Archive for August 9, 2009
Bhaats, Dholis, Mirasis, Nats, Bhopas and Bhands - Folk Musician Communities in Rajasthan
The people of Rajasthan live life to the hilt. There is dancing, singing, drama, devotional music and other community festivities which transform the hardworking Rajasthani person into a fun-loving and carefree individual.
Each region has its own folk entertainment, the dance styles differ as do the songs. Interestingly enough, even the musical instruments are different.
Of considerable significance are the devotional songs and the communities who render these songs. Professional performers like the Bhaats, Dholis, Mirasis, Nats, Bhopas and Bhands are omnipresent across the state.
Musical Communities in Rajasthan
Bhopas Community
Group singing of classical bandishes called the Dangal or taalbandi is also unique to this region. Bhopas are singing priests of various deities or warriors saints. The Bhopas of Mataji wear red costumes and play the mashak.
Dance is often part of the musical tradition and the Thories or Nayaks who are Pabu Bhopas, have a female accompanist; together they recite the Phad (a painted ballad). The Phad itself is an elaborately painted work of art and deeply venerated.
Jogis Community
The Jogis were well-known for their recitation of the great ballad Nihalde Sultan, Shiviji-ka-byawala and songs about Gopi Chand and Bhartrihari. Most of these musical communities have a rural and function as wandering minstrels travelling from villages.
The Dholies, also known as Mirasis, Dhadhies, Manganiyars and langas are known for their distinct musical styles in Rajasthan.
Kalawants
State and royal patronage elevated some of these musicians into Kalawants in the royal courts. Their music had acquired a sophistication that was absent from the rustic tones of the others.
The famous Maand of Rajasthan, which is unique style of Rajasthan, which is a singing and a core melody, is their creation.
True to its desert Ramayan are popular themes for ballad and the Mirasis and Jogis of Mewat have a delightful Rajasthan Folk Music of the court while Hadoti has the Ramayan of Dhai Kadi.
Folk Opera
Folk opera is another field, which has been made immensely popular by the professionals, often in association with amateurs. The ‘maach’ of Chittaurgarh area, ‘tamasha’ of Jaipur and ‘rammat’ of Bikaner are famous.
