Borgeet: Ragas of Spirituality

Himangshu Ranjan Bhuyan

(himangshur1989@gmail.com)

Borgeet stands as one of the finest examples of devotional music in Assam’s cultural landscape. Composed by the revered saints and scholars Srimanta Sankardev and Madhavdev, these songs reflect the deep spiritual ethos of the Bhakti movement. With their lyrical beauty and profound themes, Borgeet transcends the boundaries of ordinary devotional songs, emerging as a distinct and sacred tradition in Assamese Vaishnavism. These songs celebrate the divine love of Lord Krishna while offering listeners a sublime experience of spiritual connection.

The term “Borgeet” did not exist during the lifetimes of Sankardev and Madhavdev. While these saint-poets referred to their compositions simply as “geet” or songs, later generations added the prefix “Bor,” meaning great or supreme, to emphasise their extraordinary nature. Thus, Borgeet became recognised as “The Great Song,” a title befitting its spiritual depth and artistic excellence. According to biographical texts, Sankardev’s first Borgeet, “Mana Meri Ram Charanhi Lagu,” was composed during his pilgrimage to Badrikashram around 1515 AD. This song, written in the Dhanshri raga, is believed to mark the beginning of Borgeet’s glorious journey in Assamese devotional music.

The number of Borgeets composed by Sankardev and Madhavdev has been the subject of much debate among scholars. The Charit Puthis, which document the lives of these saints, claim that Sankardev composed 240 songs. However, a devastating fire destroyed most of his works, leaving only 35 songs preserved through oral tradition. Saddened by this loss, Sankardev urged his disciple Madhavdev to compose more devotional songs. Responding to his guru’s command, Madhavdev created 191 Borgeets, of which 182 have been recovered. Together, the compositions of these two saints form a treasure trove of spiritual music, deeply rooted in the cultural and religious life of Assam.

What sets Borgeet apart from other forms of devotional music is its adherence to a strict classical framework while retaining its unique Assamese identity. The ragas used in Borgeet, such as Dhanshri, Shyam, Ahir, and Basant, align with Indian classical traditions but possess distinctive regional variations. Similarly, while some talas, or rhythmic patterns, in Borgeet resemble those in Hindustani music, others are unique to the Sattriya tradition. Renowned musicologists like Birendranath Datta have noted that Borgeet represents a fusion of pan-Indian classical elements and local Assamese traditions, making it a rare and valuable contribution to Indian music.

The use of Brajawali, a hybrid literary language, further enhances the uniqueness of Borgeet. Sankardev and Madhavdev composed these songs in Brajawali, a language derived from Maithili and other eastern dialects, which was widely used during the Bhakti movement. Though not a spoken language, Brajawali gave Borgeet a distinct literary flavour, elevating it above the realm of folk songs. This choice of language, combined with the emotional depth and spiritual intensity of the lyrics, creates an extraordinary listening experience, drawing the audience into a world of divine love and devotion.

Unlike many other devotional compositions, Borgeet maintains a sense of restraint in its themes. The focus is on the spiritual teachings of Vedanta and the divine persona of Lord Krishna. The songs celebrate Krishna’s childhood and universal form, avoiding depictions of romantic love or Shringara rasa, which are often found in other devotional traditions. Even when describing Krishna’s Raasleela, Borgeet emphasises its spiritual significance rather than its romantic aspects. This thematic restraint gives Borgeet a unique purity, enhancing its devotional fervour and spiritual appeal.

In the monastic institutions known as Sattras, Borgeet holds a special place in the daily rituals and prayers. It is traditionally sung at the beginning of every prayer session, with specific ragas assigned for morning and evening performances. The depth of devotion expressed in these songs resonates with the listeners, transforming the ritual into a powerful spiritual experience. The combination of raga, tala, and lyrical beauty creates a profound emotional impact, offering both performers and listeners a glimpse into the divine. Several prominent scholars and literary critics have praised Borgeet for its artistic and spiritual excellence. Maheswar Neog, a leading authority on Assamese culture, described Borgeet as “Assam’s Classical Music,” while Kaliranjan Medhi referred to it as “The Great Song.” Banikanta Kakati compared it to the spiritual poems of the English poet Robert Herrick and called it “Noble Numbers.” These titles reflect the widespread recognition of Borgeet as a unique and valuable cultural heritage of Assam.

The spiritual depth of Borgeet, combined with its classical structure and emotional resonance, ensures its lasting relevance in Assamese culture. It is more than just music; it is a pathway to divine connection and a living testament to the creative genius of Sankardev and Madhavdev. Whether performed in the solemn halls of a Sattra or sung during festivals, Borgeet continues to inspire devotion and awe. Its melodies carry the listener beyond the mundane world, offering solace, peace, and a glimpse of the eternal.

In essence, Borgeet is a harmonious blend of music, poetry, and spirituality. It stands as a beacon of Assam’s rich cultural heritage, embodying the region’s spiritual aspirations and artistic excellence. Rooted in tradition yet timeless in its appeal, Borgeet remains a sacred expression of devotion, celebrating the eternal bond between humanity and the divine.