Swan song for symbol of unity in diversity
Rajasthani musicians epitomise India’s syncretic culture, but are a struggling lot
They are Muslims, yet they sing Krishna “bhajans” (hymns) from Hindu lore. They have adopted a hybrid culture that is a mix of both religions and lifestyles. Many of their names too blend two religions, like Shankar Khan and Krishna Khan.
They are the Manganiyaars, who hail from western Rajasthan, where a thriving legacy of secular music has touched the hearts of music lovers not just in India but in many countries across the world where they have played. But they remain a struggling lot at home.
According to Manjoor Khan, a grandly-turbaned Manganiyaar folk singer, their art has flourished under the Rajputs. “Hindu Rajputs have kept our legacies live; they have protected us and kept our art living and thriving. For years, we have ■ been singing for them,” Khan told journalists.
“Centuries ago, our ancestors brought in a musical tradition, soaking the rhythmic waves emanating and emerging from Persia and Punjab. Over the years, our music earned fame as our melodies transcended the boundaries to win hearts of people across the world,” he added.
Western Rajasthan truly symbolises the cultural pluralism of India — what is called HOJAI DISTRICT the Ganga-Jamuna culture — as many Muslims residing here, since their birth, have adopted the lifestyle and dress of Hindus because of centuries of cultural osmosis between the two religions.
Musical cousins
Manganiyaars’ music blends the traditions of Hindustani and Sufi music. Many generations were connected to both Muslim and Hindu families to earn their livelihood where they sang and composed music for their “jajmaans” (patrons).
The Manganiyaars story is incomplete without mentioning Langas, their musical cousins. Langa means “song giver” and includes poets, singers, and musicians from Barmer.
They too had expertise in Sufi singing and hence their patrons, unlike the Manganiyaars, were Muslims. They too performed at events such as births and weddings, exclusively for their patrons.
While the Hindu patrons of the Manganiyaars belonged to Bhati and Rathore clans of Rajputs, the Muslim patrons of the Langas were Sindhi Muslims.
The Manganiyar performers traditionally invoke the Hindu deity Krishna and seek his blessings before beginning their recital while the Langas sing Sufi songs.
Now, as their royal patrons exist no more, the Manganiyaars and Langas face tough times. Many of them still thrive on the mercy of their patrons’ places who are limited in numbers now. NAM DOBOKA DISTRICT