1. Tending Lives through Songs�������������������������������������

Abstract

Abstract This chapter begins with the author's account of her first visit to a village in Kangra, India, in April 1975. She then describes returning to Kangra in 1991 to research songs. She lived in Kangra for many months, recording songs in many different villages, in many households, among different castes, and in the course of many different ritual events. She also gained local mentors: singers with large repertoires who directed her education. Other topics covered by the chapter include how women's songs are identified by the names of particular genres tied to ritual events; and how women's sung stories are usually not peculiar to Kangra, but exist as a specific retelling amid many alternate versions.