Monday, June 09, 2008

Saam. Daam. Dand. Bhed.

Its interesting to note that the central principles of what governs our business, social and political worlds of today, date back to early scriptures. The above four mono-syllables are from the Mahabharat, and the statutes for success by 'getting your work done' (applicable to war, diplomacy, business/trade, etc.)

You can get it done by influence (Saam) or by money (Daam). Or you can be murkier, and get it done by punishment/force (Dand). The last one hit me like a ton of bricks - "Bhed". By creating differences. By division.

The wicked concept of "Divide and Rule", which first helped the British conquer India in the first place, and secondly, was left behind to haunt the world of state politics in India for centuries. This age-old principle continues to ravage the world of Indian politics, as more borders are created, more states are formed, more hatred is nurtured and more differences are highlighted.

They came into the forefront while sampling the soundtrack of Sarkar Raj, where they form a pulsating background chorus. Check out the track "Subah" from SR - really mellow and dark. Reminds me a lot of "Aankhon Mein Raho" from Company - only more gloomy and less "love song"-ish. The singer (Pamela Jain - last remembered for Zindagi Hai Dua, from ARR's Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa) has a very Chitra-like voice, minus the bad Hindi pronunciation. The bass riffs and percussive loops in the background do have some influence from Sunita Rao's Paree Hoon Main. Now there's a track!

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