Ramprasad Jiboni o Rochonasomogro
About this text
Introductory notes
The present selections have been made from Satyanarayan Bhattacharya's biography and collection of Ramprasad Sen's compositions, published in 1957 from Calcutta. Ramprasad Sen was noted saint and devotee of Goddess Kali, Ramprasad, an inhabitant of Halisahar, in present day North 24 Parganas in West Bengal, lived during the 18th Century. Ramprasad, who was a poet and composer was patronised by Maharaja Krishnachandra, the zaminder of the Nadia estate. Ramprasad's devotional songs to Goddess Kali, known as 'Ramprasadi' have retained their popularity over two centuries. Ramprasad's compositions and his signature Ramprasadi tunes have subsequently influenced future poets and composers, including Rabindranath Tagore. Ramprasad was witness to the major developments and changes that Bengal underwent during the 18th Century, and these events have left a mark in his compositions.
Ramprasad Sen was deeply affected by Famine of 1770, and the scarcities that rural Bengal experienced during his life time. The songs selected here bear testimony to the sufferings that the people of Bengal underwent during Sen's lifetime.
Selection details
Ramprasad Sen was deeply affected by Famine of 1770, and the scarcities that rural Bengal experienced during his life time. The songs selected here bear testimony to the sufferings that the people of Bengal underwent during Sen's lifetime.
1. Jhijhit Thumri
In this song Ramprasad prays Annada, another form of the mother goddess, for food as he cannot stand his hunger. He points out its the mother who takes care of her child when he or she is hungry. It is the inherent motherly nature, that makes her overlook her children's misdeeds and takes care of the child.
2. Prasadi tune, Tal-Ektal
Ramprasad in this song declares that he does not fear misery. With misery present all around, he considers it better to accept the burden of misery on his own head. Ramprasad draws analogy of himself with a worm carrying the burden of poison that fills the society. Ramprasad feels with misery all around one must be proud of one's misery than one's comfort and bliss.
3. Raga Jayjayanti, Tal-Jat
Ramprasad declares that he resides in Anandamayee, the mother goddess' private estate. In mother goddess' private estate he is not under the compulsion of paying any rent. Where Lord Shiva, is an officiary, he is not required to sign any terms. The chants of "joy Durga" or hail the mother goddess is the only rent that Ramprasad pays to the estate. However, Ramprasad's longing is to take over the estate through his devotion to the mother goddess.
4. Prasadi tune, Tal-Ektal
Ramprasad in this song warns the tax collectors not to scare him. He warns them not to be proud of the izara of lands that they have earned. Ramprasad points out that this land belongs to Lord Shiva, and he has earned his patta from Lord Shiva himself where Mother Brahmamayee(Kali) was present as witness.
5. Prasadi tune, Tal-Ektal
Ramprasad in this song complains to Mother Kali for the disparity all around. While some owns great wealth, others have to lead a hard life to earn their daily meal. Ramprasad observes while some goes around in exotic palaquins, and leave in grand houses, others have to carry heavy burden to earn living and be satisfied with scanty meal. Ramprasad wonder what he harm he has caused to Mother Kali, for also having to lead such a hard life.
6.
Ramprasad complains to Mother Kali for the misery all around. The misery and scarcity have made him an ascetic, a Sannyasi, abandoning his home. Now he will not bother of Mother Kali's love and care, leading the life of a mendicant. Ramprasad wonders how Mother Kali has become an enemy to her children causing suffering owing to scarcity and hunger.
7. Prasadi tune, Tal-Ektal
Ramprasad warns the tax collector, that he doesn't owe him anything. He says that Shyama Kali, the mother goddess is owner of this world, the tax collector is just a mercenary. With goddess Durga to protect him he warns the tax-collector not to be oppressive or forceful.