Folk music & Dance of Rajasthan

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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

  1. Ghoomar Dance
  2. Kachi Ghori Dance
  3. Gair Dance
  4. Panihari Dance
  5. Sekhawati’s Geendada Dance
  6. Chang Dance
  7. Dandiya Dance
  8. Dhol Dance
  9. Bum Dance
  10. Tera Taali Dance
  11. Chari Dance

 

Folk Dances of Nomadic Tribe:-

  1. Kalbeliya Dance
  2. Shankaria Dance
  3. Panihari Dance
  4. Idoni Dance
  5. Sankhiyas Dance
  6. Banjara Dance
  7. Bagariya Dance
  8. Bhawai Dance

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Rajasthan is a state in northwestern India known for its desert landscapes, forts, and palaces. The state is also home to a rich culture and heritage, which is reflected in its folk music and dance.

Bhangra is a folk dance that originated in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. It is a vigorous dance that is often performed at weddings and other celebrations. Bhangra is characterized by its fast-paced movements and its use of clapping and singing.

Ghoomar is a folk dance that is popular in Rajasthan. It is a graceful dance that is often performed by Women. Ghoomar is characterized by its circular movements and its use of colorful scarves.

Kalbelia is a folk dance that is popular in the Bikaner region of Rajasthan. It is a dance that is performed by women who are dressed in traditional Rajasthani attire. Kalbelia is characterized by its energetic movements and its use of drums.

Kachi Ghodi is a folk dance that is popular in the Marwar region of Rajasthan. It is a dance that is performed by men who are dressed in traditional Rajasthani attire. Kachi Ghodi is characterized by its acrobatic movements and its use of sticks.

Marwari folk dance is a genre of folk dance that is popular in the Marwar region of Rajasthan. It is a dance that is performed by both men and women. Marwari folk dance is characterized by its use of colorful costumes and its intricate footwork.

Pachhad is a folk dance that is popular in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. It is a dance that is performed by men who are dressed in traditional Rajasthani attire. Pachhad is characterized by its vigorous movements and its use of swords.

Rajasthani folk music is a genre of folk music that is popular in the state of Rajasthan. It is a music that is characterized by its use of traditional instruments such as the dholak, the sarangi, and the bansuri. Rajasthani folk music is often used to accompany folk dances.

Teej is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in the state of Rajasthan. It is a festival that is dedicated to the goddess Parvati. Teej is a time for women to celebrate their beauty and fertility. Teej is also a time for women to dance and sing.

Tumbadi is a folk dance that is popular in the Mewar region of Rajasthan. It is a dance that is performed by women who are dressed in traditional Rajasthani attire. Tumbadi is characterized by its use of colorful scarves and its intricate footwork.

Wada dance is a folk dance that is popular in the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan. It is a dance that is performed by both men and women. Wada dance is characterized by its use of sticks and its energetic movements.

Rajasthani folk music and dance are an important part of the state’s culture and heritage. They are a way for people to express their joy and happiness, and they are a way for people to connect with their roots.

Here are some frequently asked questions about folk music and dance of Rajasthan, along with short answers:

  1. What is folk music?

Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down orally from generation to generation. It is often associated with a particular region or culture, and it can be used to tell stories, express emotions, or simply provide entertainment.

  1. What is folk dance?

Folk dance is a type of dance that is typically passed down orally from generation to generation. It is often associated with a particular region or culture, and it can be used to tell stories, express emotions, or simply provide entertainment.

  1. What are some of the characteristics of folk music?

Folk music is often characterized by its simple melodies, repetitive rhythms, and use of traditional instruments. It can be used to tell stories, express emotions, or simply provide entertainment.

  1. What are some of the characteristics of folk dance?

Folk dance is often characterized by its simple steps, repetitive movements, and use of traditional costumes. It can be used to tell stories, express emotions, or simply provide entertainment.

  1. What are some of the different types of folk music?

There are many different types of folk music, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most common types of folk music include:

  • Ballads: Ballads are narrative songs that tell stories about real or fictional people and events.
  • Folk songs: Folk songs are songs that are passed down orally from generation to generation. They often have simple melodies and repetitive rhythms.

  • Dance tunes: Dance tunes are songs that are used to accompany folk dances. They often have lively rhythms and catchy melodies.

  • What are some of the different types of folk dance?

There are many different types of folk dance, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most common types of folk dance include:

  • Circle dances: Circle dances are dances in which the dancers form a circle and move around in a circular motion.
  • Line dances: Line dances are dances in which the dancers line up in a row and move down the line in a single file.

  • Square dances: Square dances are dances in which the dancers form a square and move around the square in a specific pattern.

  • What are some of the benefits of folk music and dance?

Folk music and dance can provide many benefits, including:

  • A sense of community: Folk music and dance are often performed in groups, which can help to build a sense of community and belonging.
  • A sense of identity: Folk music and dance can help people to connect with their cultural heritage and identity.
  • A sense of history: Folk music and dance can provide a window into the past and help people to understand the history of their culture.

  • Entertainment: Folk music and dance can be a source of entertainment and enjoyment.

  • Where can I learn more about folk music and dance?

There are many Resources available for Learning more about folk music and dance. Some of these resources include:

  • Books: There are many books available on the subject of folk music and dance. Some of these books include:
    • The Penguin Book of Folk Songs by A.L. Lloyd
    • The Oxford Book of English Folk Dances by Cecil Sharp
    • The Dance of the Peoples of Europe by Curt Sachs
  • Websites: There are many websites that provide information on folk music and dance. Some of these websites include:
    • The Folk Music Society of America
    • The English Folk Dance and Song Society
    • The International Council for Traditional Music

  • Videos: There are many videos available online that showcase folk music and dance. Some of these videos include:

    • “The History of Folk Music” by The History Channel
    • “The History of Folk Dance” by The History Channel
    • “The World of Folk Music” by National Geographic

  • How can I get involved in folk music and dance?

There are many ways to get involved in folk music and dance. Some of these ways include:

  • Attending folk music and dance performances
  • Taking folk music and dance lessons
  • Joining a folk music and dance group

  • Participating in folk music and dance festivals

  • What is the future of folk music and dance?

The future of folk music and dance is uncertain. However, there are many people who are working to preserve and promote these Art Forms. It is hoped that folk music and dance will continue to be enjoyed by people of all ages for many years to come.

  1. Which of the following is not a folk dance of Rajasthan?
    (A) Ghoomar
    (B) Kalbelia
    (C) Bhangra
    (D) Teej

  2. Which of the following is not a folk instrument of Rajasthan?
    (A) Sarangi
    (B) Dholak
    (C) Sitar
    (D) Been

  3. Which of the following is not a folk song of Rajasthan?
    (A) “Jhumar”
    (B) “Kala Jhankar”
    (C) “Dhola Maru”
    (D) “Bhangra”

  4. The folk music of Rajasthan is known for its:
    (A) Use of percussion instruments
    (B) Use of string instruments
    (C) Use of wind instruments
    (D) All of the above

  5. The folk dance of Rajasthan is known for its:
    (A) Exuberant and colorful costumes
    (B) Complex and intricate steps
    (C) Both (A) and (B)
    (D) None of the above

  6. The folk music and dance of Rajasthan are an important part of the state’s culture and heritage. They are a reflection of the people’s lives, their history, and their values.

  7. The folk music of Rajasthan is known for its use of percussion instruments, such as the dholak, the ghungroo, and the kartal. These instruments are used to create a lively and energetic rhythm that is perfect for dancing.

  8. The folk dance of Rajasthan is known for its complex and intricate steps. These steps are often based on the movements of animals, such as the peacock and the camel. The dance is also characterized by its use of colorful costumes and headgear.

  9. The folk music and dance of Rajasthan are an important part of the state’s culture and heritage. They are a reflection of the people’s lives, their history, and their values. The music and dance are a way for the people to express themselves and to connect with their culture.

  10. The folk music and dance of Rajasthan are a popular tourist attraction. Visitors to the state can enjoy watching performances of folk music and dance, or they can even learn to dance themselves.

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