The Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore was a versatile composer of songs. His versatility as a creator of songs is reflected in the myriad of songs that Geetabitan comprises. From the entire gamut of songs I have deliberately selected 107 songs from Geetabitan, in this volume to translate them into English. At the end of each song I have noted the name of the Raag that the song is based on, the Parjaay that it belongs to and also the year when it was written.
We need to remember that each one of the songs was composed at unique situations and circumstances. Yet we cannot fail to perceive the subtle intricacies of the words, thoughts and ideas revolving round the lyrics of all of them. The songs are categorized into various Parjaays or genres. They are Puja Parjaay, Prem Parjaay and also Prakriti Parjaay. Puja Parjaay songs may be looked upon as hymns or devotional songs where the songs are manifestations of the poet's spiritual perspective at various levels. The sense of spiritualism transpires as we go through the lyric. Consequently it is difficult to assert with conviction what precisely the poet implied while composing them. So it is with the songs that belong to the category of 'Prem parjaay'. Love is not merely an expression or revelation of physical passions. The songs belonging to this category too demand various analysis and interpretation. It has been my humble effort to translate some of the songs. I have tried to explore the meaning of the song as they transpire from the original song that the poet has written. I had a challenging task in sustaining the meaning conveyed through the lyric while trying to rhyme the words the way it has been done in the song in its original version in Bengali. I also concentrated on following the rhyme scheme of the songs that I tried to translate.
Tagore is well known for his voluminous work with an astounding range and depth of perception. Many of his works have been translated by research scholars and erudite connoisseurs of literature across the world. I have embarked on this project deliberately with an objective to reach out to those who are not familiar with the language (Bengali) the great poet has used to pen his songs. Needless to say that each one of the songs from Geetabitan is soaked in myriad of emotions that humanity stands for. That precisely explains why they transcend the barriers of time and place and have such universal appeal.
I have adhered to the rhythmic pattern of the song and in the process, I have incorporated the meaning appropriately in the translated work. The songs are listed alphabetically for the ease of the reader. It is also a great help to those seeking translation of the great work known as Geetabitan. The Bengali songs are sung by the singers from any nook and corner of the world. I also concentrated on following the rhyme scheme of the songs that I tried to translate.
The songs' emotions comprise all shades of human life. It can be coated with thrill and joy. It may sometimes render the most gleeful experience a human can have by observing nature. Sometimes the deep agony and pain that cause havoc in human life are handled with care and depth in his songs. The songs are listed alphabetically. It is also a great help to those seeking translation of the great work known as Geetabitan. The Bengali songs are sung by the singers from any nook and corner of the world. The appeal of the translations will always be there to create a feeling of quest and joy. I have embarked on this project deliberately with an objective to reach out to those who are not familiar with the language (Bengali) the great poet has used to pen his songs. The songs' emotions comprise all shades of human life. It can be coated with thrill and joy. It may sometimes render the most gleeful experience a human can have by observing nature. Sometimes the deep agony and pain that cause havoc in human life are handled with care and depth in his songs.