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Year 10 - Music

The origins of bhangra

Fusions and Bhangra

Unit Summary

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Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the origins of bhangra and can recreate a typical chaal pattern.

Key Notes

  • Bhangra is a traditional Punjabi dance and form of music that has its roots in farming communities of the Punjab.
  • In the 20th century it evolved into a new style of music, which has distinct characteristics.
  • One distinct feature is a rhythm that is referred to as 'chaal' (meaning 'movement' in Punjabi).
  • Chaal is a rhythm in 4/4, with each beat divided in three. It emphasises beat one and four.
  • Typically chaal is played on a two-headed drum called a dhol, or sometimes a smaller version called a dholak.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Punjabi: The Punjab is an area that includes a part of India and Pakistan. People from here are called Punjabi, and many of them speak the Punjabi language.
  • Bhangra: Bhangra is a traditional Punjabi folk dance and type of music. In the late-20th century it developed into a new, modern style of music.
  • Chaal: Chaal (meaning 'movement' in Punjabi) is the name commonly given to a particular distinctive rhythm played on the dhol in modern bhangra.
  • Dhol: A dhol is the key instrument of bhangra - a two-headed drum that plays the chaal.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The Punjab is part of India.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

Bhangra is a traditional Punjabi dance and form of music that has its roots in farming communities of the Punjab. In the 20th century it evolved into a new style of music, which has distinct characteristics.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'Punjabi'

The Punjab is an area that includes a part of India and Pakistan. People from here are called Punjabi, and many of them speak the Punjabi language.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: The Punjab is part of India. Correction: The Punjab is an area split between modern-day India and Pakistan. It has a distinct history, culture and traditions as a region, one of which is bhangra.

More Lessons In This Unit

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