HwaNormanby23 at 16:51, 19 January 2026

2026-01-19T16:51:28Z

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{{Short description|none}}
{{AI-generated|date=December 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox music genre
| name = Bengali Rock music
| native_name = বাংলা রক
| etymology =
| other_names =
| image =
| alt =
| caption =
| stylistic_origins = [[Classical music]], [[Rock and roll]], [[electric blues]], [[folk music]], [[country music|country]], [[blues]]
| cultural_origins = 1970s; [[West Bengal]], [[Tripura]] and [[Assam]] (India)
| instruments = Vocals, electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, synthesizer, keyboards
| derivatives =
| subgenres =
| subgenrelist =
| fusiongenres = {{hlist|[[Bhangra (music)|Bhangra rock]]|[[indorock]]|[[raga rock]]|[[raï rock]]|[[sufi rock]]}}
| regional_scenes = West Bengal
| local_scenes =
| other_topics = * [[Backbeat (music)|Backbeat]]
* [[Bengali band]]
* [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame|hall of fame]]
* [[Social impact of rock and roll|social impact]]
| footnotes =
| current_year = yes
}}
{{Music of West Bengal}}
'''Rock music of West Bengal''' originated in [[Kolkata]], West Bengal, India. The first Bengali rock band in West Bengal and India was [[Moheener Ghoraguli]].<ref>{{cite news |title=A five man musical journey of countless Miles|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata-/A-five-man-musical-journey-of-countless-Miles/articleshow/36460.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122160518/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2003-06-22/kolkata/27210016_1_rock-music-band-bangla|url-status=live|archive-date=22 November 2011|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=22 June 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=When music feeds a city's soul|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata-/When-music-feeds-a-citys-soul/articleshow/8944506.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110905112544/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-22/kolkata/29689038_1_world-music-day-music-lovers-concert|url-status=live|archive-date=5 September 2011|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=20 December 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Song of the stallion|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata-/Song-of-the-stallion/articleshow/4681928.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122155732/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-06-21/kolkata/28166934_1_composers-song-author-and-friend |url-status=live |archive-date=22 November 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]]|date=30 July 2011}}</ref> In modern times, in this type of music [[Distortion (music)|distorted]] electric guitars, bass guitar, and drums are used, sometimes accompanied with pianos and keyboards. In early times the instruments used in modern times were also accompanied by saxophone, flute, violin and [[bass violin]].

== History ==

=== Origin (1960s–1970s) ===
{{unreferenced section|date=July 2020}}
[[Arunendu Das]] is widely credited with pioneering Modern Bengali music, introducing a fresh style of lyricism and a Western-influenced approach to songwriting, often crafted on the guitar. His innovative work laid the foundation for what would later evolve into Bengali Rock music. This musical revolution reached its pinnacle with Moheener Ghoraguli (also spelled Mohiner Ghoraguli), Kolkata's iconic band, which is hailed as the first true Bengali Rock band. They are also recognized as India's first Rock band, having pioneered the creation of original songs in vernacular languages, setting a groundbreaking precedent in the Indian music scene.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Chakravarty |first=Devpriya |date=2024-01-02 |title=Exploring the Socio-Musical Legacy of Moheener Ghoraguli, the Progressive Rock Pioneers of Bengal |url=https://doi.org/10.1080/19401159.2024.2346996 |journal=Rock Music Studies |volume=11 |issue=1 |pages=38–54 |doi=10.1080/19401159.2024.2346996 |issn=1940-1159 |via=Taylor & Francis Online|hdl=10072/430773 |hdl-access=free }}</ref> [[Moheener Ghoraguli]] was formed in 1975 and played in many concerts. The band was inspired by [[Bob Dylan]] and many other [[Western music (North America)|western]] artists. Their music was a mixture of a wide variety of influences, including the Baul and [[Folk music|folk]] traditions of Bengali and rock.

Along with them, the Kolkata based rock group called [[High (musical group)|High]] (formed 1974) consisting of late Dilip Balakrishnan (who was also part of the Great Bear rock band), Nondon Bagchi, Lew Hilt, Subhendu Chatterjee and Adi Irani started composing and performing original songs. A collection of the band's recordings were released on the [[Saregama]] label in 2009.

=== Emergence (1990s) ===
{{unreferenced section|date=July 2020}}
Most of the Bengali rock bands in Kolkata were formed after the 1990s. The bands in this era started using many types of [[Sound effect|effects]] like [[Distortion (music)|distortion]], [[Wah-wah pedal|wah wah]], [[flanger]], [[Phaser (effect)|phaser]], and [[Delay (audio effect)|delay]] in their music.

[[Krosswindz]], a Bengali rock band based in [[Kolkata]], India, was formed in 1990, and have played all over India and abroad, helping to urbanize and popularize the rock music of Bengal. Krosswindz have recorded ten albums, the highest number ever recorded by a Kolkatan rock band. The legendary Bengali rock band Abhilasha was also formed during this period. Their first album, a mixture of delightful rock and melody, was released by the original band members in 1997. Many bands like [[Bhoomi (band)|Bhoomi]], [[Cactus (Indian band)|Cactus]], [[Parash Pathar (band)|Parash Pathar]], [[Chandrabindoo (band)|Chandrabindoo]], Hip Pocket, Kalpurush, [[Fossils (band)|Fossils]], and [[Lakkhichhara (band)|Lakkhichhara]] were formed later in this era. Fossils and Cactus have also brought Bengali metal into this era. Both Fossils and Cactus are regarded as the best Bengali hard rock bands, and they have toured all over India and abroad. All their albums and singles have been successful. This era also saw emergence of new bands like Udaan, Agantuk and others.

In 1994, the opening of Someplace Else (a pub which also hosts live music) changed the rock scene in Kolkata. Now it hosts live music for approximately nine hours every night.

=== New millennium (2000s) ===
Many bands formed in the 2000s were influenced by guitar-heavy music. As metal became popular in the 2000s, many bands like [[Insomnia (band)|Insomnia]] and [[Underground Authority]] started playing [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] and alternative music.

[[Chronic Xorn]] was the first band from Kolkata to record a heavy metal album. ''Death Destruction Sermon'' is their latest album, released in 2010, it consists of six tracks, and the full-length version of the album is 25 minutes 45 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chronic Xorn – Death Destruction Sermon|url=https://music.apple.com/us/artist/chronic-xorn/381858722|publisher=iTunes|date=27 July 2010}}</ref>

As computer technology became more accessible and music software advanced in the 2000s, it became possible to create high quality music using little more than a single laptop computer. This resulted in a massive increase in the amount of home-produced electronic music available to the general public via the expanding internet. Many underground metal bands like Nitric Dreams and Crystal and the Witches from Kolkata also started recording and releasing singles on their blogs.

To encourage the Bengali rock scene, the ''Bangla Rock Magazine'' was started on 3 July 2013, covering exclusively Bengali rock.

=== Mid millennium (2020s) ===
Since 2018, a new wave of Classic Rock Bangla bands has revitalized the genre, bringing fresh energy and diverse perspectives. Bands like Probaho, Sayatya & Friends, Mohanogor - The Mohanogor, and Bisher Doshok have each carved their own distinct niches within the evolving landscape of Bengali rock. While groups like Probaho and Sayatya & Friends delve into themes of friendship, nostalgia, love, and the complexities of urban life, Mohanogor - The Mohanogor uses satirical undertones to comment on the political climate of India and Bengal, with their thought-provoking music video/s. In stark contrast, Bisher Doshok ventures into darker, more unsettling territories, offering a raw and unflinching reflection of the harsh realities of contemporary society.

These modern bands aim to transcend traditional rock by weaving deeply meaningful, thought-provoking lyrics with organic, evocative songwriting. Their approach not only enriches the Bangla rock scene but also creates a powerful resonance, one that speaks to the struggles, triumphs, and contradictions of our time. Through their innovation and artistic integrity, they are reshaping the future of Bengali rock, bringing new depth and relevance to the genre.

==See also==

* [[Bangladeshi rock]]
* [[Indian rock]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite news
|title=Mass Funeral-Meet ATMAHATYA, a bi-lingual death metal band in the city making some serious noise
|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1071027/asp/entertainment/story_8480530.asp
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102053719/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071027/asp/entertainment/story_8480530.asp
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=2 November 2007
|publisher=The Telegraph
|date=27 October 2007}}
* {{cite news
|title= School of rock-t2 Rising Rockers Atmahatya emerged as the zonal winners of Campus Rock Idols 07
|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1071127/asp/entertainment/story_8598605.asp
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102130133/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071127/asp/entertainment/story_8598605.asp
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=2 November 2012
|publisher=The Telegraph
|date=27 November 2007}}
* {{cite news
|title = Kolkata rockers turn to jazz tunes
|url = http://www.hindustantimes.com/tabloid-news/music/Kolkata-rockers-turn-to-jazz-tunes/Article1-635874.aspx
|publisher = Hindustan Times
|date = 8 December 2010
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121022095002/http://www.hindustantimes.com/tabloid-news/music/Kolkata-rockers-turn-to-jazz-tunes/Article1-635874.aspx
|archive-date = 22 October 2012
}}
* {{cite news
|title = Bangla band music getting global recognition
|url = http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print/123607.aspx#
|publisher = Hindustan Times
|date = 21 July 2006
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131203142240/http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print/123607.aspx
|archive-date = 3 December 2013
}}
* {{cite news
|title=Bengali music bands rock in India and abroad
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/Bengali-music-bands-rock-in-India-abroad/articleshow/7131828.cms
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902080157/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-12-20/news-and-interviews/28259646_1_bands-rock-baul
|url-status=live
|archive-date=2 September 2012
|work=[[The Times of India]]
|date=20 December 2010}}
* {{cite news
|title=Let's rock 'n roll
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata-/Lets-rock-n-roll/articleshow/1578873926.cms
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122162940/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2001-08-19/kolkata/27228596_1_music-revival-boy-bands-rock
|url-status=live
|archive-date=22 November 2011
|work=[[The Times of India]]
|date=19 August 2001}}
* {{cite news
|title=Rock along, Kolkata
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/kolkata/Rock-along-Kolkata/articleshow/3142418.cms
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122161133/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-06-19/kolkata/27777403_1_kolkata-grand-finale-pub-rock-fest
|url-status=live
|archive-date=22 November 2011
|work=[[The Times of India]]
|date=19 June 2008}}
* {{cite news
|title=Rockilution reaches Kolkata
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/kolkata/Rockilution-reaches-Kolkata/articleshow/2414646.cms
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811101015/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-09-30/kolkata/27971129_1_fun-and-high-energy-consumers-avenues-dsp-black-rockilution
|url-status=live
|archive-date=11 August 2011
|work=[[The Times of India]]
|date=30 September 2007}}
* {{cite news
|title=Five musketeers in Kolkata
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/kolkata/Five-musketeers-in-Kolkata/articleshow/6219586.cms
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122161854/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-07-27/kolkata/28301272_1_band-rock-kolkata
|url-status=live
|archive-date=22 November 2011
|work=[[The Times of India]]
|date=27 July 2010}}
* {{cite news
|title=We will... we will 'rock' Kolkata!
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/kolkata/We-will-we-will-rock-Kolkata/articleshow/5473444.cms
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122155811/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-01-19/kolkata/28138720_1_bands-rock-judges
|url-status=live
|archive-date=22 November 2011
|work=[[The Times of India]]
|date=19 January 2010}}
* {{cite news
|title=Rock-er-thek entertain Kolkata
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/kolkata/Rock-er-thek-entertain-Kolkata/articleshow/7246677.cms
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122155814/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-10/kolkata/28358395_1_cell-phones-rock-kolkata
|url-status=live
|archive-date=22 November 2011
|work=[[The Times of India]]
|date=10 January 2011}}
* {{cite news
|title=Rock mela
|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080309/jsp/entertainment/story_8996130.jsp
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526034241/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080309/jsp/entertainment/story_8996130.jsp
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=26 May 2011
|publisher=The Telegraph
|date=9 March 2008}}
* {{cite news
|title=TAKE FIVE
|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100717/jsp/entertainment/story_12691865.jsp
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100720044853/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100717/jsp/entertainment/story_12691865.jsp
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=20 July 2010
|publisher=The Telegraph
|date=17 July 2010}}
* {{cite news
|title=Ready to rock
|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080520/jsp/entertainment/story_9292994.jsp
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102132041/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080520/jsp/entertainment/story_9292994.jsp
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=2 November 2012
|publisher=The Telegraph
|date=20 May 2008}}
* {{cite news
|title=Rock on hold
|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070819/asp/calcutta/story_8206406.asp
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205152224/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070819/asp/calcutta/story_8206406.asp
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=5 February 2010
|publisher=The Telegraph
|date=19 August 2007}}
* {{cite news
|title=CAMPUS ROCK
|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110129/jsp/entertainment/story_13504352.jsp
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110203035317/http://telegraphindia.com/1110129/jsp/entertainment/story_13504352.jsp
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=3 February 2011
|publisher=The Telegraph
|date=29 January 2011}}
* {{cite news
|title=Kolkata Autumn Music Festival 2010
|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100923/jsp/entertainment/story_12968759.jsp
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100927205447/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100923/jsp/entertainment/story_12968759.jsp
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=27 September 2010
|publisher=The Telegraph
|date=23 September 2010}}
* {{cite news
|title=Banks back on Broadway
|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100811/jsp/entertainment/story_12795522.jsp
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102132139/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100811/jsp/entertainment/story_12795522.jsp
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=2 November 2012
|publisher=The Telegraph
|date=11 August 2010}}
{{Refend}}
{{World rock}}

[[Category:20th-century music genres]]
[[Category:21st-century music genres]]
[[Category:Bengali music]]
[[Category:Music of India]]
[[Category:Rock music genres]]
[[Category:Music of Bengal]]

Bengali Rock music (India) - Revision history

HwaNormanby23 at 16:51, 19 January 2026