Chalant: Jaanbaaz Kishtwari’s Unique Singing Style

(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)

Kishtwar, a region nestled in the Jammu province of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), is celebrated for its rich history and vibrant contributions to spiritual, literary, and fine art traditions. This area has cultivated a unique cultural identity through its synthesis of influences from both the Jammu and Kashmir regions, with a notable inclination towards the latter.

Among the notable figures of Kishtwar, Ghulam Nabi Dolwal, widely known as Jaanbaaz Kishtwari, stands out as a true renaissance man. His journey began in Dolwal village, from where he would rise to leave an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Kishtwar. Wali Mohammad Aseer, an esteemed scholar in Kashmiri literature, meticulously documented Jaanbaaz Kishtwari’s life and contributions in a monograph published by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, in 2014. According to Aseer, Jaanbaaz Kishtwari (Dolwal) was the fifth-generation resident of Kishtwar, tracing his lineage back to Rehman Joo, who migrated from Vessu (Anantnag) to Dol village. This migration, and the subsequent move to Kishtwar, likely took place in the early part of the twentieth century.

From a young age, Ghulam Nabi Dolwal displayed a natural talent for singing and dancing, excelling in both disciplines. His innate abilities were further nurtured by the great poet Rasa Javedani of Bhaderwah, who regularly organized singing mehfils (gatherings) in his area. This mentorship fostered a profound bond between the two cultural giants, allowing Dolwal to hone his skills and expand his artistic horizons.

Pioneer  of “Chalant”

Jaanbaaz Kishtwari’s multifaceted talent as a poet, writer, and musician converged to create a unique legacy. His most significant contribution was the development of Chalant, a distinct singing style rooted in the folk traditions of the region. This innovative form of singing, characterized by its intricate details and emotive power, transcended geographical and temporal boundaries. Critics and audiences alike were captivated by Jaanbaaz Kishtwari’s Chalant, often comparing its profound impact to the ecstatic verses of Omar Khayyam.

Bashir Bhaderwahi, an eminent intellectual from Bhaderwah, provides further insight into the Chalant style in his monograph published by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages. On page 39, Bhaderwahi suggests that Chalant may have origins in the ancient musical and dance traditions of the Doda and Kishtwar regions, areas historically inhabited by the Nagas. He draws parallels between Chalant and the Kud dance, a vibrant reflection of these ancient traditions. Through his revival and enhancement of Chalant, Ghulam Nabi Dolwal breathed new life into a tradition that had been dormant for hundreds of years, imbuing it with contemporary relevance and appeal.A Man of Harmony

Beyond his artistic achievements, Jaanbaaz Kishtwari was a man of progressive values. He passionately believed in the unity of all religions and championed the principles of coexistence and mutual respect. His poetic expressions beautifully encapsulated this philosophy:

Somebody calls Him Ram, Another Rehman
One calls Him Shyam and Another Subhan
One calls Him Krishna and Another Yazdan
One Allah and Another Bhagwan

In our modern age, figures like Jaanbaaz Kishtwari are rare and precious. Their contributions to cultural and spiritual life are invaluable, deserving of our utmost appreciation and protection, akin to the care we bestow upon the most precious jewels.