The traditional music of Rajasthan can charm anyone with its rhythm and words. It originated from stories, emotions, and the daily chores of the Rajasthani people. Not only singing, but Rajasthani music involves dancing and story-telling through songs. It has attracted many tourists from around the country and the world. Each region in the state has its own style of dance and songs and even musical instruments. Among the famous music of Rajasthan like Panihari and Pabuji Ki Panch is the Mand Folk Music.
Maand is Rajasthan’s most sophisticated style of folk music and has come a long way from that time. Earlier, it was only sung in royal courts, praising the Rajput rulers and the local heroes. It was then mostly sung either by nomadic performers or appointed court singers. The nomadic singers roamed about the state from one royal province to another in caravans and performed at the royal courts.
Keeping the Maand Folk Music Rajasthan Alive
Though the nomadic singers are no longer to be found, the Maand Folk Music of Rajasthan in India has been kept alive as one of the performing arts of Rajasthan. It is now sung by professional singers who mostly hail from the families of royal or nomadic singers. The Maand is now sung at folk fairs, festivals, and special occasions.
Professional Maand singers still sing the haunting ballads of Moomal Mahendra, Dhola-Maru, and other legendary lovers and heroes of Rajasthan. The Maand is sung mostly by the Mirasis and Jogis of Mewat, Manganiyars and Langas, Kanjars, Banjaras and Dholies.
Music Instruments Involved
The music of Rajasthan is performed with the accompaniment of musical instruments that are unique to the region. The instruments of Rajasthan are simple but quite unusual. Handcrafted by the musicians, they include instruments like the Morchang, Naad, Sarangi, Kamayacha, Rawanhattha, Algoza, Khartal, Poongi, Bankia, and Da, to name a few. In addition, dozens of other instruments are exclusive to Rajasthan only.
It is a rather mammoth task to identify and enlist all the types of folk music and dance of Rajasthan since the range of the same is mind-boggling given the large number of tribes, clans, races, and the complex politico-historical movements that dot the history of the region.
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