Kesariya Balam — the songs of the Manganiyars
Maand singing from the Thar, the hum of the kamaicha and the clack of the khartal.
TIMES of RAJASTHAN · DARSHAN
Kesariya Balam — the songs of the Manganiyars
Maand singing from the Thar, the hum of the kamaicha and the clack of the khartal.
Song
Kesariya Balam (traditional Maand)
Kesariya baalam aavo ni, padhaaro mhaare des
(O beloved in saffron, come — welcome to my land)
Padhaaro mhaare des…
Instruments
Kamaicha
A bowed instrument of mango wood and goatskin — the soul of Manganiyar singing.
Khartal
Four wooden clappers held in the palms, played in fast, intricate rhythms.
Dholak
The two-headed drum that keeps the beat of folk songs.
Morchang
A small metal jaw harp held to the lips — its twang rides over the rhythm.
Artists & communities
Manganiyars
Hereditary folk musicians of Jaisalmer and Barmer who have sung for their patron families for generations.
Langas
A singing community of western Rajasthan known for the Sindhi sarangi and the algoza.
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