Azaan as a Form of Chanting: The Islamic Sound World of Kolkata

This article is an attempt to explore the Islamic sound world of Kolkata, a space created by the everyday recitation of Azaan (adhan). It speaks about the properties of listening and utterance, and how ‘repeatedness’ in chanting seems to be an essential factor, which in turn also enhances the sense of ‘deep listening’ rather than just hearing. Hence, it also brings to light, the importance of the performer and the listener, and the duality which creates an interconnectedness of sound, spirituality, space and listening. The Azaan with its mystic and sonic effect, not only forms a part of the Muslim community but also reaches out beyond the boundaries of communities and religiosity and instils a sense of time as well. In this vast sonic space, a significant contributor happens to be the loudspeaker, which acts as a medium to deliver the Azaan. Hence, who then is the essential proponent of the sound world in the city, the one who recites the Azaan or the one who delivers it across spaces?