The music and dances of Rajasthan are so appealing and soothing that it matches so well with this strange and wondrous land. The state of Rajasthan has a very vibrant, highly evolved tradition of performing arts carefully nurtured and sustained over the centuries. The art of Folk Music and Dances is popular amongst the Tribal people of Rajasthan. Folk Music and dances of Rajasthan arouse the desert in all moods. The spectacular beauty of the land of Rajasthan is elated with the Folk Music and dances performed by the native people.
Folk Musicians : Dance is often part of the musical tradition and the Theories 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. The Chipas or Joshis are famous phad painters. The Jogis were well-known for their recitation of the great ballad Nihalde Sultan, Shivji-ka-byawala and songs about Gopi Chand and Bhartrihari. Most of these musical communities live a rural base and function as wandering minstrels traveling from village to village. There are many other artists in different art forms who use music as an accompaniment. The Dholies, also known as Mirasis, Dhadhies, Manganiyarv and Langas are known for their distinct musical styles.
Recital of Pabuji's Phad : 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 a unique style of singing and a core melody, is their creation. True to its desert environment, the Maand speaks of love, separation, chivalry and revelry. Ballads are an integral part of the professional repertoire and Dhola Maru, Moomal-Mahendra, Doongji-Jawarji, Galaleng, Jala-Boobna, Nagji-Nagwatnti are the most popular ones. The Mahabharat and the Ramayan are popular themes for ballads and the Mirasis and Jogis of Mewat have a delightful folk version of the former, while Hadoti has the Ramayan of Dhai kadi.
Karna Bhil playing the Nad : Folk opera is another field which has been made immensely popular by the professionals, often in association with amateurs. The Chairawi and Kuchamani Khyals, Maach of Chittaurgarh area, Tamayha of Jaipur and Rammat of Bikaner are famous. The Nautanki and Rasleela are also seen in western Uttar Pradesh, but sadly, the Alibakshi Khyal, the original Bhawai plays (which still have a strong presence in Gujrat) and the musical traditions of the Rasadharies and Rawals are now extinct. The State Government has provided patronage and opportunities for self employment for folk artists by organizing festivals and cultural programs. It has also aroused and directed the interest of the local people towards our rich cultural heritage
Kathputli : Puppet plays based on popular legends are performed by skilled puppeteers. Displaying his skill in making the puppets’ act and dance, the puppeteer is accompanied by a woman, usually his wife, who plays the dholak, or drum and sings the ballad.
Pabuji Ki Phach : A 14th century folk hero, Pabuji is revered by the Bhopa community. The phad, or scroll, which is about 10 metres long, highlights the life and heroic deed of Pabuji. The Bhopas are invited by villagers to perform in their areas during times of sickness and misfortune. The ballad is sung by the Bhopa as he plays the Ravan-hattha and he is joined by his wife who holds a lamp and illuminates the relevant portions at appropriate points
Ghoomar Dance : This is basically a community dance for women and performed on. auspicious occasions. Derived from the word ghoomna, piroutte, this is a very simple dance where the ladies move gently, gracefully in circles.
Gait Ghoomar : This is one of the many dance-forms of the Bhil tribals. Performed during Holi festival, this is among a few performances where both men and women dance together.
Gait : Another Holi dance but performed only by men. This becomes Dandia Gair in Jodhpur and Geendad in Shekhawati.
Chart Dance : This is popular in the Kisherigarh region and involves dancing with a chari, or pot, on one’s head. A lighted lamp is then placed on the pot.
Kachhi Ghodi : This is a dance performed on dummy horses. Men in elaborate costumes ride the equally well decorated dummy horses. Holding naked swords, these dancers move rhythmically to the beating of drums and fifes. A singer narrates the exploits of the Bavaria bandits of Shekhawati.
Fire Dance : The Jasnathis of Bikaner and Chum are renowned for their tantric powers and this dance is in keeping with their lifestyle. A large ground is prepared with live wood and charcoal where the Jasnathi men and boys jump on to the fire to the accompaniment of drum beats. The music gradually rises in tempo and reaches a crescendo, the dancers seem to be in a trance like state. Drum Dance: This is a professional dance-form from Jalore. Five men with huge drums round their necks, some with huge cymbals accompany a dancer who holds a naked sword in his mouth and performs vigorously by twirling three painted sticks.
Teerah Taali : The Kamad community of Pokhran and Deedwana perform this dance in honour of theft deity, Baba Ramdeo. A rather unusual performance where the men play a four-stringed instrument called a chau-tara and the women sit with dozens of manjeeras, or cymbals, tied on all over their bodies and strike them with the ones they hold in their hands. Sometimes, the women also hold a sword between their teeth or place pots with lighted lamps on their heads.
