On a serene morning atop the small hill of Silli in Ranchi, our team arrived with eager anticipation, carrying equipment and a shared curiosity to witness the beauty of Tussu, a traditional folk art form of Jharkhand. What unfolded was nothing short of magical—a performance by a talented group led by the remarkable Ashar Queri. Clad in simple vests, dhotis, and adorned with colorful ribbons tied around their heads, wrists, legs, and instruments, the group exuded simplicity and authenticity. Their vibrant attire matched the energy of their songs, a vibrant blend of life, culture, and tradition.
As we set up our wireless recording equipment, Ashar Queri shared his story with us. A native of Hajam, a small village in Jharkhand, Ashar spoke with pride about his dual identity as a farmer and a folk singer. For generations, his family has been both tillers of the soil and preservers of their community’s music. Ashar learned the art of singing from his father and grandfather, who instilled in him the importance of keeping alive the vanishing folk songs of their village.
“My family has always encouraged me to sing,” Ashar recounted, his voice filled with emotion. “Now, my son has taken up singing as well. It’s our way of keeping our roots alive.”
As we prepared for the recording, Ashar’s voice soared through the hilltop, carrying the poignant lyrics of a Tussu song:
Nadi pare diya na maa vida
Don’t get me married off across the river
Suine pran uthe more kaandiya
Whenever I think about this, I feel so sad
Nadi paare dile biyah jay yadi maa
If you marry me off across the river
Mariya khabar dite deri habe
I wouldn’t get any news from you
The song encapsulated the deep emotional connection to family and community, a sentiment that defines much of Jharkhand’s folk music.
The group accompanying Ashar was made up of humble, joyous individuals who embodied the spirit of simplicity. Music was not just an art form for them; it was an integral part of their lives. They approached their craft with enthusiasm and curiosity, marveling at the variety of equipment we had brought along. For most of them, this was the first time they were experiencing their songs being recorded professionally.
Their excitement reached its peak when we played back their recorded tracks. Listening to their own voices captured in pristine clarity was a moment of pure joy for them—a moment they would cherish forever. Ashar and his group had never heard their music as an audio recording before. As the melody of their voices filled the air, it was as if the dying village songs they had preserved were given a new lease of life.
The music of Tussu is deeply rooted in the themes of human life, nature, and spirituality. Another song they performed spoke of the fleeting nature of life and the futility of ego:
Gelo bela aree bhola mann
Oh innocent mind, the time has gone by
Oo re tor brethare maanus janam
Your birth as a human being has been wasted
Ahankaare andhkare din gelo tor akaran
You have spent your life in ego and darkness
The words carried a universal message of introspection, urging listeners to live with humility and purpose. Through these songs, the group not only entertained but also conveyed the profound wisdom of their ancestors.
The tradition of Tussu, much like many other folk art forms, faces the threat of extinction in today’s fast-paced, modern world. These songs, passed down orally through generations, are in danger of being lost forever as younger generations gravitate toward contemporary music and lifestyles.
Ashar and his group represent a small but vital effort to keep this heritage alive. Their performances, though limited to local festivals, marriages, and occasional community gatherings, serve as a beacon of hope for the survival of Tussu. However, their journey is far from easy. With just one or two shows a month, their earnings are often unpredictable. There are times when they perform without any financial compensation, driven solely by their passion for the art.
The songs of Tussu are not just melodies; they are bridges connecting the past with the present. Celebrating life’s milestones and festivals like Baisakhi (Besoa) and Lohri (Khichdi), these performances carry the ethos of the Gaadi community and Jharkhand’s vibrant culture. Instruments like the Dholak, Ghartaal, and Kaansi add rhythm and soul to their songs, creating an atmosphere that is both festive and reflective.
The songs’ catchy and soulful melodies have a way of drawing listeners in, compelling them to sway to the rhythm. For Ashar and his group, every performance is a celebration of life, an opportunity to share their art with the world, and a chance to connect with their audience on a deeply emotional level.
Recording Ashar and his group was not just a project for us; it was a transformative experience. It allowed us to witness firsthand the profound impact of music as a medium of cultural preservation and emotional expression. The joy on their faces when they heard their voices played back for the first time is a testament to the importance of supporting and documenting such traditions.
As Ashar dreams of taking his village songs to a wider audience, we hope that this effort to record and promote their music will help keep Tussu alive for future generations. By sharing their art with the world, we can ensure that the melodies of Silli’s hills continue to echo far and wide, reminding us of the beauty and simplicity of life rooted in tradition.
Folk music like Tussu is more than entertainment; it is a living archive of culture, history, and community. In the small hill of Silli, Ashar Queri and his group are not just performers—they are custodians of a rich heritage. Their songs carry the stories of their ancestors, the values of their community, and the spirit of their land. Supporting such artists and their craft is not just an act of cultural preservation; it is a celebration of the human spirit. As long as there are voices like Ashar’s, the timeless essence of folk traditions will continue to thrive, reminding us of our shared humanity.
