Jantsar (Kaithi: 𑂔𑂢𑂹𑂞𑂮𑂰𑂩; Devanagari: जंतसार; IAST: jāṃtasār) are a type of Bhojpuri folk songs sung by women while by grinding something in a hand-mill made of stone (jāṃtā).[1] These songs describe the hard and painful labour undergone by women who grind Wheat in heavy Grinding wheel.[2] These songs are considered as the labour songs in Bhojpuri folk culture as they are sung while doing labour. The labour songs sung by women (i.e. Jatsaar) are different from that of men. These songs are sweet and full of pathos. They are sung to a characteristic melody which fits well with the movement of the mill.[3]

Name edit

Jantsar (jāṃtasāra) is composed of two words: jāṃt and sār. Jant is the name of the grinding wheel on which wheat is ground and sar means house or place. Thus, it refers to the songs that are sung in the room in which wheat is ground.[2]

Types edit

Jantsar songs can be categorized on the basis of quality and quantity of the wheat viz. Chhatkahi, Pavahi, Serahi, Duserahi, Teen-Serahi, Paserahi.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ Boodhoo, Dr Sarita (2023-01-19). Geet Gawai (Bhojpuri Folk Songs in Mauritius): Geet Gawai (Bhojpuri Folk Songs in Mauritius) by Boodhoo, Dr. Sarita: Preserving the Rich Cultural Heritage of Bhojpuri Music in Mauritius. Prabhat Prakashan. ISBN 978-93-95386-74-6.
  2. ^ a b c Narayan, Badri (2016-11-03). Culture and Emotional Economy of Migration. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-315-44803-9.
  3. ^ Deva, Indra (1989). Folk Culture and Peasant Society in India. Rawat. ISBN 978-81-7033-074-5.