A Brief Introduction To Rajasthani Folk Music

The mere mention of folk music brings to mind the melodious Rajasthani folk songs. Rajasthani folk music is immensely popular and is appreciated all over the world, but what makes this music so special? The answer is unique primitive-looking musical instruments and, most importantly, the contribution from music “Gharanas.”

This brief introduction to Rajasthani folk music will take you through the basics of the melodies and techniques that have captured the hearts of music fans all across the globe. Let’s start with a few types of Rajasthani folk musical instruments that are frequently used:

• The Sarangi, Rawanhattha, Kamayacha, Morchang and Ektara are the popular Rajasthani folk instruments of the stringed variety.

• Different shapes and sizes are present in percussion instruments, from the huge Nagaras and Dhols to the tiny Damrus. Festivals like Holi witness The Daf and Chang.

• Under the flutes and bagpipes category, Rajasthan excels with instruments such as Shehnai, Poongi, Algoza, Tarpi, Been and Bankia.

Three men playing musical instruments, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India

All these instruments, although quite exotic on their own accord, turn to gold and enchant music lovers to no end when they are in the trained hands of the talented Rajasthani folk musicians. Owing to the diversity in Rajasthan, the contributions to its folk music come from almost all parts of the grand state. Most famous among them are the Mirasis and Jogis of Mewat, Manganiyars and Langas, Kanjars, Banjaras and Dholies. Performances like the Kuchamani Khayal, Maach, Tamasha, Rammat, Nautanki and Raasleela are equally revered.

Manganiyars and Langas are the most prominent ones who are known for their unique style of music worldwide and can be seen performing in their traditional attire with colorful turbans. Indeed, they are so popular that you’ll find them performing all over the world.

Another intriguing thing is that the Manganiyars and Langas only sing specific ragas at specific times of the day, specific seasons and have different ragas and songs reserved for all occasions such as weddings, births, etc. Apart from locally inspired lyrics to songs that have been passed down through generations, the Rajasthani folk artists also master the art of devotional folk music, with compositions by the likes of Kabirdas, Surdas, Tulsidas and Meerabai. Sufi renditions by the Rajasthani folk artists are a complete pleasure, and Bulleh Shah, Amir Khusro and Latif are amongst the most popular Sufi inspirations.

Manganiyars have expertise over percussion instruments like Dholak and Khadtal, whereas Langas are known for Sarangi, Murali, Surnai, etc. Their musical compositions are very complex and have improvisatory rules build into them. Both of these groups travel widely all over the world for performances and carry the essence of Rajasthan.

A delight to hear are the young Rajasthani folk musicians, almost five-six years of age, who are often seen performing on stage with the group. These are the little musicians in training who will take the family tradition forward in the future. They hail from the western parts of state – parts of Thar Desert.

The latest feather in their caps is the amalgamation of their music and instruments with many mainstream musical styles like house music, electro music, etc. All in all, Rajasthani folk music has a history so deep that one article can’t do it justice. This, however, is an attempt to appreciate the melodies of our childhood, of the songs that speak the language of the heart.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.