Powada is a genre of Marathi poetry that rose to prominence during the late seventeenth century in India. Its name means to glorify, and it functions as a traditional Marathi ballad tracing its history back more than 750 years. Powadas typically glorified the deeds of popular folk figures and leaders, such as Chhatrapati Shivaji and Tanaji Malusare, and were also composed to raise awareness of social issues. A genre of the same name is also popular in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, particularly in the Kumaon and Garhwal regions, where it likewise glorifies warriors and is sung, performed, or narrated on various occasions.
Facts
Place of OriginIndia (Marathi tradition) 1 Notable ExampleThe Killing of Afzal Khan 1 Defining TraitGlorifies the deeds of popular folk figures and leaders 1 FAQs
Is powada found outside Maharashtra?
Yes. Powada is also a genre of poetry popular in Uttarakhand, where it glorifies warriors and is popular in Kumaun and Garhwal regions of the state.
What social issues were powadas written about?
Besides glorifying folk figures and leaders, powadas were also written to raise awareness on social issues such as female foeticide, dowry and corruption.
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Source Powada - WikipediaLead paragraph of the cited Wikipedia articleQuote, Lead paragraph of the cited Wikipedia article
The powada (Marathi: पोवाडा) is a genre of Marathi poetry that was during the late 17th century in India.
Sources
1. Powada - Wikipedia
Lead, first sentence
genre of Marathi poetry
Details, Powada during Maratha Empire
The earliest notable powada was The Killing of Afzal Khan
Lead, second sentence
Powadas often glorified and celebrated deeds of popular folk figures and leaders
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