Ugabhoga

"Ugabhogas" ( in Kannada) are melody based compositions that are reminiscent of vachanas (Kannada poetry that originated in 12th century). Like 'suladis' and 'kirtanes', 'ugabhogas' were produced and popularised by the Haridasa movement during early 15th CE. [Kannada Chapter, Medieval Indian Literature, An Anthology (1997) by Shiva Prakash H. S., edited by Ayyappapanicker, Sahitya Akademi ISBN 8126003650. pp. 193-194]

History

The "ugabhoga" is an important starting part of "kriti", or composition, which Sri Purandara Daasa introduced in the 15th century. In compositions with "Ugabhoga", a combination of couplets to suit the mood of the main composition is rendered at the beginning. Most "ugabhogas" were written and composed by Purandara Daasa and Kanaka Dasa in the Kannada language during the 15th century.

Current status

"Ugabhogas" are attractive for those who may not understand the nuances of raga as they pay attention to meaningful lyrics. The lyrics of "ugaabogas" are typically either devotional or philosophical in nature. They are rendered sometimes with rhythm (tala) similar to alap with tala in Hindustani music. In the modern era (around the 1950s), its popularity was revived in Carnatic music concerts by prominent performers such as M. L. Vasanthakumari of Tamil Nadu. Leading artists such as Sudha Ragunathan, [ Purandaradasar Krithis By Sudha Ragunathan, CD AVM C-1016/C-1017, Bharat Film Distributors, Chennai(1995)] Vidhyabhusana, [Shri Vidyabhushana, Archived Lecture on Devotional Krithis in Kannada of Haridasa Tradition, http://www.itsdiff.com/Kannada.html KZSU Stanford University 90.1 FM radio show(2007)] and M. S. Sheela [http://www.musicalnirvana.com/carnatic/ms_sheela.html] have sung this form too.

References