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All
the regions of Rajasthan have their distinct folk entertainment.
The dance styles differ and so do the songs. Interestingly, even
the musical instruments are different. The hilly tracts of
central and southern Rajasthan are rich in community
entertainments because of the lifestyle of tribes like the Bhils,
Meena, Banjaras, Saharias and Garasias. 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. Eastern Rajasthan is fertile and
affluent, with plenty of patrons to sustain professional
entertainers like the Bhats, Kamads, Bhopas, Kacchi Ghodi
dancers and Kathputli (puppeteer).
There is a great tradition of Famous poetry, which is written
under the rival banners of Turru and Kalangi. This is a sung in
groups in Jikri, Kanhaiyya or Geet(of the Meenas), Hele-ke-Khyal
and Bam Rasiya of Eastern Rajasthan. Group singing of classical
bandishes, called the Dangal or taalbandi is also unique to this
region. Bhopas are singing priests of various deities or warrior
saints. The Bhopas of Mataji wear costumes and play the Mashak.
People in the harsh scantily-populated desert areas of Western
Rajasthan have very little leisure for merry making.
Therefore, in this region, entertainment is provided by
professional performers like the Bhats, Dholis, Mirasis, Nats,
Sargadas and Bhands.
Folk
traditions and classical forms found royal patronage in
Rajasthan. A major school of the sophisticated classical Kathak
dance form originated in Jaipur, as did Dhrupad singing. The
rulers of Jaisalmer extended patronage to the Manganiyar
community. 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 Famous ones. The Mahabharat and the Ramayan are Famous
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.
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.
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