Who Owns “Nirbhay Nirgun Gun Re Gaunga”?

Is it Saint Kabir, the 15th-century mystic poet, who composed Nirbhay Nirgun Gun Re Gaunga? Or does the ownership lie with the legendary Hindustani classical singer Kumar Gandharva, who immortalised Kabir’s dohas through his soulful voice? What about contemporary artists like Athul Deshpande, The Anirudh Varma Collective featuring Astha Mandal, Team Anāhat, Mahesh Kale, or the students of KM Music Conservatory? They have all performed the same bhajan in different styles, to various audiences, and across different times.

The real question, however, is this: do the listeners of all these performances feel that these artists are merely copying the original? Or are they enjoying and appreciating their unique interpretations of Kabir’s work? Art, in all its forms, is timeless and unbound by ownership. It evolves through inspiration as it passes from generation to generation, shaped by each artist’s distinctive touch. This has always been true of music, poetry, painting, and design—where influence and interpretation are part of the creative process.

Inspiration and Influence: Kabir’s Bhajan and Beyond

Saint Kabir’s bhajans and dohas have transcended centuries. The bhajan Nirbhay Nirgun Gun Re Gaunga is not just a piece of music, but a spiritual message that has resonated with audiences for generations. When Kumar Gandharva sang it, his rendition was infused with his unique understanding of Kabir’s words and emotions. In later years, other artists like Mahesh Kale and contemporary collectives such as The Anirudh Varma Collective have continued to reinterpret Kabir’s verses, each bringing their own voice, musical style, and cultural context to the bhajan.

The idea of ownership here is fluid. Kabir’s original words are the foundation, but each artist reinvents the music and presentation. Rather than copying, each artist adds their own expression and understanding. It’s not about replication but about carrying the spirit of the original forward through personal interpretation.

The audiences of these performances aren’t concerned with whether the artists are merely copying. Instead, they are moved by how the artist brings the ancient words to life in a relevant and meaningful way. This is how art continues to inspire: by being flexible, adaptable, and personal, while still paying homage to the source.

The Tradition of Gharanas: Practising and Adapting Art

In Indian classical music, gharanas (musical schools) make their students rehearse the same raagas repeatedly. This repetition isn’t theft—it is the essence of learning. Like languages have grammar and vocabulary, music has scales, notes, and rhythms. The basic structure remains the same, but every artist brings something new to the table. While the sargams (musical scales) may be identical, each musician interprets the raaga in their own way, introducing subtle nuances that reflect their individuality.

More importantly, students acknowledge their teachers (or gurus) and the original composers before performing. This tradition of giving credit is deeply ingrained in Indian classical music. It’s a sign of respect and recognition of the chain of knowledge passed down through the generations. This practice safeguards the integrity of the art form while allowing room for personal creativity and evolution.

Digital Era: Influence, Interpretation, and Ownership

In the digital era, the question of ownership, originality, and inspiration becomes even more complex. With the internet allowing for rapid sharing and remixing of content, distinguishing between what is inspired and what is copied can be challenging. However, the underlying principle remains the same: good art is often inspired by what came before, but it becomes meaningful when adapted and expressed in a new way.

Paul Rand, a design master, once said, “Don’t try to be original; try to be good.” This quote holds deep relevance in today’s world of creative expression. Rand’s point was that originality for the sake of originality doesn’t guarantee quality. Instead, it’s more important to focus on creating something valuable and meaningful, even if it’s built on pre-existing ideas.

Take, for instance, the design of logos or branding. Designers constantly draw inspiration from past works and trends, yet the best designs stand out not because they are entirely new, but because they communicate effectively and resonate with people. Just like the artists who perform Kabir’s bhajans, designers also reinterpret ideas to make them relevant for the current time and audience.

The Balance Between Originality and Inspiration

It’s crucial in the digital age to strike a balance between originality and inspiration. While it’s easy to find countless examples of blatant copying—whether in fashion, art, or content—what truly matters is how the creator builds on the original. Like the musicians interpreting Nirbhay Nirgun Gun Re Gaunga, artists today must focus on bringing their voices to the fore while giving credit to the sources of their inspiration.

By recognising that no art form exists in isolation and that influence is an inherent part of creation, we can foster a culture of respect and appreciation. Just as the gharanas train students to respect tradition while encouraging personal interpretation, modern creatives should strive to acknowledge their influences while crafting something uniquely their own.

Conclusion

Whether it’s Kabir’s bhajan Nirbhay Nirgun Gun Re Gaunga, passed through the voices of many singers over centuries, or a new design that echoes past influences, the process of creating art has always involved inspiration. The digital age, with its boundless access to content, makes this process more visible and complex. However, the core values remain unchanged: credit the sources, respect the tradition, and focus on adding your unique voice to the conversation.

Rather than fearing the loss of originality, we should embrace the idea that art, like language, evolves through practice and reinterpretation. It’s not about stealing—it’s about contributing to a continuous, ever-growing dialogue that honours both the past and the present.