Folk Music of Rajasthan
Rajasthan has a diverse collection of musician castes, including langas, sapera, bhopa, jogi and Manganiar. There are two traditional classes of musicians: the Langas, who stuck mostly exclusively to Muslim audiences and styles, and the Manganiars, who had a more liberal approach.
Manganiar are professional hereditary caste musicians. They mostly live in Jaisalmer and Barmer districts of Rajasthan.They play an interesting string instrument played with a bow. It is know as Kamaicha.
Manganiars (Though Muslims) sing invariable among Hindu patron families. They serve during childbirth, weddings and other ceremonies. Manganiars are very good are rhythmic instruments like Dholak and Khadtal. Their musical compositions are very complex and have improvisatory rules build into it. Virtuoso rhythm playing has largely added to their success in music.
Langas are professional caste musicians. They live in western Rajasthan and provide musical service to Sindhi Sipahi community. They sing songs related to life-passage ceremonies i.e. birth, marriage and related ceremonies or festivals.
Historically for at least four hundred years the group has been providing music on Gujratan and Sindhi Sarangi. This evolved chordophone, the Sindhi Sarangi has helped them to enhance the quality of compositions.
The Langas continue to serve their patrons but for the last two decades, they have become a big force in representing folk music of Rajasthan on all types of electronic and other popular medias. They are widely travelled artists in the whole world. They have a strong voice and have an improvisatory technique to improve the quality of songs.
Folk Dances of Rajasthan
- Ghoomar Dance
- Kachi Ghori Dance
- Gair Dance
- Panihari Dance
- Sekhawati’s Geendada Dance
- Chang Dance
- Dandiya Dance
- Dhol Dance
- Bum Dance
- Tera Taali Dance
- Chari Dance
Folk Dances of Nomadic Tribe:-
- Kalbeliya Dance
- Shankaria Dance
- Panihari Dance
- Idoni Dance
- Sankhiyas Dance
- Banjara Dance
- Bagariya Dance
- Bhawai Dance
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Rajasthan is a state in northwestern India known for its desert landscapes, forts and palaces, and vibrant culture. The state is home to a number of different ethnic groups, each with its own unique traditions and customs. One of the most important aspects of Rajasthani culture is its folk music and dance.
Rajasthani folk music is a rich and varied tradition that encompasses a wide range of genres, from the lively and energetic bhangra to the more meditative and soulful raag. The music is often accompanied by dance, which can be just as varied as the music itself. Some of the most popular Rajasthani dances include the ghoomar, the Kalbelia, and the kachhi ghodhi.
The ghoomar is a dance that is performed by Women. It is a graceful and elegant dance that is often performed at weddings and other special occasions. The dancers move their arms and hands in a circular motion, while their feet tap out a rhythmic beat. The ghoomar is a beautiful and mesmerizing dance that is sure to captivate any audience.
The kalbelia is a dance that is performed by women of the Kalbelia tribe. It is a passionate and energetic dance that is often performed at weddings and other celebrations. The dancers move their bodies in a sinuous and sensual manner, while their hands and arms fly through the air. The kalbelia is a powerful and evocative dance that is sure to leave a lasting impression on any viewer.
The kachhi ghodhi is a dance that is performed by men. It is a vigorous and acrobatic dance that is often performed at fairs and other public gatherings. The dancers move their bodies in a fluid and graceful manner, while their feet tap out a complex rhythm. The kachhi ghodhi is a challenging and exciting dance that is sure to please any audience.
In addition to these three well-known dances, there are many other types of folk dance that are performed in Rajasthan. Some of these include the teej, the tumbadi, and the vagri. The teej is a dance that is performed by women during the monsoon season. It is a joyful and festive dance that celebrates the arrival of the rains. The tumbadi is a dance that is performed by men and women. It is a lively and energetic dance that is often performed at weddings and other celebrations. The vagri is a dance that is performed by women of the Vagri tribe. It is a passionate and erotic dance that is often performed at private gatherings.
Rajasthani folk music and dance are an important part of the state’s cultural heritage. They are a vibrant and living tradition that continues to be performed and enjoyed by people of all ages. If you have the opportunity to experience Rajasthani folk music and dance, I highly recommend it. It is an experience that you will not soon forget.
Here are some additional facts about Rajasthani folk music and dance:
- Rajasthani folk music is often accompanied by instruments such as the dholak, the sarangi, and the sitar.
- Rajasthani folk dance is often performed in circles or lines.
- Rajasthani folk music and dance are often used to tell stories or to celebrate special occasions.
- Rajasthani folk music and dance are an important part of the state’s cultural heritage.
What is folk music?
Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down through oral tradition. It is often associated with a particular region or culture, and it can be used to express a wide range of emotions and experiences.
What is folk dance?
Folk dance is a type of dance that is typically passed down through oral tradition. It is often associated with a particular region or culture, and it can be used to express a wide range of emotions and experiences.
What are some examples of folk music?
Some examples of folk music include:
- Bluegrass
- Cajun music
- Country music
- Flamenco
- Gypsy music
- Irish folk music
- Jamaican folk music
- Klezmer music
- Mexican folk music
- Native American music
- Reggae
- Scottish folk music
- South African folk music
- Swedish folk music
- Welsh folk music
What are some examples of folk dance?
Some examples of folk dance include:
- The barn dance
- The Charleston
- The foxtrot
- The jitterbug
- The polka
- The salsa
- The tango
- The waltz
What are the characteristics of folk music?
Folk music is typically characterized by its simple melodies, repetitive rhythms, and use of traditional instruments. It is often passed down through oral tradition, and it can be used to express a wide range of emotions and experiences.
What are the characteristics of folk dance?
Folk dance is typically characterized by its simple steps, repetitive movements, and use of traditional costumes. It is often passed down through oral tradition, and it can be used to express a wide range of emotions and experiences.
What are the benefits of Learning folk music?
There are many benefits to learning folk music, including:
- It can help you to appreciate different cultures.
- It can help you to develop your musical skills.
- It can help you to connect with other people.
- It can help you to express yourself creatively.
What are the benefits of learning folk dance?
There are many benefits to learning folk dance, including:
- It can help you to stay fit and healthy.
- It can help you to develop your coordination and balance.
- It can help you to express yourself creatively.
- It can help you to connect with other people.
- It can help you to appreciate different cultures.
Where can I learn folk music?
There are many places where you can learn folk music, including:
- Community centers
- Folk music schools
- Libraries
- Museums
- Online Resources
Where can I learn folk dance?
There are many places where you can learn folk dance, including:
- Community centers
- Folk dance schools
- Libraries
- Museums
- Online resources
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Which of the following is not a folk dance of Rajasthan?
(A) Ghoomar
(B) Kalbelia
(C) Bhangra
(D) Teratali -
Which of the following is not a folk instrument of Rajasthan?
(A) Sarangi
(B) Dholak
(C) Sitar
(D) Been -
Which of the following is not a folk song of Rajasthan?
(A) Kachhi Ghodi
(B) Jhumar
(C) Gangaur
(D) Bhangra -
Which of the following is not a folk festival of Rajasthan?
(A) Teej
(B) Pushkar Mela
(C) Gangaur
(D) Holi -
Which of the following is not a folk art of Rajasthan?
(A) Phad painting
(B) Miniature painting
(C) Block printing
(D) Tie-dyeing
Answers:
1. (C)
2. (C)
3. (D)
4. (D)
5. (B)