Musician Shruthi Vishwanath chanced upon a translation of abhangs (folk poems) by the women of the Warikari community during her research of folk and mystical music. “The direct nature of the language of these poems drew me to them. And sadly, many of the struggles they talk about are mirrored in today’s society also,” she says. She decided to study and set these poems to music. The Pune-based artiste performs them at the upcoming event, Songs of the Women Warikari Poets.
The Warikari community was born out of a movement started in the 13th century by Saint Gnyaneshwar. The aim of the community was to spread the Bhakti movement in the regions of Northern Karnataka and Maharashtra. “The community still exists,” Shruthi says, adding, “But these poems are no longer part of their oral traditions, they only exist in print.”
The themes of these poems that Shruthi will be performing are rebellious in nature. She gives us an example of a verse by poet Janabai that talks about how the poetess wants to walk with her head uncovered, even though it is against social custom. Another poem by Soyrabai, questions the concept of caste and purity. “All these poems have themes of dissent and defiance,” Shruthi says.
At the event, Shruthi will be accompanied by Hitesh Dhutia on the guitar and Vinayak Netke on the tabla. They will be performing a rendition of six to seven poems from Shruthi’s body of work, which comprises over 25 pieces.
Entry by RSVP. February 28, 7.30 pm. At The Park
Bangalore, MG Road
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