Sunday, May 19, 2024

Translation and Explanation of the Bhojpuri Kajari Kachori Gali

 

Translation and Explanation of the Bhojpuri Kajari Kachori Gali

 

 

Meta Description: Kachori Gali is the classic Kajari set in Varanasi and written in Bhojpuri. The lyrics have been attributed to the legendary Gauhar Jaan and the Kajari has been sung by Malini Awasthi. Get more Kajaris explained at Bollywood Translations.

 

The Background and Origins of the Kajari Kachori Gali

 

 

The Kajari Kachori Gali is commonly attributed to the renowned singer Gauhar Jaan. Despite her legendary status, no recordings of this particular song have been found among her extant works. However, delving into the narrative of this Kajari reveals an autobiographical essence, emphasizing the importance of understanding the circumstances it portrays.

Gauhar Jaan's prominence flourished during the early 20th century, a period that coincided with the height of the British Raj in India. She stood out as the wealthiest entertainer of her time, largely due to her pioneering decision to allow her voice to be recorded on the gramophone, a practice shunned by many in her profession. Tragically, her life took a dramatic turn when she became entangled with a younger man who deceived her, leading to the loss of her wealth and ultimately leaving her in destitution.

Kachori Gali is a well-known street in Varanasi. Today people flock there to taste the spicy savouries, but a century ago it was where the courtesans held sway. The courtesan’s lover has fled to Mirzapur and is squandering her wealth on other women, leaving the protagonist desolate and bereft of companionship. The lady is hopeful that the cad will return once the funds run out, as he has done several times in the past. However, the British arrest him for revolutionary activities and transport him for life to Rangoon. She is incurably shattered and begins to wither away. Her anguish is so deep that she desires to kill as many of the foreigners as she can, whom she holds responsible for her misfortune.

Kachori Gali As a Bhojpuri Kajari

 

Kachori Gali possesses enough of the quintessential elements of the Kajari genre to warrant its classification within that tradition. Set in Varanasi and making references to Mirzapur, regions from which the Kajari originated, it aligns geographically with its roots. Additionally, being written in Bhojpuri fulfils another crucial criterion for classification.

The central theme of the Kajari, that of a woman yearning for her absent lover, is unmistakably present in Kachori Gali. While it may lack certain traditional embellishments like mentions of "sawan" (monsoon) and "kajal" (kohl), it is worth noting that a Kajari rarely encompasses all elements simultaneously.

The Original Lyrics of the Kajari Kachori Gali

 

Sejiya pe lotey kaalaa naag ho, Kachori Gali soon keilaa balamoo

Mirjapur bhail guljar ho, Kachori Gali soon keilaa balamoo

 

Ehi Mirjapur se udale jahajia, Saiya chale gail Rangoon ho

Kachori Gali soon keilaa balamoo

 

Panavaa se paatar bhail tor dhaniya, dehiya kalelaa jaise noon ho

Kachori Gali soon keilaa balamoo

 

Manavaa ke bedanaa baid na jaane, kalejvaa mein laagal jaise khoon ho

Kachori Gali soon keilaa balamoo

 

Haathva mein hot jo hamare kataria, bahaa deti goravan ke khoon ho

Kachori Gali soon keilaa balamoo

The Literal Translation of Kachori Gali and the Meaning of the Lyrics

 

This literal translation of the Kajari Kachori Gali will give you an idea of the meanings of Bhojpuri words in the lyrics.

 

A black cobra lies on the bed, my lover has left Kachori Gali desolate

Mirzapur has become a garden, my lover has left Kachori Gali desolate

 

The ship has sailed from that Mirzapur And my lover has gone to Rangoon

My lover has left Kachori Gali desolate

 

Your girl has wither from a green leaf to a dried one, and her body has become like salt

My lover has left Kachori Gali desolate

 

No doctor knows the torment of the mind and my heart seems bloodied

My lover has left Kachori Gali desolate

 

If I had a dagger in my hands I would have spilt the blood of the whites

My lover has left Kachori Gali desolate

 

Some of the idioms will still need to be explained because they could not be used in the final transcreation of Kachori Gali.

 

·       sejiya pe lotey kaalaa naag: There is so much symbolism associated with black cobra that these words can mean practically anything. My interpretation is that if a black cobra is crawling on your bed, it is of no use for sleeping. In the same vein, without a lover there is no use for a bed.

·       Mirjapur bhail guljar:  Now that the lover is in Mirzapur, the town has become a paradise, especially for the women that the lover is patronising.

·       Ehi Mirjapur se udale jahajia: Political prisoners during the British Raj were sent to the jail in Rangoon by ship. “Udale” literally means flying, but since there were no aeroplanes at that time, the obvious reference is to a ship.

·       Panavaa se paatar: “Panavaa” refers to the betel nut leaf which is lush and juicy. “Paatar” refers to dried leaves which are stitched together to make plates. The phrase describes the withering away of the abandoned girl in the absence of her lover.

·       Dehiya kalelaa jaise noon: The lovelorn courtesan has been crying copiuously. The tears that have drenched her body have evaporated leaving behind the salty residue.

·       Manavaa ke bedanaa baid na jaane: This is a poignant pun that raises the lyrical quality of the Kajari. “bedanaa” and “baid na” are pronounced in the same manner. “Bedanaa” means pains, whereas “baid na” refers to the doctor not knowing.

·       Goravan: It means fair skinned and was often used derogatorily for the British.

 

The Poetic Transcreation of the Kajari Kachori Gali

 

There is no one to share my bed with, Kachori Gali is lifeless without my lover

He is philandering with my money in Mirjapur, Kachori Gali is lifeless without him

 

The Brits arrested him in Mirjapur, and transported him for life to Rangoon

Kachori Gali is lifeless without my lover

 

This blossom of yours has withered, her body salted from dried up tears

Kachori Gali is lifeless without my lover

 

No doctor can cure the mind’s torment, and the betrayed bleeding heart

Kachori Gali is lifeless without my lover

 

If only I had a dagger in my hands, I would have spilt the blood of the Brits

Kachori Gali is lifeless without my lover

 

Malini Awasthi Sings the Kajari Kachori Gali

There are several versions of Kachori Gali, sung by various performers. Among them, the rendition by Malini Avasthi stands out as the most popular one. Malini Avasthi is celebrated as a renowned folk singer deeply immersed in the rich tradition and heritage of India's culture. Recognizing her contributions, she has been honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India. Additionally, her Kajari titled "Sawan" has been translated here at Bollywood Translations. I am planning to feature more songs by the versatile Malini Awasthi, so if you are a fan, please stay tuned to this page. In the meantime, enjoy her captivating performance of "Kajol Gali” I have other interests as well and you can check out more blogs.

 

I have other interests as well and you can check out more blogs.

 

·       India My Country

·       Bharatiya Itihaas

·       Blackjack – Ace the Dealer

·       Ramayana (Hindi)

 

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