Lyric and background history of song shanto ha re mamo chitto

Parjaay: Puja (263)

Upa-Parjaay: Aatmabodhan

Taal: Kaharwa

Raag: Jhijhit

Written on: 1896

Swarabitan: 4

Notation by: Kangalicharan Sen

Notes: Marriage of Gehendranath, son of Gaganendranath Tagore was scheduled on 13th March 1904. It was an example of a grand extravaganza. A description by Mohanlal Gangopadhyay, grandson of Abanindranath Tagore, reads -

... It was a practice to present bands of different kinds in those occasions. They used to present music as per their capacity. Most of them were examples of mere cacophony. Gaganendranath did not like it at all. He planned to cut the list short. But his mother Soudamini stood against the move. 'Instead of restrictions you better search for better ones', she said, 'never mind for your budget'.

In order to execute his mother's order Gaganendranath started gathering the parties playing bands. Several parties came up with Dhaak, Dhol, kaansi etc. Another party was called whose leader was one Mr Lebo. Lebo was an Englishman in charge of a renowned English band. This party was an obvious choice for them who could afford the expenditure.

Gagan asked Mr Lebo if he could manage to play Rabindra sangeet with his band. 'How is that possible?' -he exclaimed.

'Each member of the band is provided with a specific notation and they play in accordance. If you can prepare me a notation for your sangeet, I can well give it a try.'

Now the problem was hovering around preparation of the notation.

Again it was Rabindranath who came into rescue. He thought a bit and then assured Gagan - 'Take these two songs, I'll prepare the notations.'

After a while he and a brief thought said - 'Look, mere notations will not serve your purpose. Several instruments in the Lebo's band will play them. It needs to be harmonized. Well, I'll press Bibi for that. Let her do that.'

The two songs he chose were - Shanto hau re ... and Shanti karo barishan ...

Lebo started practicing the songs with the notations prepared by Rabindranath and harmonized by Indira Debi.

Suddenly one day worried Gaganendranath found Lebo marching in with his band party without any prior intimation. He came up and declared - 'This is my party, Mr Tagore. I wish to show you the way we are preparing with the Rabindra songs.' Gagan agreed and summoned everyone at the southern portico and the lawn under it. Lebo's band played the songs for them. Everybody said that it would be undoubtedly a unique thing. Gagan was inclined to surprise the guests and requested all who were present not to divulge the secret.

Then it was the marriage-day. Slowly invited guests started gathering. Prodyotkumar Tagore, Kalikrishna Tagore, Amarendranath Chattopadhyay, Jyotindramohan Tagore, Sourindramohan Tagore and many others were among the guests.

Lebo's band stood in silence. When everybody settled down Gagan winked his eyes at Aban, it's the right time. Aban rushed to deliver the message.

And the band went off. Prodyotkumar was acquainted with Lebo's music. Quiet was his comment -'O' it's Lebo's band!' Gagan grinned at him.

But which Lebo is this! Prodyotkumar was left dumbfounded. It seemed like a newer version of Lebo! What's that he's playing! It sounds like an Indian tune! Later it revealed as Rabindranath's song. Lebo's band playing Rabindra sangeet.

Exited guests applauded aloud as soon as the song was done with. Another song followed, that too was Rabindra sangeet.

How could it be! Now everyone knew it was Gagan who was behind the entire show. ...