Folk music icon Malini Awasthi’s acclaimed book, ‘Chandan Kiwad,’ has reached its fourth edition, with its recent release celebrated in Delhi. This literary work, a testament to Awasthi’s decade-long experience as a columnist, delves deep into the origins and evolution of folk songs. It took the celebrated singer two and a half years to meticulously craft this exploration.
Awasthi shared that the book’s central theme is uncovering the roots of folk music: tracing their genesis, identifying their composers, and understanding how these melodies have been passed down through generations. The evocative phrase on the cover, “Guiyā̃ Darwajwa Mein Thāṛī Rahūn,” is a direct nod to its musical soul, originating from a traditional Banaras thumri, underscoring Awasthi’s inability to conceive of writing without a musical undercurrent.
‘Chandan Kiwad’ brings to life the narratives of everyday women, depicting scenes of a mother engaged in reading, sewing, and singing. Awasthi, a seasoned performer with over 40 years on stage, described how certain song characters began to feel tangible and real to her over time. She aims to draw in readers fascinated by culture and heritage, with this phrase serving as an invitation to explore these profound connections. Music enthusiasts are assured of a rich experience, with Awasthi highlighting a chapter dedicated to the popular composition ‘Mat Ja Mat Ja Jogi’ in Raag Bhairavi. The book also offers insights into the traditions of jogis, the Nath lineage, and the significant influence of Guru Gorakhnath. Furthermore, Awasthi touches upon Amir Khusro’s poignant composition, “Kahe Ko Byahi Bides O Lakhia Babul More,” which beautifully captures a daughter’s farewell from her paternal home. With 27 chapters, ‘Chandan Kiwad’ represents the culmination of Awasthi’s multifaceted musical, literary, and scholarly pursuits, suggesting that each generation discovers its own resonant stories within these timeless folk melodies.