Anand's Book Launch Explores Music, Spirituality, and Anti-Caste Resistance Through Kabir's Legacy

January 21, 2025
Anand's Book Launch Explores Music, Spirituality, and Anti-Caste Resistance Through Kabir's Legacy
  • Kabir's influence is evident in modern society, with his verses appearing in various forms, including textbooks and memes, and he enjoys a cult status among youth, as seen in events like the Kabir Festival in Mumbai.

  • Anand honors the legacy of Baba Behram Khan, a Dhrupad maestro, whom he regards as the 'Babasaheb of music' for his efforts in democratizing music education.

  • Anand pondered what Kabir's role would be in contemporary society, questioning whether he would adapt to modern platforms or remain true to his roots.

  • Anand, an Indian author and Dhrupad singer, recently launched his book 'The Notebook of Kabir: Thinner than Water, Fiercer than Fire' at the India Habitat Centre, delving into themes of music, spirituality, and anti-caste resistance.

  • His journey with music began with disillusionment towards the Brahminical framework of Carnatic music, but he found renewed inspiration through Kabir's teachings in 2013.

  • In his exploration, Anand recognizes the Bhakti tradition and the contributions of poets like Chokhamela, Gorakhnath, and Namdev, who challenged caste hierarchies with their truths.

  • Chokhamela, an untouchable laborer from Maharashtra, faced significant caste barriers while attempting to access the Vithoba temple, living in quiet resistance and composing critiques of the caste system.

  • Despite being barred from the temple he revered in Pandharpur, Chokhamela's devotional poetry left a lasting impact, as he ultimately passed away just outside its doors.

  • During his performance, Anand sang Chokhamela's verses, which boldly denounce the taint of sacred texts and the caste system, creating a powerful atmosphere.

  • Anand also performed on the tanpura, highlighting the legacies of poets like BR Ambedkar, Kabir, and Chokhamela, linking their works to music as an act of rebellion.

  • His performance included verses by Gorakhnath that critique ritualistic practices, emphasizing the necessity for purity in spiritual pursuits.

  • Anand illustrates in his book how Kabir transcended the limitations of his time, becoming a universal figure whose words resonate across cultures and generations.

  • He challenges the notion of an 'authentic' Kabir, arguing that all music and poetry are influenced by the voices that came before them.

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