Lavani ,was loved by the battle-hardened
Maratha soldiers. After a long and tiring day on the battle field, they were
treated with a dose of this song-and- dance form. Some historians believe that
it started in 1560. However, it gained immense popularity during the rule of
the Peshwas.
Lavani songs are often a mixture of traditional
and erotic lyrics sung and performed to the beats of the dholak and other
traditional musical instruments. They are sung by female singers who wear
sarees measuring 3 metres. A typical Lavani song is sung at a fast pace. The
lyrics of the songs range from romance and society to politics
.
There are two forms of this genre—the Nirguni Lavani (philosophical) and the Shringaari Lavani (sensual). The
devotional form of the Nirguni Lavani is popular all over the Malwa region. The
‘Shringaari Lavani’ is a medley of song-and-dance performances by female
performers and is mostly about love. The lyrics are written by male poets. Some renowned Lavani performers of the
present era are Satyabhamabai
Pandharpurkar and Yamunabai Waikar.
Marathi films contributed to the popularity
of this genre among the masses. Films like ‘Pinjara’ and ‘Natarang’ blended
traditional music with social messages. They helped to show it in a positive
manner. Those who earlier thought that Lavani was only an erotic form of entertainment,
now consider it as an art form. Historians feel that Lavani has helped shape
the history of Maharashtra. Lavani is also popular in Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.
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