Preface To 'Gurmat Sangit Terminology' By Gurnam Singh

The pride of introducing Gurmat sangit tradition of Sikh music was a great academic challenge for Punjabi University, Patiala. The academia and patrons of Gurmat sangit from all over the world have encouraged in the establishment of this nouveau subject. After the establishment of Gurmat sangit Chair (2003 ), the Department of Gurmat sangit (2005) was established for the teaching of the under-graduate and post-graduate classes in various streams of Sikh music.

The fundamental reference sources for the research and teaching of Gurmat sangit tradition in Sikh music were insufficient. So to fulfil this objective, Punjabi University in the form of various research projects initiated the publishing of Gurmat sangit Literature. The process of development of sources for the purpose of research and teaching was even more challenging in comparison to the development of this musical tradition established from years, along with its propagation at every level and creating attractive and fruitful employment opportunities in this field. Preserving and reviving the singing and playing styles of all the Ragas in Guru Granth Sahib were prescribed as subjects of study. Along with it, the initiation of the preparation and publication of the textual material was done for the easy access to teachers and students. This research project of Gurmat Sangit Terminology is also an integral part of these efforts.

The collection, illustration and prescription of the Gurmat Sangit Terminology was a long and tough academic task, which is resolved into its final form with the years of hard work by the dedicated team of scholars. To establish the independent recognition of Gurmat sangit, a creative and analytical process of its comparison with the contemporary music traditions was a part of this research project. As the primary form of collection of Gurmat sangit Terminology, the theoretical and practical sources were collected. The efforts by the earlier scholars in this field proved guiding and helpful to us, for which we will always be indebted to them. The technical terminology prevalent in the practical tradition from centuries was arranged by organizing various Gurmat sangit workshops in which various scholars and experts in this field took part.

In these workshops, a team of scholars and advisory board including Bibi Jasbir Kaur Khalsa, S. Surinder Singh 'Singh Bandhu', Professor Kartar Singh, Dr. Jagir Singh, Dr. Jasbir Singh Sabar and Dr. Gurnam Singh (Editor-in-Chief) after long analytical discussions provided new dimensions to the theoretical perspectives of Gurmat sangit. Dr. Jasbir Kaur, Dr. Harjas Kaur, Dr. Kanwaljit Singh, Dr. Varinder Kaur, Dr. Harminder Kaur, Dr. Rupinder Kaur and S. Gurdev Singh on the theoretical and practical aspects; Dr. Devinder Kaur, S. Amandeep Singh, Sh. Ali Akbar, S. Jabarjang Singh and S. Amrinder Singh on Indian music and the string instruments tradition of Gurmat Sangeet; while Dr. Kanwaljit Singh, Ustad Kulwinder Singh, Sh. Arun Kumar Jha and Dr. Murli Manohar regarding percussion instruments, worked hard to finalize the various entries of the terminology. Under the leadership of Dr. Gurnam Singh, a team of editors and technical staff prepared the manuscript in English, Punjabi and Hindi languages. Dr. Varinder Kumar, Dr. Nitu Kaushal, Dr. Rittu, Ms. Sonia and Ms. Dipti Dhir and Dr. Anurag Singh have given special assistance.

The first edition of Gurmat Sangit Terminology by a team of scholars has been finalized with the objectives to make it easily adaptable and explicit in the application for research and teaching of Gurmat san git. The terminology is strictly based on the theoretical and practical vocabulary of vocal and instrumental tradition of Gurmat san git. The selection and collection of terms instead of being colloquial has been scientifically finalized. In this process, the particular music terms from Guru Granth Sahib and Indian music have been selected which have directly been assimilated in the contemporary Gurmat san git tradition excluding the individuals and places related to the tradition. Another parameter for the selection in case of any synonymy and repetition, the terms adopted are easily accessible and close to the Gurmat tradition. The spellings have been standardized according to the dictionaries published by Punjabi University, Patiala. For the terminology of Guru Granth Sahib, Gurmat Martand (Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Amritsar), Sikh Rehat Maryada (Shirornani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Amritsar), Mahan Kosh (Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha Language Department, Punjab), Sri Guru Granth Sahib Kosh (Bhai Vir Singh, Singh Brothers, Amritsar), Adi Granth Shabad-Anukramnika (Gurcharan Si ngh, Punjabi University, Patiala), The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism (Harbans Singh, Punjabi University Patiala) and some other prominent authentic Sikh sources have been consulted.

A grand and vast tradition of Gurmat san git has emerged with this collection, preservation and compilation of technical terminology. Along with the basic Ragas of Gurmat san git, many Ragas in Hindustani music commonly used in Gurmat sari git have specially came forth. Similarly, the composers of Shabad Kirtan in Gurmat Sangeet have used some new Ragas for various important aspects, which still have not been included in the Raga tradition of Hindustani music. These composers have used a large number of Talas also. This vast repertoire of Ragas and Talas in Gurmat sari git represent its grandeur. This basic and primary initiation would indeed be helpful for the planning and further teaching and research programs in the academic and Sikh music world.

We are heartily thankful to the honourable Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jaspal Singh for providing kind patronage for the various Gurmat san git projects.

The mutual co-operation of editorial board and staff have successfully accomplished this project and we are thankful to them. We are also thankful to Prof. Dhanwant Kaur, Head Publication Bureau and S. Harjeet Singh for the publication of books. A special UGC grant for the publication under the eleventh five-years planning was provided by Dr. Devinder Singh, Director Planning and Monitoring, whom we are really grateful.

Your valuable suggestions regarding Gurmat Sangit Terminology will always be guiding us. The scholars and musicians in the field of Gurmat sangit made our task easy by giving full co­operation and for this, we are really indebted to them. This humble effort would surely be beneficial for the students and researchers in this field. With this hope, we present Gurmat Sangit Terminology for the use of readers, scholars and musicians in the world of music and Gurmat sangit.