Growing up in a Bengali household, I was immersed in the rich artistic traditions that define our culture. From Indian classical music and poetry to theater and dance, these practices were more than just hobbies—they shaped our identities and connected us to our roots.
The inspiration for these art forms came from both sides of my family. Our grandfathers, each a towering figure in their respective artistic fields, passed down a wealth of knowledge and passion for the arts that remains with my sister and me today.
Music That Moves Us: A Legacy from My Maternal Grandfather
Music was always at the core of our upbringing. My maternal grandfather, a devoted musician and teacher, played a central role in shaping my love for classical music and Rabindra Sangeet. He owned a music school where he trained generations of students in the intricacies of Hindustani classical music and Tagore’s timeless compositions. Under his guidance, I began my formal training in singing, starting with the harmonium—a key instrument in Bengali musical traditions. While I appreciated the beauty and complexity of classical music, my heart was always drawn to the piano. The rich, resonant tones of the 88 keys captivated me, and I have long dreamed of owning one.
My foundation in Indian classical music and Rabindra Sangeet is a gift from my grandfather that I cherish. His teachings instilled in me a deep respect for the power of music to convey emotion and tell stories, and I carry that with me in every musical endeavor.
Over time, I developed a profound fondness for Western classical music, particularly the compositions of the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras. From the works of Bach and Beethoven to Chopin and Debussy, I felt an emotional connection to their music that I couldn’t ignore. I now dream of owning an 88-key piano, and I’m currently saving to make that dream a reality so that I can pursue Western classical piano lessons—a journey that feels both exciting and deeply fulfilling.
This passion for Western classical music is something I often share through my Odin’s Wisdom blog, where I write about my favorite composers, their works, and how their music influences my everyday life.
Poetry and Theater: My Sister’s Journey with Our Paternal Grandfather
On the other hand, my sister found her artistic calling through our paternal grandfather, who was deeply involved in poetry recitation and stage theater. He was a poet himself, often performing his work in recitations and dramatic productions. His passion for the arts was passed down to my sister, who followed in his footsteps, participating in formal poetry recitals and theatrical performances.
Our grandfather’s love for poetry was infectious, and it wasn’t long before we both started dabbling in poetry writing ourselves. Though I didn’t take to performing on stage like my sister, I admired her ability to bring poetry to life. She performed the works of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam with grace and emotion, captivating audiences in various poetry recitals and stage performances. These experiences deepened her bond with our grandfather, whose influence is still felt in her artistic endeavors today.
While my sister excelled in theater and poetry recitation, we both found solace in writing poetry—another gift from our grandfather. The sense of rhythm and emotion in his work became a cornerstone of our understanding of literature and the arts. Even though both of our grandfathers have passed away, their blessings and teachings remain an integral part of who we are. Their legacy lives on in every note we sing, every poem we write, and every story we tell on stage.
The Influence of Classical Dance: My Childhood Friend’s Path
While my sister and I were more involved in music, poetry, and theater, my childhood friend took a different artistic path—classical dance. She dedicated herself to learning Bharatanatyam and Kathak, two of the most revered forms of Indian classical dance. I watched in awe as she mastered the intricate footwork, expressive gestures, and graceful movements that defined these dance forms. Dance, much like music and poetry, demands discipline, and I saw firsthand the commitment required to excel in such a physically and emotionally demanding art.
Her performances were nothing short of mesmerizing. Bharatanatyam, with its sharp, angular postures and storytelling, contrasted beautifully with the fluid elegance of Kathak, where every spin seemed to narrate a different tale. Though I didn’t pursue dance myself, witnessing her devotion and skill gave me a deep appreciation for the art form. It made me realize how varied yet interconnected our cultural pursuits were. Whether through music, poetry, theater, or dance, we all shared a love for expressing stories and emotions that transcend words.
The Rudra Veena: My Sister’s Journey into Instrumental Mastery
Later in life, my sister’s artistic journey took another fascinating turn when she took up learning the Rudra Veena, an ancient and highly revered instrument in Indian classical music. The Rudra Veena is one of the most complex and profound string instruments, associated with the Dhrupad genre, one of the oldest forms of Indian classical music. Known for its deep, resonant notes, the instrument requires immense skill and dedication to master.
Under the guidance of a revered Guruji, my sister honed her abilities over the years, dedicating countless hours to understanding its intricacies. She fell in love with the way the Rudra Veena could produce a range of emotions, from meditative tones to the most intense musical expressions. It was a demanding instrument—physically and mentally—but she embraced its challenges, often referring to it as a spiritual practice. The way her fingers moved gracefully across its large frets, plucking at its strings, was nothing short of mesmerizing.
The Rudra Veena itself has a rich history, traditionally associated with Lord Shiva, and is considered a divine instrument in many schools of thought. Its unique design, with two large gourds as resonators and a long hollow neck, gives it a distinctive sound that reverberates deeply, almost like a voice reaching out from the past. The mastery of this instrument is rare, and my sister’s dedication to it only deepened her connection to our cultural heritage.
Western Classical Music: A New Passion
As much as I value the music and poetry of my heritage, I have also found myself drawn to Western classical music. Over the years, I developed a deep appreciation for the great composers of different eras. I would listen to Bach’s intricate fugues, Beethoven’s powerful symphonies, and Chopin’s delicate piano compositions, and feel transported to a different time and place.
This newfound passion for Western classical music has inspired me to take the plunge into learning the piano, an instrument I’ve admired for years. While the harmonium will always have a place in my musical upbringing, the piano speaks to me in ways I can’t quite describe. I’m saving up for a full 88-key piano, and once I have it, I plan to start taking lessons in Western classical piano—a journey I can’t wait to embark on.
Why It Matters
The artistic influences of my childhood, particularly from my grandfathers and the people around me, have shaped my understanding of creativity and identity. My maternal grandfather’s dedication to music, my paternal grandfather’s love for poetry and theater, my sister’s performances, and my friend’s graceful dance all contributed to my evolving sense of artistry.
What I treasure most about these experiences is how they bridge the traditional and the modern. While my roots are in Indian classical music and literature, my growing love for Western classical piano and modern poetic forms shows that art knows no boundaries. The blessings of our grandfathers remain with us as we continue to explore and express ourselves through these diverse forms of creativity.
Your Turn!
What artistic traditions have influenced you?
Whether it’s music, poetry, dance, or something else, I’d love to hear how your family’s heritage has shaped your creative journey. Share your experiences in the comments below!
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