Kaajee Singh – Legendary Gorkha Madal Exponent

Dr. RB BISWAKARMA

Shri Kaajee Singh is a popular personality of Indian Gorkha communities having dedicated his life to educating, spreading awareness, and documenting the musical instrument especially, ‘Maadal’. In Nepali, ‘Maadal’, is an important instrument used in Gorkha/Nepali folk music both the religious and cultural activities. His work is an effort towards formalizing training and education in the instrument and equivalent to the Taal system used in the Indian Classical Music System (Bhatkhande Taal System - All pure (Shuddha) Notes (Swar) – S R G M P D N).
In Indian Music, Kaajee Singh was also serving as an established cine musician (Maadal Player) in Mumbai working with stalwart Music Directors like Laxmikant Pyarelal, Kalyan ji Anand ji, Ram Laxman, Shankar--Jaikishan, Ajay Swamy, in early 80s. He was the first Gorkha/Nepali artist who introduced the musical value of Maadal in Indian Cinema and worked since 1974-1983 in Bollywood Industry.
He is one of the highly regarded personalities in society due to his high sense of moral value, and commitments towards his action and deed. In recognition to his outstanding contributions in Indian Music, Legendary Gorkha Madal Exponent from Kalimpong Shri Kaajee Singhjee has been nominated with the prestigious ‘Padma Shri Award’ by the Government of India for the 2021-22.
Early life & Education    
Kaajee Singh was born in 25 July 1945 at Phoobsering Tea Estate, Darjeeling. He is a lonely son of legendary "Maadalaacharya" Late Indrajeet Singh Sardaar and mother Mohanphul Singh. His ancestors belong to the Traditional Classic form of Folk Music family, carrying out the lineage since three generations from the Queen of Hills Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. His father Indrajeet Singh Sardar was one of the pioneers of Shree Maadal in the Nepali community. Having coming from economically sound family, Kaajee Singh had received good moral values and education from the home. He studied St. Roberts School, Darjeeling, and completed Metric pass in 1965, and was the last batch of Metric passed. He then completed the Sangeet Prabhakar Degree in vocal music from Mumbai.
He had a very keen interest in Folk Culture and Music since his childhood as both his paternal and maternal family used to practice the culture. He first started his career from dance, the traditional MaaruniNaach in the year 1952. As he grew up, he discontinued MaaruniNaach and started singing Maadaleygeet and also developed his skill in playing Shree Maadal, which he learned from his father, and carried on with the same.
Music Career in TNA
Kaajee Singh comes into the Sikkim in before 1975. He joined the Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA), Gangtok as a Music Teacher in the year 1985. He has spent his vital part of life in TNA for the cause of Sikkimese people. He is well-known in Sikkim as Kaajee Sir in Music. The contributions he had rendered for the popularizing the Nepali instrument called Maadal and its significance in Nepal culture is remarkable in every aspect. He used to perform his Maadal skills on the auspicious occasion of then King’s (Chogyal) birth day and major State functions of Sikkim. He was one of the vital members of the popular Band Party of Sikkim called ‘Deusey Groups’ of Kiran Rasaily and his father Babu Chandraman Rasaily. After 20 years of dedicated service, he retired as a Music Teacher in TNA in the year 2005 leaving behind wonderful achievements and memories for the Sikkimese people.  
Professional contributions
Kaajee Singh started a Musicians Club cum Library in his village, Phoobsering Tea Estate, Darjeeling, and inspired many people to join Musical theatres and participate in various events organized by him in his hometown during special occasions. As we all know, Folk Music is an orally transmitted art form which is not bounded by any kind of discipline; hence, the Folk Music in Darjeeling was not similar everywhere in the hills. If a group of singers would sing and play Maadal together, it always varied. Every individual artiste’s approach was different, which had no particular format. Therefore, the music during those days had no unity and so it sounded completely undisciplined and unprofessional.
Though, he was doing extremely well in the field of Bollywood music, he never forgot his roots. He always thought about imparting the right information to his community through his books, so that the upcoming generation could remember the importance of their Prime instrument Shree Maadal. This was the primary reason which made him research in the "Notation System" of this Instrument Shree Maadal and also the Traditional Folk Song "Maadaleygeet". He managed to put everything in format so that it would sound more musical, practical and also disciplined.
Research and Publication
Kaajee Singh has been found very innovative in his professional music. In the year 1967, he began his research in Shree Maadal and after his rigorous field work of eight years, he was successful in publishing his first book named "Maadal", in April 1974. The lists of books written by Shri Kaajee Singh are as under: 1. Maadal in 1974. The book, Maadal is the most inspiring educational book, full of knowledge, based on the practical aspects of this Instrument. 2. Sangeet Sarovar in 1986. Sangeet Sarovar was the first book written upon Indian Classical music especially in Nepali Language. 3. Sangeet for beginners in 1988. The book “Sangeet forBeginners” is the first informative and educational book written by Kaajee Singh in English language, especially for the kids learning Indian Classical Music in schools. 4. Birsiyeko Sanskriti Pheri Dohoryaaun in 1998. “Birsiyeko Sanskriti”(published in the year 1982) written by Shri M.M. Gurung. The book Birsiyeko Sanskriti presents a complete misinterpretation of the Folk culture. This particular book was also the winner of the State Academy Award. 5. Shaastreeya Eivam Vyavahaarik Paksha in 2014. This book provides an ultimate ocean of knowledge regarding Folk Culture which has been proved to be the classical genre in Nepali community. 6. Kalaanidhi yet to be unpublished.
Contribution in Songs, Chhanda and Taals
Apart from the research works on ShreeMaadal, Kaajee Singh is also known for his contribution in the field of Popular Songs and Nepali Gorkha Music. In Music Industry, he has given numerous hit songs since 1974. The Popular songs from his EP record produced from the H.M.V., Mumbai was the biggest hit of that year. The songs like‘Timi ta Raichau Mangaley Gaon ko’, ‘Swami Raja ley Lai Lai’, ‘Timi ley Diyeko Maya lai’, ‘Maaryoni Kanchi Ley’, are still demanded by people in programs organized by All India Radio, Sikkim, Kerseong, and Darjeeling. The young generation still sings some of these popular folk-based songs during the singing competitions and the finest singer’s have frequently scored first position due to the melody and lyrics of the song.
Self-composed Chhanda’s
Kaajee Singh is popular for his Chhanda’s composition. His self-composed Chhanda’s for different genre of songs has been heart touch for music lovers. The following Chhanda’s do not exist in the Chhanda Shaastra of Maharishi Panini. This is an incredible contribution to Chhanda’s in the history of India till date. Some of his popular Chhanda are; 1) Ganapati Chhanda- SIII IIII ISSI SSII. 2) Lambodar Chhanda- SIII IIII SSII (SII III IIS SII. 3) Bheemakaali Chhanda- SSS SSI SII SSS. 4) Maruti Nandan Chhanda- SSS III SII SII. 5) Giridhari Chhanda- SII SSS IIS S. 6) Vishwakarma Chhanda- SSS ISS. 7) Basibiyaalo Chhanda- III SSS ISS ISI II. 8) Saraswati Chhanda- III SSS IIS ISS SII.
Self-composed Raagas.
His unique self-composed Raagas for different genre of songs does not exist in the Indian Classical Music. This is an incredible contribution from the side of Kaajee Singh to Indian Classical Music which are; 1) Raag Shukratodi - Aaroha- Sa Re Ga Pa Dha Sa’ I Avaroha- Sa’ dha Ma’ Ga Re Sa. 2) Raag Aaditya - Aaroha- N! Sa Ga Ma Dha Ni Sa’ I Avaroha- Sa’ Ni Dha Ma Ga Sa.
Self-creation Taals.
Like the exceptional song writing, ‘Chhanda’ and ‘Raag’ creations, Kaajee Singh has also created a Taal in ShreeMaadal. He has created a Taal named “Deodeep” of 14 matra (beats), which never existed in the history of ShreeMaadal Taal systems. The name Deodeep is a combination of two words. ‘Deo’ is God and ‘Deep’ is derived from an Indian Classical Taal Deepchandi. The songs sung in the Taal Deodeep are based on Bhakti Rasa. The lyrics promote spiritualism and the words are very philosophical. Hence, the word “Deo” resembles the songs which show the path of spiritualism and the word “Deep” resembles the rhythmic cycle of 14 beats Taal Deepchandi. Like; DhaangS Titung Thitung I TangS Dung Dung Tung I Dhunggit Titung Thitung I TangS Thit KrungS Thit I DhaangS.
Kaajee Singh has also created two Taals which is indeed a spectacular composition in the field of Indian Classical Music. The reference to these Taals can be found in a recorded audio album “Bhakti Rasaamrit” produced by the Bhimaa Kaali Mandir in Gangtok, Sikkim. This album comprises unique experimental works supported by his own creations regarding Chhanda, Lyrics based on Sanskrit Saahitya and the Taals.
Some of his unique creation of the Taals are; 1) Taal Gangaadhara- 6 Matra (Beats), 2 Vibhaag, 1 Taali no Khali DhaS DinS I Tete Kata Gadi Gana I DhaS X (1) 2 I 3 4 5 6 I X (1). 2) Taal Saraswati- 9 Matra (Beats), 2 Vibhaag, 9 Taali no Khali DhaS DinS Dhete Dhete TaS I Tete Kata Gadi Gana I DhaS X(1)  2 3 4 5 I 6 7 8 9 I X(1).
The unique creations of Chhanda’s, Raagas, Taals and Songs of Kaajee Singh are conspicuously outstanding. No one has ever attempted or even thought of these magnificent compositions which have added up a new feather in the cap of the Nepali Gorkha community. His compositions and writings are mostly followed by everyone in the Nepali Music world and people look up at him as their Idol. These creations have not only raised the esteem of the Nepali Gorkha community but it has also honored the prestige of India through his incredible contribution.
Honours & Awards
He is one of the highly regarded personalities in society due to his high sense of moral value and commitments towards his action and deed. The contribution of Kaajee Singh towards the development of Nepali/Gorkha music is unprecedented, unique, and unparalleled. The tremendous research of Shri Kaajee Singh to promote folk music from the Himalayan region is truly praise-worthy. In recognition to his outstanding contributions in Indian Music, Legendary Gorkha Madal Exponent from Kalimpong Shri Kaajee Singhjee has been nominated with the prestigious ‘Padma Shri Award’ by the Government of India for the 2021-22. Some of the Honours & Awards, he had received from the State Government and prestigious registered NGOs are as under:
1. Awarded the Letter of Felicitation by the State Deputy Director, Department of Tourism, Darjeeling, West Bengal, West Bengal in 1971.
2. Felicitated by the State Jr. Administrative officer, Songs and Drama Unit Department of Culture Darjeeling, West Bengal in 1976.
3. Felicitated by the State Department of Cultural Affairs, Mumbai, Maharashtra in 1982.
4. Felicitated by the State Director, Pashupati Kala Mandir, New Delhi in1985.
5. Awarded the Letter of Felicitation by the State Director, Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Kolkata (EZCC) in 1995.
6. Felicitated By State Director, Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Kolkata (EZCC), West Bengal in 1997.
7. Felicitated by the State Director, Sikkim Sahitya Parishad, Gangtok, Sikkim in 1998.
8. Felicitated by the State State Pollution Board, Government of Sikkim in 2004.
9. Felicitated by the State Director, Sikkim Kalakar Sangha, Gangtok, Sikkim in 2005.
10. Awarded with the Master Mitrasen Thapa Puraskaar by the State Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, Darjeeling, West Bengal in 2019.
Social life
Kaajee Singh got married to Ganga Singh, and the couple had blessed with one daughter and son. His daughter Vijaya Singh married in Sikkim and working in TNA. His son Nishaant did his schooling from Tashi Namgyal Academy, Gangtok and did Master degree in Tabla and Pakhawaj from the Visva – Bharati University, Shantiniketan. Today, his son Nishaant is one of the most promising Pakhawaj Player having earned huge name and fame at National & International level. After retirement as a music teacher from the TNA, Gangtok, he is now settled at 7th mile, Kalimpong, West Bengal and running the Music class.  Kaajee Singh is now 77 years old and his book Shree Maadal-Kalanidhi is may be the last part and the end of his 54 years of research but the Music lovers of Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong looking forward his new innovative in days to come.
Conclusion
The contributions of Kaajee Singh towards the development of Nepali/Gorkha music - Maadal are unprecedented, unique, and unparalleled. The tremendous research of Shri Kaajee Singh to promote folk music from the Himalayan region is truly praise-worthy. He had spent his precious life to undertake the research in the "Notation System" of this Instrument Shree Maadal and the traditional folk song "Maadaleygeet".  His research findings in theoretical concept of Shree Maadal will definitely give new inspiration to upcoming generations in the field of Music. His works have created history and the upcoming generations will definitely get benefitted by his enriched creations. He said, “At the age of 77 years, Govt. of India is honouring with the Padma Shri award recognizing my contributions in the field of music, and I am feeling extremely pleasures, and wish to dedicate this honour to the people of Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Bengal. I have tried my best to systematize the technique and skills of Shree Maadal with scientific findings, and hope upcoming research scholars in music will carry forward my works in days to come.” My message to music lovers, especially youth is to accept the music with mind and heart, and try to become professional, you will definitely bless with huge name and fame in society.” He said.
The people of Sikkim are extremely delighted to share the life history of Aacharya Kaajee Singh especially in Shree Maadal. He had spent his precious life in TNA as a Music Teacher in Gangtok, Sikkim for the cause of Sikkimese students. He has been nominated with the third Highest Civilian Award, ‘Padma Shri’ by the Govt. of India on the occasion of 73rd Independence Day 2021-22. The people of Sikkim wholeheartedly congratulates to Shri Kaajee Singhjee, and thanks him for his service to our nation, the vocation of music, and salute his contributions towards keeping our Nepali/Gorkha music traditions alive.
(The writer is a former lecturer LNIPE, Gwalior & Working in Jt. Director, SYA, Gangtok)