Patli Parmar

“Patli Parmar”: A Well-Loved Folk Song of Gujarat

“Patli Parmar” is a touching and meaningful folk song from Gujarat. It is part of Gujarat’s long oral tradition, where songs are passed down by word of mouth. The song appears in Radhiyali Raat, a famous collection of folk songs by Jhaverchand Meghani, with the title "No Dithi", meaning “Haven’t Seen”. Like many ballads, this song shares deep feelings and important values.

Themes and Storytelling

The story is about a Rajput warrior who comes home after twelve years. When he returns, he cannot find his wife, Patli Parmar. He searches everywhere but finds only a burning lamp, a nine-coloured Bandhani (traditional Gujarati scarf), and a head ornament.

These untouched items show that Patli Parmar had waited for him all those years, keeping herself ready for his return. But soon, he learns a terrible truth—his mother killed Patli. The warrior is heartbroken.

The song tells a powerful story of love, waiting, betrayal, and sadness within a family.

Cultural Importance

The song shows the bravery of the Rajput community and the strong values of marriage and family. It compares the wife’s deep love with the mother-in-law’s cruelty. The burning lamp is a symbol of hope and waiting. This idea is also found in stories like the Ramayana, where Urmila waits for Lakshman by keeping a lamp burning.

Like other folk songs, "Patli Parmar" is not just a personal story. It reflects the values and feelings of the whole community.

Imagery and Symbols

The song uses strong images and symbols:

1. Lamp Burning in the Courtyard – Shows waiting, patience, and hope.

2. Weapons Being Laid Down – Shows the warrior putting aside his duty to search for his wife.

3. Empty Lands, Rivers, and Streams – Show his long, difficult, and hopeless search.

4. Bandhani and Head Ornament – Remind us of love, tradition, and the pain of separation.

Ballad Features

“Patli Parmar” has many qualities of a traditional ballad:

1. No Personal Name for the Writer – The song is told by many voices, not just one.

2. Sudden Start – The story begins with the warrior’s return:

"Mother! I have come after twelve years.
Mother! I haven’t seen Patli Parmar, dear mother of the Jadeja clan!
A lamp is burning in the mansion."

3. Fast-Paced Story – The warrior moves quickly from place to place, looking for his wife. The song moves fast, though it is sung slowly and with deep feeling.

4. Simple Language – The words are direct and easy to understand.

5. Clear Images – The song gives strong pictures, like the burning lamp and unworn Bandhani, which help us feel the pain of the story.

Musical and Poetic Style

The song uses repetition, which is common in folk songs. This helps people remember the words and feel the emotions more deeply. One repeated line is:

"Mother! I haven’t seen Patli Parmar, dear mother of the Jadeja clan!
A lamp is burning in the mansion."

The mother gives many excuses—saying Patli has gone to get water or wash clothes. These lines build up the sadness and reveal the truth slowly:

"Son! Sit down and lay down your weapons, Kalaiya Kunwar!
She has just gone to fetch water and will be back soon."

Emotional Power

The song touches the heart. It speaks of grief, lost love, and a reunion that never happened. The simple words and strong images make the story easy to understand and feel, even today.

Oral Tradition and Memory

“Patli Parmar” has been passed from generation to generation through oral storytelling. People remember and sing it even today. The words may change slightly in different versions, but the story and feelings remain strong. Many believe it is based on a true story.

Conclusion

“Patli Parmar” is a beautiful and emotional ballad from Gujarat. It tells a powerful story of love, sorrow, and betrayal, and keeps alive the traditions and values of the past. It is more than a song—it is a part of Gujarat’s cultural heritage that teaches us about human emotions and relationships.