ali: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNHRtHDKoSY

?The young generation have also attempted that; notable among them are:

?Sniti Mishra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I_PwolDUEk

?Piu Mukherjee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb1vHBil_QI

The essence remain the same, unconditional love described through ornamental lyrics, apt voice and a tenderly rendition.

Enjoy!