The music of Rajasthan is very vibrant and the manner in which Rajasthani music has evolved by absorbing the unique features of its adjoining states like Gujrat, Haryana and Punjab has meant that Rajasthani music is bold and evocative. In Rajasthan, songs play a dominant role in the life of the people. The lyrics are read in a prosaic style. They are not strictly songs and are referred to as duha, soratha etc. Songs, which are more poetic than musical or melodious are called folk poetry. The real folk-song is not something to be read. The words of folk-song become meaningful when they are saturated with the rhythm of music to which they have been spontaneously set through continuous use by the people. This make folk songs timeless and limitless. Gorbund is a famous folk song which describes the process of preparing a decorative string for a camel, Rajasthan's traditional mount. The enjoyment of this song is hundred percent when sung to this raga. The other folk songs are 'Indhani', 'Lawarji', 'Jallo', 'Hichaki', 'Olyun', 'Sapno', 'Kurjan' etc. The tunes of these song are melodious and fast that even the rendering of their first times over a stringed instrument makes the audience ecstatic. Rajasthan has a number of communities whose hereditary profession is to sing for the entertainment of others. Among them are the Dholis (both Hindus and Muslims), Dhadhis, Mirasis, Mangamars, Fedalis, Kalawats and Qawwals, Tangas, Patars and Kanchari (Hindu and Muslim prostitutes), Nats, Rawals and Bhawais. These communities have contributed to the preservation and popularisation of Rajasthani folk songs. |
