বড়ু চণ্ডীদাসের ‘শ্রীকৃষ্ণকীর্তন’ কাব্যে লোকশিল্প ও শিল্পী : প্রসঙ্গ নাবিক ও বংশীবাদক কৃষ্ণ/ Folk-Arts and artisans in the poetry ‘Sri-Krishna-Kirttana’ of Baru Chandidas Context: Boatman and flute singer ‘Krishna’

Abstract

In poetry ‘Sri-Krishna-Kirttana’ of Baru Chandidas there are many references of different races of artisans, such as, ‘Potter’, ‘Teli’ (Oil presser), the Napit (Barbar), ‘Jhalia’ (enchanter), ‘Badia’ (Serpent-player) ‘Bauri’ (palanquin bearer), ‘Bagdi’ or Dhibar (Fisherman), ‘Hari’ (Sweeper), ‘Dom’ (Drummer, Cremator, Basket maker), ‘Majhi’ (Boatman) etc. In his poetry has been delineated the life of these socially backward classes - their art and craft, their belief and faith, their culture, food habit, clothes, religion and rituals-in a word their total way of life. The poetry abounds with various types of Folk-Arts. Among those Boat, Umbrella, Necklace and Flute are noteworthy. Besides around the neck of ‘Radha’, the heroine of the poetry, are adorned many ornaments, such as, the necklace of ‘Gajamoti’, the necklace of ‘Ulapuspa’, ‘Sutahaar’ (chain-like-necklace), ‘Satesari’ or Saptakanthi haar. Her head is coronated with gold crown, her ears with ear-rings studded with diamond, her arms with ‘Kankan’ (bangles) ‘Bahuri’, ‘Angad’, ‘Balaya’ ‘Keur’ ‘Churi’, her legs with ‘Nupura’ (anklet) ‘Pasali’ etc. All those ornaments have enhanced the beauty of ‘Radha’. While going to peddle curd and milk in village fair she is ornated with gold bracelet and ‘Ghari’ (silver wrist watch). Moreover ‘Radha’ has beautified herself with many garlands of sweet scented flowers, such as, ‘Malati’, ‘Chanpa’, ‘Kanar’, ‘Gulal’, ‘Chholanga’, ‘Khadir’, ‘Langa’ etc. She is also dressed ‘Pattabastra’ (in clothe made of jute) the end of ‘Sharee’ is embroidered with silk. The hero of the poetry ‘Krishna’ is also orneted in many ways. He has worn diamond studded gold ear-rings in his ears; his arms, decorated with wild flowers, gold bangles and Angad. His legs are orneted with ‘Magarkharu’ and ‘Nupura’. He had worn the necklace of ‘Gajamoti’ around his neck. In the episode of ‘Nouka’ boat is the prime Folk-Art. The hero ‘Krishna’ is a master boatman. In the episode of ‘Chhatra’ umbrella is a wonderful Folk-Art. In ‘Haarkhanda’, Haar or necklace and in ‘Bangshikhanda’ the flute are also the wonderful Folk-Arts. The poet has compared the hair of ‘Barai’ (another character) to ‘Sweth Chamar’ (Yak-tail-fan) The ‘Dom’ makes baskets with bamboo or cane. The ‘Pashyatohar’ (goldsmith) makes ornament with gold. These artisans are the creators, followers and saviors. The poet Baru Chandidas has magnified the beauty of his poem by using these Folk-Arts.