কবি গান/Kobi Gaan

The video is a documentary on the folk performance form of Bengal called Kobi Gaan. In this folk art form, poets or kobiwals perform their poetry in the form of a song. It includes a verbal duel between two poets who debate and argue on a particular subject on the basis of logical reasoning. Both pre-composed songs and extempore compositions are part of the performance. It is said to have emerged in the 18th century. It was the fusion of various art forms from different parts of Bengal like the tarja, panchali, tappa, kirtan, danra kavigan, basa kavigan etc. The duel of songs known as tappa is based on logical analysis of a topic and the knowledge of a poet along with his skills in rhyme and rhythm is really put to test. The themes for the Kobi Gaan are usually taken from the religious texts of the Hindus and Muslims. There are many Kobiwals at present who are still enriching this unique folk form in the villages of Bengal.