Dhadi (music)

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For the related musical instrument, see Dhadd.
A Dhadi Jatha
A Dhadi Jatha (of four dhadis) performing

Dhadi (Punjabi: ਢਾਡੀ (Gurmukhi), Dhādi), also spelled as Dhadhi, is one who sings ballads using Dhadd[1][2][3] and Sarangi,[4] the folk instruments of Punjab. According to Kahn Singh Nabha's Mahan Kosh the definition of dhadhi is "One who sings ballads of warriors playing Dhadd".[1][3] Dhadis are a distinct group performers emerged in the time of Sikh gurus.[2][4][5][6]

The word Dhadi can be translated in English to be a minstrel or bard. The word is used several times in the Sikh religious text, Guru Granth Sahib, in the meaning of humbleness. In his compositions, Guru Nanak Dev Ji called himself a Dhadhi of God.[5][6] The word is also appeared in the writing of the third, fourth and fifth Guru and Bhagat Namdev.[5]

Dhadi refers both to a genre of Punjabi music and the performers who play it: a distinctly composed ensemble of ballad-singers. After briefly sketching the long yet hazy background of the art, this article reconstructs its more certain and recent history so far as it can be gleaned from the oral accounts of living dhadi performers. Taken with evidence of recordings—some of the Punjabi industry’s earliest—and the memories of older audience members, a picture is presented of the dhadi genre in its heyday of the early 20th century. The focus is on the dhadis who performed popular ballads; their prominent personalities, geographical distribution, compositional forms, narrative themes, performance manner, and other aspects of the genre are described. The article concludes with biographical sketches of two contemporary dhadis and a selection of texts of dhadi compositions.

History[]

As the word is used by the Sikh Gurus, it's clear that Dhadis has a history of hundred years.[5] The sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind fostered and promoted the Dhadi art and transformed the tradition from singing the praises of landlords or rulers to sing the praises of the true God.[5] Dhadis were mainly emerged in the time of the sixth Sikh master Guru Hargobind who established the Sikh high court, Akal Takhat, and established Dhadhis to sing the previously composed Gurbani from Guru Granth Sahib.[6][7] Later, the contemporary Dhadis repertoire had broadened to include heroic ballads known as Vaars.[5]

In that age only the lower caste people, i.e. Mirasis, used to sing as the profession was not considered to be noble or respectable for higher classes/castes. While Mirasis were Muslims, Dhadis were not confined to a particular religious affiliation.[6] Guru Hargobind Sahib fostered the Dhadis and refined their repertoire.[2][4][8] Along with singing Gurbani, their songs came to deal with the tales of heroism and valour and was used to entertain as well as to fill the army with warrior's spirit.[2][6] Two Dhadis of that age, Bhai Natha and Bhai Abdulla,[5][8][9] are still remembered with respect. Bhai Abdulla was a gifted poet and used to sing his own compositions in the Guru's court.[2][6]

Dhadi Jatha[]

Dhadi Jatha of Des Raj
A performance by a Dhadi Jatha

Dhadi Jatha (Jatha means 'a team' or a group) is an ensemble or band of Dhadis which usually consists of three or four Dhadis: one Sarangi master/player, two dhadd players and one telling the story by a lecture.[5] The singers sing one by one or together like chorus according to the lyrics.

The Dhadis today are the integral part of Sikh and Punjabi music.[6] The tradition has broadened its repertoire, including religious compositions, heroic ballads, folklores, folk love stories, history, romance and other types of folk songs.[5][6] Normally, the Jathas are known by the leader's name; for example, Dhadi Jatha of Nirmal Singh Noor.

Popularly Known Dhadi Jatha Groups

Dhadi Jatha Jaswant Singh Taan

Sarangi Master Karam Singh

Dhadi Kuldeep Singh

Dhadi Lashkar Singh

Late Dhadi Sohan Singh Seetal

Late Dhadi Pyara Singh Panchi

Late Dhadi Pal Singh Panchi (Son of Pyara Singh Panchi)

Dhadi Daya Singh Dilbar

Dhadi Kuljit Singh Dilbar(Son of Daya Singh Dilbar)

See also[]

  • Folk Instruments of Punjab

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b Nabha, Kahn Singh (1930). Gur Shabad Ratnakar Mahan Kosh (first ed.). Amritsar: Bhai Chatar Singh, Jeewan Singh (later ed.).
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e Hardial Thuhi (2008). Punjabi Lok Dhadi Kala. Unistar Books Pvt. Ltd. ISBN 9788171424849.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b "'Dhadhis' add zing to poll campaign". News in English. Bassi Pathana. The Tribune. January 5, 2012. Retrieved July 22, 2012.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b c Michael Nijhawan (2006). Dhadi Darbar. United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. p. 286. ISBN 9780195679670.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i "Importance of Dhadi tradition". www.esikhs.com. Retrieved 14 Mar 2012.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h "DHADHIS". www.sikh-heritage.co.uk. Retrieved 13 Mar 2012.
  7. ^ "DHAD". www.chandrakantha.com. Retrieved 13 Mar 2012.
  8. ^ Jump up to: a b Bhaura, Ashok (1991). Panjab De Dhadi. Original from the University of California. p. 80.
  9. ^ "About Giani Sant Singh Paras". www.gianisantsinghparas.com. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
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