Songbird
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At 80, Prem Singh continues to be a dedicated proponent of Arthavani, the Banjara folk oral tradition of narrating myths Rishikesh Bahadur Desai
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Prem Singh Chensingh Rathod is very proud of his moustache. “If people don’t recognise my singing, they will at least notice my moustache,” he says with a smile.
This 80-year-old man from Bagadal Tanda in Bidar taluk is a writer, singer and social activist. Most importantly, he is the only living exponent in the district of “Arthavani”, the Banjara folk oral tradition of narrating myths. It is a mi
xture of songs and religious lectures.
His songs are the highlight of any function organised by the Banjara community in north Karnataka and Hyderabad Karnataka. He performs during festivals and village fairs. His troupe also travels to Andhra and Maharashtra for performances.
His voice has a distinct character. It has a booming resonance and does not need a microphone. Going by the clarity and pitch of his voice, no one can guess his age. Prem Singh has an elephantine memory. He can go on singing for hours without referring to notes or books.
The Arthavani mostly contains episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and about the valour of Banjara heroes who died fighting to protect wild life or save the honour of their women. He also narrates stories and legends of Kings and Queens from Haldi Ghati and Bundelkhand in Rajastan and Gujarath.
Though, at the outset, they seem like songs meant for just children, they have very important lessons for adults too.
Prem Singh pauses as he sings and explains the concepts. He dwells for long on the concept of human values and the need for peace. He urges the youth to live in harmony with people of different caste and religions groups.
He uses modern ideas and popular metaphors to explain ancient beliefs and customs. He speaks on the need to plant trees and save wild life. He also urges parents to educate girls.
Prem Singh studied up to seventh standard. He speaks Kannada, Lambani and Urdu. He served as a police informer during the Hyderabad Nizam’s kingdom. He retired as a Dalpathi in the police department.
With Prem Singh’s efforts, there is no fear of the Arthavani art becoming extinct. He has already trained 12 boys and girls in the art. He has also published Banjara Geeth Mala, a book of songs, prayers and stories of Gods and Kings. Every Thursday, he sings in the Seva Lal temple in the Bagdal Tanda. The performance goes on till midnight and the Tanda comes alive with his songs.
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