Folk traditions and classical
forms found royal patronage in Rajasthan. A major
school of the sophisticated classical Kathak dance
form originated in Jaipur, as did Dhrupad singing.
The rulers of Jaisalmer extended patronage to the
Manganiyar community.
Musical Instruments
The haunting melody of
Rajasthan evokes from a variety of delightfully
primitive looking instruments. The stringed variety
include the Sarangi, Rawanhattha, Kamayacha,
Morchang and Ektara.
Percussion instruments come in
all shapes and sizes from the huge Nagaras and Dhols
to the tiny Damrus. The Daf and Chang are a big
favourite of the Holi (the festival of colours)
revellers.
A
man playing Nagara
Click to enlarge
Flutes and bagpipers come in
local flavours such as Shehnai, Poongi, Algoza,
Tarpi, Been and Bankia.
Folk Dances
Rajasthani dances have a life
of their own, a vigorous rhythm that is hard to
describe.
Whether it is the community
dances such as the men-only Gair, or the women-only
Ghoomar, or the Gair Ghoomar in which both men and
women participate.
