Folk music of Rajasthan :

Rajasthan folk music can mesmerise anyone with its beautiful rythm and words. Folk music of Rajasthan is originated from emotions, stories and daily activities Rajasthani people. Its music binds listeners till the end with its melodiness. Rajasthani music also includes many activities too like dancing and story-telling through songs. Among famous Rajasthani folk music- Panihari, Pabuji Ki Phach and Maand are best. Maands are Rajasthans most sophisticated style of folk music and has come a long way from the time it was only sung in royal courts, in praise of the Rajput rulers.

One of the most famous Rajasthani Maand singers is Allah Jilai Bai of the Bikaner Gharana.

1. Mand  :

Mand is a popular style of singing in Rajasthan. This is neither accepted as a full-fledged Raga nor is it reckoned among the freely rendered folk songs. It is quiet similar to the Thumri or the Ghazal.

Maand singers contribute a lot to the classical music of India with their Rajasthani folklore.
It is the Rajasthan’s most sophisticated style of folk music and is most exclusive contribution to the classical music of India.

Maand Singers :

Some famous Mand singers are: Allah Jilai Bai from Bikaner ((awarded by Padma Shri-1982 and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award-1988 in Folk Music)), Mangi Bai arya from Udaipur (awarded by Sangeet Natak Akademi Award-2008 in Folk Music)& last but not the least Gavari Bai(Also Known as Gavri Devi) from Jodhpur (awarded by Sangeet Natak Akademi Award-1975-76 & 1986 in Folk Music).

2. Panihari :

Panihari style of music were developed by woman of Rajasthan. As water is a scare commodity in the parched desert lands of Rajasthan and women who fetch water from afar called Panihari. The overworked women created melodious numbers that spoke of flowing rivers and the splashing waves. Most songs often had water and rains as their theme. Soon Panihari songs became famous and common.

Panihari slowly came to be a part of the rich folk dance and music culture of this state. Themes too grew to encompass the daily affairs of women and their household chores. The songs sung as the women washed and cleaned and worked around the village well were also classified as Panihari songs.

Panihari And Women :

Women sing Panihari as the expression of their love and disappointment, unappreciated sacrifices at the altar of mundane domesticity. Humor and mirth too was added to these songs by the womenfolk. They took this opportunity to take a dig at their troublesome mother-in-laws. Panihari was an effective expression of the pent up creativities of the rustic Rajasthani women.

Theme Of Panihari :

A famous theme of the Panihari songs is the tale of a young, unwed girl who stumbles upon a stranger on her way home from the well. Taking pity upon the parched stranger she offers him some water. After the drink the immodest stranger sings praises of her beauty and follows her home on her camel. Fuming at such outrage the village complains to her mother. The lady meets the stranger and laughs at her daughter’s ignorance as the stranger turns out to be the girl’s fiance.

The mischievous romance, the mock anger and the humor of a happy end are captured well in this song. Panihari songs are not set to any formal or classical note or raaga. They are lilting melodies that spontaneously overflow from a woman’s heart.

3. Pabuji Ki Phach :

The Pabuji Ki Phach is a beautiful folk music of Rajasthan which is performed in the commemoration of about a 14th century folk hero who is the most honored protagonist of the Bhopa community. This Performing Art is associated to the life and the gallantry activities of Pabuji.

History Of Pabuji Ki Phach :

Pabuji Ki Phach Folk Music expresses the struggle period, heroism and dauntless attitude of the great Pabuji in a musical style. It is basically a poetic ballad sung by the Bhopa who plays the Ravan-hattha and is accompanied by his counterpart (wife) who seizes the lamp and illumines its specific portions.

Description Of Pabuji Ki Phach

Pabuji Ki Phach is one of the gems which truly represent the Rajasthan’s stupendous culture, lifestyle and tradition after the magnificent citadels, palaces and fizzy havelis whose edifices and structural designing is really awe-inspiring. Pabuji Ki Phach portrays the works and life of Pabuji who was somewhat an integral personality for the Bhopas who exaggerate his deeds through the songs and the stories ever read by them related to Pabuji from a scroll or Phad whose length is about 10 meters long. The melancholy period of the Bhopas explore the townships of Rajasthan and entertain the bystanders with their performance related to the Pabuji Ki Phach Folk Music.

Folk Musical Instruments in Rajasthan :

Folk musical instruments give life to traditional dances and music of Rajasthan. Not even a small dance or music performance will not be attractive or enjoyable without these instruments. Here is the list of popular folk musical instruments in Rajasthan.

Stringed Instruments : Ektara, Morchang, Sarangi, Rawanhattha, and Kamayacha.

Percussion Instruments : Nagaras, Dhols, and Damrus in all sizes and shapes.

Flutes and Bag Pipes : Poongi, Algoza, Tarpi, Been, Bankia, and Shehnai.

Traditional Instruments : Baara, Jantar, Ghoralio, Thali, Garasiyas, Jaltall, etc are the different types of musical instruments which were the reason behind for the charm and glory of Folk music and dance.

                                          The people of Rajasthan live life to the hilt. After hard work in the harsh desert sun and the rocky terrain whenever they take time off they let themselves go in gay abandon. There is dancing, singing, drama, devotional music and puppet shows and other community festivities which transform the hardworking Rajasthani into a fun-loving and carefree individual. Each region has its own folk entertainment, the dance styles differ as do the songs. Interestingly enough, even the musical instruments are different.

Of considerable significance are the devotional songs and the communities who render these songs. Professional performers like the Bhaats, Dholis, Mirasis, Nats, Bhopas and Bhands are omnipresent across the state. They are patronised by the villagers who participate actively in the shows put up by travelling entertainers.