Being a land of royalty, the rulers of Rajasthan
have all along been great patrons
of music and dance. Needless to say, the music and dances of Rajasthan draw inspiration from its legends that abound
in valor and courage as also romance.
The striking feature of Rajasthan's music and dance scene
is that there is great variety. In fact, nothing much has
changed since the time of their inception, probably a thousand
years back. The music and dance are rooted in tradition. Although
music and dance are an integral part of the daily life of
Rajasthan, it is more pronounced during festivals. Songs of
ancient poets like Kabir, Malookdas and Meera have become
an integral part of the Rajasthani folklore. Apart from festivals,
music and dance are also performed during special occasions
like marriage, and childbirth.
There are certain exclusive musician communities like the
Bhats, the Charans, the Bhopas, the Dholis to name just a
few of the communities who have been performing the age old
musical soirees in Rajasthan.
Rajasthani folk music are accompanied by traditional instruments
like Baara, Algoza, Sarangi, Jantar, Ektara etc. all of which
adds punch to the Rajasthani music scene.
The music of Rajasthan is very vibrant and the manner in which
Rajasthani music has evolved by absorbing the unique features
of its adjoining states like Gujrat, Haryana and Punjab has
meant that Rajasthani music is bold and evocative. It has
already carved a niche for itself in not only India but has
also been very popular overseas, courtesy the "Festival
of India" shows that are conducted in a select few western
countries.
The following traditional musical instruments are commonly
used in Rajasthan's folk music -
1. Sarangi.
2. Jantar.
3. Ektara.
4. Morchang.
5. Ghoralio.
6. Garasiyas.
7. Kallbelias.
8. Jhalar.
9. Thali.
10. Jaltall.
As far as Rajasthani dances are concerned, they are not only
spectacular but also very colorful. Rajasthani people know
how to celebrate life and dancing is one important medium
of celebration. There is great diversity and each region has
its won unique dance forms and no two regional dances are
the same. Even the instruments used are different.
There are specialized performers who belong to clans like
Dholis, Bhopas and Bhands who regularly perform in the villages
of Rajasthan to the utter delight of the simple village folks.
For instance, the Ghoomer dance is a trademark women's dance
performed by the women themselves who dance elegantly in circles.
Then, there is the Chari dance which is renowned for the fact
that dancers dance with a pot on ones head and a lighted diya
is then placed on top of the pot. This particular dance requires
great skill. There is also the Kachi Ghodi wherein dummy horses
are designed and gorgeously dressed men who holds swords in
their hands dance in rhythmic unison.
For a touch of exotica, there is the mesmerizing Fire dance
of Bikaner which is hosted in a large open ground where wood
and charcoal are lighted and the energetic dancers dance in
a transcendental state of mind. The tribals of Rajasthan are
a colorful lot and the spectacularly rhythmic Gair Ghoomer
dance form of the colorful Bheel tribals which is performed
by both men and women is a feast to the eyes.
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