In Context
- Recently, the Langa-Manganiyar artists are in the news as efforts are made by the government to document and digitize their folk art performances.
- The project is aimed at saving the rapidly disappearing narrative traditions of these communities.
About
- Langa-Manganiyar community:
- The Langas and Manganiyars are communities of Muslim folk musicians residing mostly in western Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer and Barmer districts.
- While the Manganiars are patronised by the Bhati Rajputs, the Langas have the Sindhi Sipahis as yajman.
- They still sing for their Hindu yajmans on Holi, Diwali and other auspicious occasions like weddings.
- Folk art:
- The folk art practised by these two communities includes ballads, folklore and songs.
- The major theme includes heroic ballads, romantic epic tales and the Sufi spiritual stories.
- The performances are in multiple languages and dialects including Marwari, Sindhi, Saraiki, Dhatti and Thareli.
- The romantic tales revolving around legendary lovers such as Umar-Marvi, Heer-Ranjha, Sohni-Mahiwal, Moomal-Rana and Sorath-Rao Khangar have traditionally captivated audiences.
- Folk art forms a vital part of the Thar desert’s cultural landscape.
Source: TH
