Education Minister Rohit Thakur today released a traditional Pahari folk song titled ‘Thundal Ki Haarul’, sung by Dinesh Sharma, a native of Dungi village in Sangrah, District Sirmaur. The song is inspired by an approximately 800-year-old folk tale from the ancient village of Thundal, which is currently located in the Pulwahal area of Chopal assembly constituency, Shimla district. Highlighting the cultural significance of such initiatives, the Minister said the song serves as a powerful medium to preserve and promote Himachal Pradesh’s rich heritage and vibrant history. He added that his own ancestral roots lie in Thundal, and the song beautifully captures the essence of historical events such as migration and village life.
The narrative centers around Bidan, the headman of Thundal, who defies the King by refusing to pay taxes, leading to a fierce conflict. The dispute escalates into a destructive war where the village is burnt by royal forces, forcing its inhabitants to migrate to places like Barthata (Jubbal), Kathwar (Sirmaur), and other remote regions. The Minister commended Dinesh Sharma for reviving this tale in the traditional Haarul folk form, appreciated Dinesh DK for his musical composition, and extended congratulations to the people of Kathwar village.
The song, penned by the late Meena Ram Sanghaik, brings this heroic saga of Thundal’s resistance and migration to a broader audience, reviving a legend that has lived on through oral tradition for centuries.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
