Music
is very much part of this wondrous land. The music of the Rajasthan is
vibrant and enchanting. The unique music of Rajasthan is exciting and
intoxicating. The popular and enchanting music of this desert State has won
many devoted international admirers. There are songs for every occasion,
every mood, and every moment. Most of the songs are based on the past royal
glory of Rajasthan, which tells the tales of their Maharajas. Of the many
types of communities of professional folk musicians, Bhopas (singing
priests), Nats, Bhat puppeteers, Kalbelias and Kanjars, who pursue music as
an ancillary vocation and operate in a rustic ambience, have made some vital
contributions in this field. Apart from classical forms like khayal and
dhrupad, a unique form of singing called maand also flourished in the royal
courts of Rajasthan.
A perfect complement to the music could be found in the lively folk dances
of Rajasthan. Bhopas and dholis, jogis and miraasis are all traditional
singers, who chant short poem in the form of songs, about folk heroes of
history - Baba Ramdeo, Gogaji, Tejaji, Dhola Maru and Jethwa Ujli - in
voices surprisingly strong and passionate. In most of the performances is
open with the inspiring and imposing trumpet, the bankia.
Musical Instruments
The basic structure the instruments reflects a great deal on the musical
ingenuity of the folks. The sound of these instruments supercharge the
drummer, stimulates the singers, provides a refreshing bonus to the dancers,
and generally rewards the overall effect of the musical activity.
The musical intruments used in the musics and songs ranges from the soft
tinklers to thunderous kettledrums; from simple, slender flutes to
intriguing trumpets; and from the rustic looking resonators for basic rhythm
to elegant and fully developed bowing or plucking devices. The folk
musicians of Rajasthan use ancient, unsophisticated instruments that produce
strangely spellbinding sounds - twin flutes called algoza, the hypnotic
Jewish harp or morchhang, the stringed instrument, ravanhatta and matka
(earthen pitcher) turned in the hands with amazing dexterity. The chang is
yet another drumming instrument which is made of sheepskin pasted onto a
large circular or octagonal wooden frame. This is used as a rhythmic
accompaniment to the erotic songs and dances performed on the colorful
festival of Holi. The khanjari is a tambourine used traditionally by the
Kalbeliya women (the snake charmer community).
