Forgotten yet not lost, Bengali Children's Songs and pioneer their Japamala Ghosh

   

Soumita Saha: In the golden era of the 1950s and 60s, Bengali rhyme songs, fondly known as "Chhorar Gaan," captivated the music industry. These melodies, crafted for children, often adapted popular Bengali rhymes into delightful tunes aimed at education and entertainment. As cassettes gained popularity among parents, poets and composers responded by creating an enchanting world of children's music. This burgeoning industry began to flourish, rivaling the dominance of contemporary Bengali music genres such as Adhunik Bangla and traditional classics like Rabindra Sangeet, Atul Prasad, and Rajanikanto Sen.

For many who grew up in the 90s, the name Antara Chowdhury, the prodigious daughter of Salil Chowdhury, conjures memories of her enchanting performances as a child artist. Yet, the origins of Chhorar Gaan trace back to an earlier pioneer: Japamala Ghosh. Though her name may not be as widely recognized today, Ghosh's contributions laid the foundation for this beloved genre. Her dedication to crafting songs for children helped to spark a cultural movement, intertwining education with melody and shaping the musical landscape of Bengal for generations to come.

 Any Bengali in their 70s would recognize the name Japamala Ghosh. Even if her name escapes them, her iconic song "Jhuti Bandha Kakatua" is an indelible part of their childhood soundtrack. Tunes like "Hottomalar Deshe" and "Katum Kutum Buro" evoke memories of an era when the radio was the primary source of entertainment, and children eagerly awaited the beloved "Shishumahal" broadcast on Kolkata Akashvani.

Coming from a culturally rich Bengali family, Ghosh received training in Indian classical music and Bhajans. Her marriage to Advocate Kamal Ghosh brought her immense support. Her first record, released by Hindusthan Records, and subsequent releases from Columbia Records, cemented her status in Bengali rhyme songs. Children adored her, and her popularity soared, transcending borders. She performed internationally, enchanting young audiences worldwide with her soulful renditions. Japamala Ghosh's legacy remains a testament to the timeless appeal of Chhorar Gaan and her unmatched contribution to children's music.

For '90s kids who grew up believing film music was the be-all and end-all, it might sound like a fairytale that the 2010s sparked a curiosity about earlier musical landscapes. Imagine the wonder of discovering that the 1960s had an entire industry dedicated to children's music with an educational twist. "Chhorar Gaan" helped kids learn rhymes, creating a distinct genre where new rhymes were composed and sung to delight little ones.

Japamala Ghosh, a pioneer in the realm of Bengali children's music, soared to fame with enchanting hits like "Jhuti Bandha Kakatua." This whimsical tune, alongside Hemanta Mukherjee's "Lal Jhuti Kakatua," captivated the hearts of young listeners with its charming avian theme. Ghosh's illustrious career, boasting over 150 records and cassettes, left an indelible mark on the genre.

Starting my musical journey early, I once found myself requested by an elderly gentleman to sing Ghosh's "Jhuti Bandha Kakatua." In my youthful innocence, I mistakenly sang "Lal Jhuti Kakatua." The kind man forgave my error, underscoring Ghosh's enduring legacy despite occasional confusion with her avian-themed peers.

Following this encounter, my mother divulged a remarkable family secret: our connection to Japamala Ghosh. My mother's grandfather spent his youth in Rangoon before moving to Bangladesh. Japamala Ghosh's grandmother and my mother's grandmother were sisters, making her a distant aunt I never had the privilege to meet. She passed away in 1999 while I was still in school. However, I was fortunate to meet Mr. Kamal Ghosh, Japamala's husband, and receive his blessings.

 Few articles and evidences exist on the luminous singer Japamala Ghosh, leaving children and music enthusiasts of this generation with scant resources to explore her incredible journey and contributions to Chhorar Gaan. Despite this, Bengali children's music experienced a revival with Antara Chowdhury's rise to fame. Today, the genre teeters on the brink of yet another renaissance, poised to enchant a new generation with its timeless charm.