1. Study Report on
‘Possibilities of Developing Culture as Livelihood in
districts of Rajasthan’
Study Period : Nov 1 to Nov 10, 2012.
Implemented by : banglanatak dot com
Supported by : Rajasthan Ajeevika Gramin Vikas Parishad
2. Introduction :
Rajasthan has always been one of the major cultural destinations of India. The rich and diverse
performing folk art form and craftforms have attracted people from all over India. The rich cultural
diversity depict the ancient Indian way of life. Rich and varied folk culture from villages of Rajasthan is
a treat to watch.
The artists involved with this rich cultural tradition perform in various hotels, palaces, resorts and
tourists watch them perform. Some organisations promote the artists like Tourism Department, WZCC
provide support for performance. But the issue was that few groups get performance in the cities and the
question was whether the artists at the village can sustain their livelihood through the artform.
Banglanatak dot com aims to generate livelihood and overall socio-economic improvement of
community artists through their traditional art and culture. Flagship initiative of banglanatak dot dom,
‘Art for Life’ working with 3200 traditional artists of West Bengal supported by Eastern Zonal Cultural
Centre, has led to improvement of income of the artists from Rs 500/- per month to around Rs 3000/-
per month on an average. The initiative also resulted in improvement of overall life of artists thus
sending their children to schools or installing sanitary toilets. The initiative has been recognised by
Jeevika, Govt of Bihar and banglanatak dot com has been working with 1200 artists in 9 districts of
Bihar. Planning Commission has endorsed the model and we have worked with 300 Madhubani painters
in Simri, Madhubani.
With this in background Rajasthan Ajeevika Grameen Vikas Parishad wanted to explore possibilities of
developing culture as livelihood in different districts of Rajasthan and include traditional folk artists,
craftsmen under the NRLM framework.
A study was thus conducted by a four member team from banglanatak dot com from Nov 1 – 10, 2012
to assess the possibilities of developing culture as a form of livelihood in different districts.
Areas Covered and stakeholders consulted under the Study:
Districts Dates ofVisit Areas Stakeholders consulted
Jodhpur Nov 1-4
Jodhpur city, Phalodi Tehsil, Luni Tehsil,
Osian Tehsil, Satni village, Mandor tehsil
Officials of AGVP,
District level officials,
Sangeet Natak Academy,
BDO,Gram Panchayat
members, Other
Government officials,
DIC, DRDA,cultural
organisations, artists,
craftsmen,researchers,
NGOs.
Jaipur and
Sikar
Nov 1-4 Jaipur city, Sikar district- Fatehpur Block,
Jaisalmir Nov 5-6
Jaisalmir city, Block – Khuri, Sam,
Fatehgarh
Ajmer Nov 5-6
Ajmer city, Pisangan tehsil, Kishangarh
tehsil, Ganaheda village, Karail GP
Bhilwara Nov 7-8
Bhilwara town, Mandal Tehsil, Baneda
Tehsil
Rajsamand Nov 9-10
Bhim., Deogarh,Railmagra Tehsil,
Molela village, Haldighat in Khamnor
Block
Udaipur Nov 7-10
Udaipur city, Gogunda, Jhadol and Kotra
Block
3. Predominant Folk Forms and Craft Forms of the District :
District
Performing Folk
Form / Folk
Painting
Craft form /
Handloom
Area of
concentration
# of
artists
Possibility
of inclusion
Remarks
Jodhpur
Langa musicians Phalodi Tehsil 200 Yes
Renowned folk form, Quality musicians, cluster of artists
at Phalodi, the artists do not get many performances.
Mangniyar
musicians
Phalodi Tehsil 50 Yes,
Renowned folk form, quality musicians, cluster of artists,
low socio economic condition.
Kalbelia
musician and
dancers
Jodhpur city and
surrounding area
300 Yes
Renowned folk form. The artists at the city get
performances and hire dancers musicians from villages,
but the artists at village have low socio economic
income, still do not have houses and government
schemes.
Dholi / Mashak
player
Phalodi Tehsil 150 Yes
Talented artists. Do not have proper market linkage.
Huge possibility.
Bhopas singing
Pabuji ka Phad
Luni, Phalodi, Bauri
Block
100 Yes
The artists are talented and have high market potential.
Do not have proper market and exposure.
Kacchi Ghori Jodhpur City 20 No Very few artists. Staying at the city. Performs regularly.
Carpet
weaving
Salabas, Sangasani,
Khudiyala
100 No
Handloom industry. The artists have formed societies
and have a market.
Potters Kankhani 10 No Very few artists.
Jaipur and
Sikar
Katputli
Kathputli bastee in
Jaipur town
500 Yes
Talented artists. The artists stay at the city. Difficult to
include into NRLM.
Daff / Chang
dance
District - Sikar,
Tehsil - Fatehpur
150 Yes Talented musicians. Interesting artform. Huge possibility
of augmenting their income and market linkage.
Lac
Manihar, Gali and
Pattabasti in Jaipur
town
500 No Big industry. The artisans work as labourers in
industries.
Miniature Sanganer Tehsil 150 No Very few artists presently practice. The ones who
4. painting practice are having good socio economic condition.
Blue pottery Sanganer Tehsil 400 No Run by business houses.
Bagru print Sanganer Tehsil 1000 No Run by business houses.
Pottery
Chomu village,
Harota
200 No Low craftsmanship. Can be taken up later on.
Leather
works
Udaypuria village,
Chomu Block
400 No Run by businesss houses.
Jaisalmir
Mangniyar
musicians
Khuri, Sam,
Fatehgarh, Pokran
Tehsil
300 Yes Quality musicians. Renowned all over the world. Huge
prospects of market linkage.
Puppetter Jaisalmir town 25 No Very few artists practice the same.
Nirgun / Bhajan
singer
Khuri, Sam,
Fatehgarh, Pokran
Tehsil
200 Yes Nirgun Bhajans are appreciated all over India. The artists
are quality singers and have hige market potential.
Bhopas singing
Pabuji ka Phad
Jaisalmir town 12 No Very few musicans and also scattered in different places.
Pottery Pokran 200 No
High quality of craftsmanship. Can be taken up at a later
phase.
Ajmer
Kalbelia
musician and
dancers
Ganaheda, Karail
Gram Panchayat
100 Yes Very low socio economic condition. No housing.
Prospects of linking to various markets.
Bhopas singing
Pabuji ka Phad
Karail Gram
Panchayat
10 Yes
Quality artists from one village.
Kishangarh
school of painting
Kishangarh town 100 No
Most of the artists work in big art centers. The artists are
having good socio economic condition.
Kishangarh
school of painting
Pisangan town 100 Yes
Many quality artists are present. Most of them have left
the art form but is interested to restart painting once they
are assured of proper market.
5. Puppetry
Telipara, Ajmer
town
10 No
Very few artists.
Qawwals Ajmer town 50 No
They stay in Ajmer town and have regular performance.
Stable socio economic condition.
Stone
Curving
Kishangarh town 50 No
Industry based.
Bhilwara
Fad painting Sahapur 12 No
Very few artists and also the artists are economically
well off having a stable market.
Nirgun / Bhajan
singer
Mandal Tehsil 100 Yes
Quality artists can be taken up. Prospect of market
linkage.
Gair dance Mandal Tehsil 50 Yes
Quality artists . The artists can be linked to national and
international level.
Nahar dance Mandal Tehsil 20 Yes Lost artform but can be an interesting form of Rajasthan.
Rajsamand
Gawri dance
Bhim, Railmagra
and Deogarh Tehsil
200 Yes
Quality artists. Cluster of artists present. There is huge
possibility of market linkage of the artists.
Nirgun / Bhajan
singer
Railmagra 100 Yes
Quality singers. There are possibilities of linkage at
national level.
Pottery
Molela
village
50 No
Quality craftsmanship. Good socio economic condition.
Udaipur
Bhawai Nrityo
Gogunda Block,
Thur village
100 Yes
Quality artists. Interesting form of Rajasthan. Very few
artists exist. Low socio economic condition of the artists.
Teratali
Gogunda Block,
Dhol village
50 Yes
Very few artists practice the form but can be linked to
various festivals. Interesting form of Rajasthan.
Kathori dance
Kathori Bastee,
Kotra Block
50 Yes
Tribal artists perform the same. Interesting form.
6. Analysis of Predominant Folk Forms and the artists :
The different folk forms in Rajasthan are mainly seen to be practiced by different communities.
Each form is performed by a particular community and has been primarily their tradition and
culture. The western part of Rajasthan covering districts Jodhpur, Jaisalmir is culturally rich
and have diverse performing folk artforms. Influx of tourism has also helped the traditional
folk artists sustain their lielihood through the folk form. Langa musicians, Mangniyar
musicians are major attractions in this part of Rajasthan. Bhajan / Nirgun singers of Jaisalmir
are also traditional musicians and have huge demand but not being exposed at national level
much. It has been seen that some of the groups which are popular get more programmes while
the artists staying at the village do not get much performances. The tourist season from Nov –
Mar is when artists get programmes, other time they sustain through secondary source of
livelihood. Though, it is to be pointed out that many of the Langas and Mangniyar musicians
do not have other forms of livelihood other than singing.
Nomadic tribes are present all around Rajasthan. The culture of these tribes is almost lost.
Kalbelia is one of the predominant nomads who still perform the tradition of singing and
dancing. Kalbelia dancers and musicians are found in Ajmer, Jaisalmir, Jodhpur. Kalbelia
community due to its rich and vibrant form has reached out to many parts of the Globe. It is
also included in the List of UNESCOs intangible cultural heritage. Though the renowned artists
perform in many places and get a good honorarium, the artists residing at the villages are still
poor. Other nomads like Garoliya Lohar are scattered all over Rajasthan but they have lost their
cultural identity. Also it would be difficult to bring them into one framework as number of
persons staying at one place is very less. Khatodi tribes of Udaipur has their unique dance form
and still performs occasionnaly.
The districts of Udaipur, Bhilwara and Rajsamand have many painting forms. Many artists
now reside at the cities and main towns and sale their market to art galleries and big
businessmen. Phad painting an age old tradition practiced in Sahapur, Bhilwara is a marketable
product but the number of artists is very less and the ones who are practicing are quite well off.
Kishangarh School of painting in Ajmer is also famous but practicing artists are less and
mainly work in big business houses / art centres. But Kishangarh School of painting practiced
in Pisangan was once a lucrative livelihood. But, slowly with competition the artists have left
painting. Bhils are the predominant tribes of the area. Gair, Gawri, Nahar are all dances of the
Bhil community. Bhopas practicing Pabuji ka Phad are found all over Rajasthan but main
concentration is found in Jodhpur, Ajmer and Jaisalmir. These artists are nomads as they move
from one place to other.
Jaipur and Udaipur is also known for various crafts. Most of the crafts are being led by leading
businessmen and is difficult for the artists to sustain on their own. Blue pottery, miniature
painitng, leather works are all run by industries.
The main market of the artists presently is hotels, resorts, palaces, government programmes
and some private ones. There is a huge market still unexploed for these talented musicians both
at national and international level.
7. Langa Musicians:
History : The Langas are a part of the Sindhi community.
Some are of the opinion that the origin of the Langas are
from Mirpur, Pakistan. But some others are of the
opinion that the Langas originally belong to Rajasthan
and that with time some of the Langas have migrated to
Mirpur, Pakistan.
It is known that the Langas are originally from the family
of Raja Balwant the king of Jodhpur. Balwant had twelve
sons out of which lang was one of them. The langas
originated from Lang. The Langs used to keep record in the Rajas kingdom.
Theme : The Langas sing Rajasthani folk song, Sufiyana Kalam, Punjabi folk songs. The folk songs
mainly revolve around the lives of the Rajas and Maharajas. The theme also revolves around various
folk deities worshipped in western part of India. The love story of Heer Ranjha, Shashi bani is often
foretold in the songs. This group of artists also sing various Sufiyana Kalams of various noted poets.
Music : Sindhi Sarangi, Algosa, Matka, Khartal,
Harmonium and Morchang are mainly used by the artists.
Sindhi Sarangi is the traditional instrument of the Langas.
It is seen that very few instrument makers are left who
can make Sindhi Sarangi, Khamaycha (used by
Mangniyars). In Phalodi Tehsil there is only one such
instrumentalist named Ibrahim Khan who learned it from
Ridmal Khan 25 yrs ago. Thus passing of the tradition of
making instrument is critical. Also young artists want to
learn the art of playing traditional instruments.
Cluster / Area of concentration: In Jodhpur the main area of concentration is Phalodi Tehsil. There is
another village Bernawa in Bermer bordering Jodhpur which has high concentration of the Langas. The
villages such as Kalra, Bangti Kharot, Bangti Kala, Bidasri, Bhoros, Tekra,Ghator, Hindalgol, Bap,
Kuslawa are known for the Langas.
Sindhi Sarangi Matka Khartal
8. Gurus of the Folk Art form: The art form is being passed over from generation to generation.
Harmonium and Lok Geet : Shakoor Khan is the present day Guru of harmonium playing and
Lok Geet. Shakoor learned the art of playing harmonium from his father Sumar Khan. He has
travelled to all parts of India and also in Srilanka with the Langas. He gets around 2-3
programmes at National level and 10 programmes at local level thus earning around Rs 40000
in a year.
Sarangi : Sikandar Khan and Kaseem Khan are the present day Gurus of Sarangi. Both of these
artists learned the art of playing from their ancestors.
Khartal : Attab Mohammad is treated as the present day Guru of Khartal.
Algosa: Sakoor Khan is the present day Guru.
Present Market of the artists:
The Langas are known throughout the world. The artists in Phalodi though are little less known. The
artists have performed in Malaysia and Srilanka. The Langas in Phalodi have received programmes
from all the Zonal Cultural centers, IGNCA, Center for cultural research and training (CCRT),
Rajasthan Tourism, RIFF festival and various other national festivals. There are five ICCR empanelled
artist at Phalodi.
Since, the number of artists is more each artist gets chance of performing in 2 national programmes and
5-6 local programmes/ state level programmes earning around Rs 50000/- in a year. The Langa group
performs in 12 – 15 getting an amount of Rs 2 lacs per show inclusive of all cost.
The Langas in Phalodi have formed a society in the year 1985 –Langa Vikas Lok Sangeet Society. They
have a community hall which is being built under the MP fund.
Strength Weakness Opportunity Threat
High quality of
musicians.
Appreciated
throughout the
world.
Classical musicians
also want to work
with the Langas.
Already have a
network base and
have participated
in various festivals.
Instrumentalists are
of high quality.
There are quite a
number of young
artists.
Unity among the
community.
Since number of
artists / groups are
more each artist
gets less number of
performances.
The artists socio
economic profile is
still low. Many
have mud built
house with little
assets.
Performs only
during seasons.
Other times they
are mostly free.
More instrument
players and singers
can be trained.
Can be linked to
many festivals at
national level.
Formation of
SHGs, developing
a saving habit.
Making the society
already formed a
operational unit.
There are very few
instrument makers
of the traditional
instruments.
Young generation
slowly loosing
interest due to low
income from the
art form.
Training Requirement : The Langas are high quality of artists. There is need for segregating the artists
into different grades and plan the training in that note.
9. For Grade A artists : There are more need of exchange and collaboration with other
instrumentalists / musicians from national and international level. There may be workshops
with various musicians of Langa community, Mangniyar community, Kalbelia community,
Dholi community and other instrumentalists from other states and develop an unique folk
orchestration which can also be an unique form of presentation of music of Rajasthan to the
national and international level.
For Grade B artists :
o Training on instrument playing by experts of various music.
o Training by experts on classical music.
For Grade C artists / novice artists:
o Training under Guru Shishya Parampara by the local Gurus of instruments and music.
Training on instrument making: Since vary few instrument makers are still alive this is one of
the major needs to sustain the art form.
Training time : Between April to September.
Other Needs :
Computer facility at the resource centre / community hall.
Website of the society with details of group and video.
Brochure .
More market linkage and promotion.
Health Insurance Card
Artist Card.
Schemes available : MNREGA / IAY / ARTIST CARD / HEALTH CARD / Other Benefits:
Some of the artists work under MNREGA
None have received houses under IAY.
None have any health insurance card.
None have any artist card.
10. Mangniyar Musicians :
History : Mangniyars are the traditional folk musicians of western Rajasthan. The word Mangniyar
literally means Beggar. Their profession was singing and begging for alms from their Jajmans. They
traditionally perform in various social occasions like child birth, marriage of both Hindu and Muslim
communities. According to the artists and some researchers Mangniyars ware converted to Muslims
from the Dholi community during Mughal period. There customs and rituals are similar to the local
Hindu communities.
Music : Khamaycha, Algosa, Matka, Khartal, Harmonium and Morchang are mainly used by the artists.
Khamaycha is the traditional instrument of the Mangniyars. Khamaycha is a chrodophonic instrument
played with bows. It is very different from the shape of Sarangi. It has a big belly carved out of wood
with parchment pasted over it. The main playing strings are of guts and have seven or more sympathetic
strings on it. The bow instrument is also comparatively longer than the other bows used in other musical
instruments of the region.
Theme : The Mangniyars sing Rajasthani folk song, Marwar Lok geet and Sufiyana Kalam. The folk
songs mainly revolve around the lives of the Rajas and Maharajas, daily lifestyle, gods and goddesses
and several immortal love stories. Mangniyars also sing traditional songs like Hichki or Gorbandh.
Cluster / Area of concentration:
Jaisalmir district:
Tehsil – Khuri , Village - Barna.
Tehsil – Pokran, Village – Chandan, Sanwara, Keralia, Kanoi, Bhesdha.
Tehsil – Sam, Village - Habur, Dhandi.
Tehsil – Fatehgarh, Village- Chattagarh, Satto, Bhiya, Jausa, Geraja, Chelak, Kapuria.
In Hamira and Jasinda there are also some artists
Jodhpur District
Tehsil – Phalodi , Village - Raneri, Baru, Dholia, Kanasar, Eka, Mohra.
There are also many artists who presently stay at Jaisalmir town, Kalakar Colony. The artists perform in
various forts, hotels etc.
Gurus of the Folk Art form: The art form is being passed over from generation to generation. Gazi
Khan, Firoz Khan of Barna village, Bharkat Khana and Bhage Khan from Chattagarh, Sacchu Khan and
Nasir Khan from Chandan village, Hakam Khan, Ghungar Khan from Sanwara. Sakar Khan from
Himaria village is one of the main singers and has received Padmabhushan. Pepe Khan from Jasindar is
also a renowned singer. Sawan Khan from the viilage Dubri Post Lunar has performed in MTV Coke
studio.
Present Market of the artists:
The Mangniyars are known throughout the world. The main time of the performances is from Nov –
Feb which is considered as tourist season. Most of the artists have performed in national and
international level. Most of the renowned artists are empanelled with WZCC and ICCR. A five member
team get around Rs 20000/- in local and Rs.40000/- in national shows. The artists beside the
honorarium also get some other incentives from the audience.
11. Strength Weakness Opportunity Threat
High quality of
musicians.
Appreciated
throughout the
world.
Classical musicians
also want to work
with the
Mangniyars.
Already have a
network base and
have participated
in various festivals.
Instrumentalists are
of high quality.
There are quite a
number of young
artists.
Unity among the
community.
Since numbers of
artists / groups are
more each artist
gets less number of
performances.
The rural artist’s
socio economic
profile is still low.
Many have mud
built house with
little assets.
Performs only
during seasons.
Other times they
are mostly free.
More instrument
players and singers
can be trained.
Can be linked to
many festivals at
national level.
Formation of
SHGs, developing
a saving habit.
Making the society
already formed an
operational unit.
There are very few
instrument makers
of the traditional
instruments.
Training Requirement : The Mangniyars are high quality of artists. There is need for segregating the
artists into different grades and plan the training in that note. Though the tradition of training is a
continuous process for the Mangniyars.
For Grade A artists : There are more need of exchange and collaboration with other
instrumentalists / musicians from national and international level. There may be workshops
with various musicians of Langa community, Mangniyar community, Kalbelia community,
Dholi community and other instrumentalists from other states and develop an unique folk
orchestration which can also be an unique form of presentation of music of Rajasthan to the
national and international level.
For Grade B artists :
o Training on instrument playing by experts of various music.
o Training by experts on classical music.
For Grade C artists / novice artists:
o Training under Guru Shishya Parampara by the local Gurus of instruments and music.
Training on instrument making: Since very few instrument makers are still alive this is one of
the major needs to sustain the art form.
Training time : Between April to September.
Training of young generation of artists:
Music Mirasi School : Dr Sarwar Khan Mirasi, a renowned Mirasi and a doctorate from a university in
USA established these school of Mirasi musicians near Pator ki Haveli in Jaisalmir town. The institute
was built with funding of a American organisation. Around 50 young boys learn the art of Rajasthani
Lok Geet from the Mangniyar singers.
12. Pehchaan Lok Sangeet Sansthan : The institute cum community centre of the Mangniyars formed at
Barna village, Khuri Tehsil is an important institute formed by renowned Mangniyar musician Gazi
Khan. Young generation of artists get trained at the institute.
Other Needs :
Resource centre of the Mangniyars at Sam Tehsil where musicians are more in number.
Website with details of group and video.
Brochure .
More market linkage and promotion.
Health Insurance Card
Artist Card.
Schemes available : MNREGA / IAY / ARTIST CARD / HEALTH CARD / Other Benefits:
Some of the artists work under MNREGA for one / two months
None have any health insurance card.
None have any artist card.
13. Bhopas singing Pabuji Ka Pad:
History: The Bhopas sing the stories of their folk deity Pabuji.
The stories are being painted on a scroll called Pabuji ke Pad and
the Bhopas and the Bhopanis sings the tale of their folk deity
Pabuji. The Bhopas play the instrument called Ravanhatta which
is a traditional instrument made by the Bhopas. The Pad is being
painted by the Joshi family of Shahapura, Bhilawara.
The belief is that Lord Rama came down to the earth as Baba
Ramdev (folk deity) and Lakshman came down as Pabuji. The
Bhopas worship Pabuji and narrate his tale of war heroics and
marriage of Babuji with the niece of Pabuji. The history of Pabuji
ke Pad is almost 500 yrs old.
The Bhopas are from Bhil community.
Area of Concentration: The artists are found in Kakhani in Luni, Phalodi areas, in Bauri Block. Some
have also recided in Jodhpur city and surrounding areas like Hardev Dharamkata in Banar road. There
are around 100 artists.
Artists are also found in Jaisalmir town and in Karail Gram Panchayat of Ajmer. There are around 100
artists in Jaisalmir and Ajmer.
Theme : Songs revolve around the story of the folk deity Pabuji.
Performance: Each song is of 10-15 mins and the performers generally performs throughout the night
to complete the entire Pad and their stories. But presently during performances in festivals they perform
for an hour.
They perform in a group of 3-4, 2 instrumentalists and 2 singers – one Bhopa and one Bhopani. The
Bhopani generally plays the role of a chorus singer.
Market : The artists generally performs in hotel during the peak season. Some also perform in the forts.
They generally get Rs 1000/- per day for performance. Thus, generally they perform for around 50-60
days in the season and earns around Rs 50000/- in a year which is their fixed income. Other that that
they performs in marriages and other occasions which is around 2 -3 in a month. These group of people
perform presently only in Rajasthan. Very few have chances of performing at national level.
14. Mashak / The Bagpiper ofthe West:
The Mashak instrument players play the bagpiper. Musical
instruments like Dhol accompany the Mashak. There are 3-4
Mashak players and they belong to the Dholi community.
They are found in the Satni region of Jodhpur. Madan Lal is a
famous Mashak player and has been playing the instrument for
the last 40 years.
The Mashak players play the instrument mainly during
marriages. Madan Lal has visited countries like China. They
get around 2-3 programmes in a month and earns about Rs
3000/- (Rs 1000/- per show).
In Satni there are Dhol players, Mirasi singers and Mashak
players who can be taken up together in the SHGs.
There are very few young Mashak players and Madan Lal can teach young persons the art of playing
Mashak.
15. Kalbelia singers and dancers:
History : Kalbelias are snake charmers. Kal means snake and belia means friendship. Thus Kalbelias
make friendship with snakes. Previously they used to play bin/pungi and used to play with snakes, move
from one place to the other. They are basically gypsies. The female members of the Kalbelia
community dances to the tune of the bin/pungi.
With time many Kalbelias have settled down in various areas. The Kalbelias are nomadic tribes and are
found in many numbers but are scattered throughout.
The community of Kalbelias belong to the family of the Navnaths. Their Guru is Kanifnath who was
given the responsibility of looking after the jungles and wandering from one place to another.
Kalbelia danceform is also included in the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Area of Concentration : Shikharpur in Luni. Jodhpur city and surrounding area like Barli, Jawar,
Gangona, Shikharpura in Luni, Pal, Bhatinda and Salabas in Luni. There are other areas also where this
Nat community of people whose Guru being Kanipaonath is found.
Artists are found at Ganaheda in Ajmer.
Number of artists : There are around 150 Kalbelia artists in Jodhpur and surrounding but are scattered
throughout. Eight to Nine members perform in a group out of which 4 are dancers and other are
musicians and singers.
Around 50 artists are present in Ajmer.
Guru : Kalu Nath is the present Guru of the form. Gulabo
who is an internally acclaimed artist from Ajmer is also
regarded as Guru of the art form.
Music and songs : The main instrument if the group is Bin.
Presently the groups also play instruments like Harmonium,
Dholok, Sarangi, Dafli, Khanjari, Manjira and Morchang. The artists themselves make instruments like
Bin but procures other from market.
The elaborate costumes are being stitched by some tailors in Jaipur and Jodhpur and the ornamentation
on the costume is being done by the artists themselves. Each costume costs around Rs 10000/-.
16. Market : Kalbelia dancers are known world over for their exuberant, energetic dance. The costume of
the artists are gorgeous and are like the color of the cobras. The Kalbelia dancers perform all over India
in Government programs and also for various other organisations. Dancers like Kalu Nath who have
settled in Jodhpur city has performed all over the world and have received huge accolades. Kalu Nath is
also empanelled under ICCR and WZCC.
The artists like Kalu Nath staying at the city works as artists as well as agents. They get orders and are
paid heavily. Kalu Nath has done two shows one in Bangalore and one in Hyderabad for an amount of
Rs 7 lacs and took with him a group of 75 artists. These artists at the city takes with them artists from
the village and pay them Rs 300- Rs 400 per day. The situation of the artists at the villages is thus very
poor.
Documentation: The Kalbelia artists have featured in many films like Lamhe, Rudali and many
documentaries are being made on the artists. Books have been written on Kalbelia dance. Mohan Lal
Jod has written a book on Kalbelia named ‘Kalbeliya Geet Aur Nrityo’.
Needs ;
Young Kalbelia dancers needs to be trained.
Musicians needs to be trained.
Exposure and collaboration with other musicians and dancers can help the artists to improve their
skills.
Linking to various Government schemes.
There is need for settlement of the Kalbelia families and provide them with basic housing and BPL
cards.
Providing BPL cards to the poor ones.
Health insurance of the artists.
There are many women members in the community who can be trained to make the costumes of the
dancers.
Instrument and costume support.
Strength Weakness Opportunity Threat
High quality of
musicians and
dancers.
Traditional folk
form.
Appreciated
throughout the
world and is a
popular form
There is a
market of the
folk form.
Young artists
interested in
learning.
Low socio economic
profile of most of the
artists.
Used mainly as labours by
the agents.
There is very few groups
and the bigger groups gets
show and hire the artists at
very low cost.
Apart from the known
artists others do not have
any assets.
Very few Govt schemes
have reached out to the
nomadic tribe.
The artists are scattered
and are not found in
concentration.
There is need for
making groups of
the artists.
Institution building
is a critical need.
Government
schemes can benefit
the artists a lot.
Since the market of
the Kalbelia dancers
is huge they can be
linked at local,
national and
international level.
Young artists can be
trained and linked.
New groups can be
formed and linked
to market.
There are very few
Gurus of the form
and there is need for
capacity building of
other artists.
There are many
Kalbelias who do
not get the
opportunity of
learning the art form
and thus gets
involved into other
forms of livelihood.
Thus the number of
Kalbelia musicians
and dancers are
slowly decreasing.
17. Bhajan / Nirgun singers:
History: The Bhajan and Nirgun singers of Jaisalmir
mainly sing songs of Saint Kabir, Surdas, Meera Bai,
Ramdas, Ramdev and other spiritual saints. The artists
performing this traditional music are the Nirguni sects.
They reject idolatry and ritual in favour of personal
religious practice.
Area of concentration : The Bhajan and Nirgun singers
are scattered throughout Jaisalmir. The artists live in The
artists are scattered throughout Jaisalmir. The main areas
are Mulsagar, Amalsagar, Dabla, Rupsi, Sam, Kanoi,
Salkha, Sipla, Kumharkotta, Kahala, Khuri, Soda, Jethui
and Chattagarh. Some artists are also located in
Ramdeora and Pokran side. In Baiya village of Fatehgarh
Tehsil. Music : The artists perform with traditional
musical instrument like Tandura, Harmonium, Dholak,
Manjira and Khartal.
Artists are also found in Mandal Tehsil of Bhilwara
district and Railmagra Tehsil of Rajsamand district.
Communities performing the tradition : The communities who practice Nirgun form of singing are the
Bhils, Salvi and Meghwals.
Theme: The main theme of the songs revolves around formlessness of God. The songs spread messages
against all form of castes and invoke equality and peace among all sections of society.
Gurus : Late Padmaram Meghwal was one of the major exponents of Bhajan and Nirgun form of music.
Bhaisaram Meghwal is one of the exponents who stay at Fatehgarh Tehsil. Baburam Bhil and Baba
Balgiri Maharaj are also regarded as Gurus of the form.
Present market of the artists: The artists mainly perform at the village ceremonies, festivals, during last
rites after death and religious functions. Most of the artists who perform at villages do not get any
honorarium. They sing out of passion.
Strength Weakness Opportunity Threat
Nirgun Bhajans
are widely
appreciated
throughout the
country and
world.
There are many
traditional
musicians.
Each group gets
less number of
performances.
The rural artist’s
socio economic
profile is still low.
Many have mud
built house with
little assets.
Performs only
during seasons.
Other times they
are mostly free.
Lack of market
More instrument
players and singers
can be trained.
Can be linked to
many festivals,
religious
ceremonies.
The artists are
scattered in many
places and it is
difficult to bring
them into one
scheme.
18. linkage of the
artists.
Number of
professional artist
is very less.
The artists falls
under lower
section of the
society for which
they are still
ortracised.
Training Requirement :
Mobilisation of groups and Basic Orientation and Training of SHGs.
Training through Guru Shishya Parampara to improve their knowledge, collection of songs and
musical skills.
Training of instrument players.
Training of artists to perform in larger groups. Performance of 2-3 groups together may bring in
much more vibrance in performance.
Training Time: April to September, 2012
Other Needs :
Need of training younger generation to learn the art form.
Need of market linkage of the artists.
Inward tourism in the villages of the artists.
Musical instruments of the artists.
Brochure of the artform having details of the artists.
Health Insurance Card.
Artist Card.
19. Art Form: Bhawai Nritya
History : Bhavai is a genre of folk dance popular
in Rajasthan state in western India. It is majorly a
tribal dance originated from Gujrat and presently it is
practiced in Rajasthan.
Form : The male or female performers balance a
number of earthen pots or brass pitchers as they
dance nimbly, spinning the body and then swaying
with the soles of their feet perched on the top of a
glass, on the edge of the sword or on the rim of a
brass Thali (plate) during the performance. A group
consists of five artists perform for 20-30 miniuts.
Sometimes they perform in a programme along with
Gorbandh, Kalbelia ,Dewari.
Area of concentration : Gogunda Block , Thur
village. Around 100 artists are present.
Music and song: The accompaniment to the dance is provided by the male performers singing
melodious songs and playing a number of musical instruments, which include , Dholak,Khanjari,
and Harmonium.
Guru / Exponent of the art form: Gopal Gomiti of Thur village, Bargaon Tehsil of Udaipur is one of the
major artists of Bhawai dance. He is the disciple of Late Dayaramji who was an exponent of this form.
They perform in various cultural events and social occasions like marriage, birthday and religious
functions.
Market: One or two groups get chances of performance during the tourist season. Some also migrate
during the tourist season and stay in Udaipur. Gopal Gomiti has performed in Goa, Shimla, Mussouri,
Delhi and all over Rajasthan. He is an empanelled artist of WZCC. They get Rs1500-Rs 2000 for local
performance and Rs4000- Rs5000 for out station in a 20-30 minutes performance excluding food and
traveling allowance. The main season is from November to March. Many female dancers from
Ahmedabad come to perform in major places of Rajasthan.
20. Tera tali dance
History: Tera Taal is generally performed by Kamod
community and it is a ancestrallearning from their
society. They are worshippers of Ramdevji. On the eve
of navratri they perform bhajans for a stretch of long
nine hours.
Style : Tera Taal dance is an exquisite dance performed
by women while sitting. The women have manjiras tied
with long strings to thir wrists, elbows, waists and a pair
in hands also. They create a strong rhythm with
manjiras. For an added effect they hold a sword between
their teeth and balance two lighted metal pots on their
heads. This performance is 30 minuits to one hour
duration when it is a single tera taali program.
Music and composition:Their male accompanies sing and play Tandoora, Dhol ane Harmonioum. The
team generally has five to six members for a performance.
Guru / Exponents: Bhamri Bai of Dhol village of Gogunda
Tehsil in Udaipur district is one of the exponents and age old
artist of Tera taal. Her family members are also eminent
performers of this art form like Nirmala Devi, Jashoda Devi.
There are ten to fifteen artist scattered in this village. In Bali
tehsil of Pali district there are some performers of Tera Taal.
Bhamri Devi performed in many parts of India like Shilong,
Nagpur, Bhopal, Indor and Delhi. She also performed in USA wich was organized by Mr. Kamal
Kothari.
Market : One or two renowned artists get performances but that too not regular. Artists like Bhamri
Devi has performed at Shilpa Gram, Jawahar Kala Kandra and for organizations like WZCC. Major
season is November to March. They receive Rs 500 as honorarium in Govt. Programs for each
performer. In private programmes they get around Rs 10000/- to Rs 15000/- as a group.
21. Dhaf / Chang:
History : It is a form of Shekhawati folk dance. Nearly 400 years back this dance form started in the
Shekhawati region. The dance form is called Daff or Chang based on the musical instrument Daff that is
being played. Artists from Mali community practice this form.
Area of Concentration: District Sikar, Tehsil : Fatehgarh
Theme / Style : Danced by men only, the group
forms a single circular file, each man carrying a
Dhap or chang (a single-sided large tambourine-like
drum), excepting those who dress in female attire,
and one who plays the flute. The dancers sing and
rhythmically crouch, walk and strike various poses
with their instrument. The singing stops for a while,
the flute player plays his instrument, and the Chang
provide rhythm. Then the round of singing and
movement is resumed. The three forms of Dhamaal
are ‘Shringar Ras’ (depicting love and devotion),
‘Deb Vandana’ ( about gods and goddesses), ‘Raj Vandana’ ( about kings and their kinship).
Guru : Ghisaram Joshi.
Music ; The traditional instrument used is Chang / Daff. But instruments like Dhol, Shahnai are also
used.
Market: The artists presently perform in various festivals and fairs. Artists like Ghisaram Joshi is
empanelled with WZCC, ICCR and have performed all over India. The group under Ghisaram Joshi
gets programme but other artists do not get regular programmes. The artists who do not get regular
programmes sustain through other forms of livelihood.
Documentation: There are not much documentations done on the art form. WZCC has some
documentations done on the form.
Needs :
Training under Guru Shishya Parampara.
Training of the artists to develop various dance movements.
New production development.
Workshops with other dance forms.
Artist Card.
Health Insurance / Health card for the artists.
Instrument and costume support.
Development of new music compositions.
Linking to various Government schemes.
22. SWOT Analysis :
Strength Weakness Opportunity Threat
The dance form is
a colourful and
entertaining dance
form.
The artists perform
in larger groups
and have strong
coordination.
One or two groups
more performance.
Other groups don’t
get enough shows.
Younger
generation slowly
loosing interest.
Music
compositions are
sometimes
repetitive.
Training of young
generation.
New markets to be
created.
Workshops with
other dance forms
and developing
new productions.
Developing new
music
compositions.
Lack of market is
leading to slowly
interest loss among
the artists.
Very few artists
practice the form.
Lack of
documentation of
the art form.
Gawri Dance :
History : Gawri dance is a month long festival of the Bhils
who abstain during this month in August and September
and perform a group dance which comprises of many tails
and incidences woven into a ritual. The music comprises of
drums and the singing is fascinating. The main characters
are Rai Buriya, the Shiva, his two Rais and Katkuria, the
comic handman. Between the enactments of various
episodes, the entire troupe dances around a central spot
consecrated to a deity in Rajasthan.
Area of concentration and number of artists : Gawri dancers are located at Bhim and Deogarh Tehsil. In
Deogarh Tehsil the villages having concentration of artists are Bacheerdia, Madaria, Mandawara, Pardi,
Kundwa, Shelaguda, Bassi, Ajna, Puniyana and others. Artists are found in Diwar village of Bhim
Tehsil. Artists are also found in Railmagra Block. There are around 200 artists involved with the folk
dance form.
Theme : The main theme of the folk dance revolves around the folk deities that the Bhils worship. The
main characters are Rai Buriya, Lord Shiva, his two Rais and Katkuria.
Market of the artists : The artists at Deogarh generally gets 4-5 performance a month during the peak
season. Some groups get more programmes. Generally the groups perform in hotels and resorts. One of
the groups led by Gordhan Bhil have performed in other parts of Rajasthan but generally they perform
in Deogarh. The artists get Rs 1000/- per performance thus earning about Rs 10000/- to Rs 20000/-
from the art form. The artists depend work as labourers in mines during off time.
There are event managers or middle men who take the artists to the hotel. Sujan Singh a local leader
takes order from the hotel and arranges the groups as and when required.
The artform has market and local and national level and need more marketing initiatives to make the
artists sustain through the art form.
23. Puppetry:
Puppeteers at Jaipur:
Puppetry is one of the most exclusive entertainment all over Rajasthan. In Jaipur there are around 500
puppeteers lives in Kachhi basti near Udyog Bhavan. There are other places like jagatpura, panipeg
where they live. They settle here for last 35-40 years their ancestors came from Nagor. Presently they
arrenge various programme on puppetry in different hotels and tourist spots. They also sale their
puppets locally and mostly aimed for tourists both foreigners and Indian buyers. The puppetiers arrange
their programme along with various entertainments like Kalbelias,kachhi ghodi,anothers. They procure
their business visiting different hotels. Most of the artisans have BPL card and artisans card also.
Generally they earned 4000-5000 rupees in a combined programme sometime they charge 10000 rupees
per programme as per the desire of the inviters. Some puppetiers shown grievances on non-patronage of
Govt. previously they get various IEC programmes from various department.
Puppeteers at Ajmer:
There are very few puppeteers staying in the area. Though the
quality of artists is high they get very few programs.
Presently, Sohan Lal Bhatt also takes order of other folk
performances and act as a agent to conduct programmes in
hotels. The main concentration of the puppeteers is in Nagaur.
The artists also make high quality of puppets of different sizes
and depicting different characters which also has a market.
The puppeteer narrates stories of Sahijan Badshah, Amar
Singh Rathore
Since, number of artists is less and the artists also stay at the town it may be difficult to include them
under NRLM.
24. Kishangarh School ofArt :
Area of concentration : Kishangarh town, Pisangan town.
History : Kishangarh school of painting is known world
over for its unique style of painting. The main story
revolves around Radha and Krishna. The main
community involved is the Prajapat community. The
characteristic feature of the painting form is painting of
Banithani one of the most beautiful women on the earth.
It is known that Sawai Man Singh had eternal love with
Banithani.
Situation at Kishangarh : The artists are earning quite a bit. There are organisations at Kishangarh who
sales this art.
Situation at Pisangan : It is known that
Narsingh Dasji one of the famous painters of
Kishangarh school migrated from Kishangarh
to Pisangan around 500 years back. Thus,
developed a unique style of painting at
Pisangan on cloth. They mainly depit stories
of Radha and Krishna.
Around 500 artists used to practice this form
of painting at Pisangan. Many Government
officials in 1970’s even left their lucrative job
and started painting. Slowly with competition
the demand of the art form decreased. Women
also practiced the form in numbers.
Presently, there are very few artists practicing the artform. The agents take the paintings to Beawar and
sale them off at very cheap rates. A 6 x 4 sq ft painting is being sold at a nominal rate of Rs 250/- while
a 6 x 8 sq ft painting is being sold at Rs 400. The artists often sale this paintings at Delhi. The paintings
are then sold at much higher price.
Since, the artists don’t get the adequate market, they presently do not innovate much and make the same
paintings day in and day out getting around Rs 200 for each painting exclusive of material cost. Each
painting takes 2 -3 days for completion. Thus the artists hardly earn Rs 1500/- to Rs 2000/- per month.
The artists use poster colours and it is known that they have never used natural colours. Some have also
commented that Pisangan school of art could not compete with the market due to lack of innovation in
painting, lack of use of natural colours and also too many artists developed at one time.
Some of the artists like Satya Narayan Prajapat have got some chances of exhibiting their painting at
Ajmer and at Khadi Gramodyog Bhawan. The artists are not under BPL nor have any artist card. They
are also not empanelled under ICCR or WZCC.
There are high possibility of bringing back the lost tradition.
Need of the artists :
25. Mobilising the artists.
Giving back the lost confidence of the artists.
Institution building.
Training of the artists.
o Training on use of colours.
o Training to paint on new themes.
o Developing diversified products.
o Training of novice artists.
Getting new painting materials.
Developing new market of the artists.
Handicrafts and Handlooms:
Blue Pottery:
History : Jaipur blue pottery is well known art form of Jaipur though it is Turko Persian in origin. The
use of blue glaze on pottery is an imported technique, first developed by Mongol artisans who
combined Chinese glazing technology with Persian decorative arts. This technique travelled south to
India with early Muslim potentates in the 14th
century. During its infancy, it was used to make tiles to
decorate mosques, tombs and palaces in Central Asia. Later, the Mughals began using them in India.
Gradually the blue glaze technique grew beyond an architectural accessory to Kashmiri potters. From
there, the technique traveled to the plains of Delhi and in the 17th century went to Jaipur.
Other accounts of the craft state that blue pottery came to Jaipur in the early 19th century under the
ruler Sawai Ram Singh II (1835 – 1880). The Jaipur
king had sent local artisans to Delhi to be trained in the
craft. Some specimens of older ceramic work can be
seen in the Rambagh Palace, where the fountains are
lined with blue tiles. However, by the 1950s, blue
pottery had all but vanished from Jaipur, when it was re-
introduced through the efforts of the muralist and
painter Kripal Singh Shekhawat, with the support of
patrons such as Kamladevi Chattopadhyay and
Rajmata Gayatri Devi.
Technique : The potters commented that they use quartz
stone (80%), green glass powder (5%), multani mitti
(5%), borox powder, gond (gum for bonding 5%) and
Saaji (soda bicarbonate 5%). hand operated potters
wheels are used.rainy season is not favourable for this
production.
Main motifs and products: The motifs developed by the
Blue potters are mainly images of God and Goddess,
Rajput kingly valours, some miniature forms of
Rajputana style and some animal forms. Presently
diversified products are developed like pen stand, plates,
Market linkage : The market of Blue Pottery is being controlled by some businessman. They hire local
labours locally and make the artefacts. New generation of craftsmen are not interested because of
insufficient earning from the craftform. They exports in countries like Australia, Israel, Spain, Japan,
USA. Anil Doraya (Jaipur blue pottery centre) is one of the leading and age old businessman in this
industry. Generally it is produce surrounding Jaipur and nearby Sangner. Blue pottery was started at
Jaipur from early 19th
century under the ruler Swai Man Singh.
26. Miniature Painting:
History : Miniature paintings are the famous art form of
Rajasthan influenced by the Mughal miniature painting.
Rajasthani miniature paintings have many styles like Bundi,
Kota, Kisangarh, Mewar and Marwar school of paintings.
Patronage of the painters were being done by the kings.
Jaipur miniature paintings are highly influenced by the
Mughal miniature painting.
Art of painting: These paintings are done with utmost care
and in minute details, with strong lines and bold colours set in harmonious patterns. The miniature
artists use paper, ivory panels, wooden tablets, leather, marble, cloth and walls for their paintings.
Indian artists employed multiple perspectives unlike their European counterparts in their paintings. The
colours are made from minerals and vegetables, precious stones, as well as pure silver and gold. The
preparing and mixing of colour is an elaborate process. It takes weeks, sometimes months, to get the
desired results. The brushes are required to be very fine, and to get high-quality results, brushes even to
this very day are made from hair of squirrels. Traditionally, the paintings are aristocratic, individualistic
and strong in portraiture, where the plush court scenes and hunting expedition of royalty are depicted.
Flowers and animals are also the recurrent images in the paintings.
Area of concentration : The artists stay at Joypur town presently. Some artists are also found at
Sanganer Tehsil, Sanganer village.
Themes: The main themes depicted in the paintings are stories of Lord Radha and Krishna, Rasleela,
stories of kings and queens and palaces.
Market : Presently very few artists practice at Sanganer village. Most of the artists have migrated at the
city due to market and influx of tourists. The artists sale their paintings at painting shops / art gallery
and also sale on their own to tourists. Some artists also visit festival and fairs organised by DIC, DRDC
and others. The artists earn about Rs 10000/- per month.
Lac work: This is also a famous art craft of Jaipur. Bangles, ornaments and many other show piece
products are shown in the market. Traditionally manihaar community is engaged from past few
generations. Presently others are also in this business like Sindhis. Mostly they are cluster around
Pattabasti, Jotbara, Nagar road and Manihaar ki rasta in Jaipur city. They sale in whole sale and retail
also. Raw materials are locally available which is coming from Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Jharkhand,
Odisha.
27. Terracotta:
Terracota in Joypur:
Terracotta is also sold in Jaipur comprising various
qualities and design. It is mostly found in Chomu
area village Harota. They make traditional earthen
pots big earthen pot Vass. Some creates various
designed terracotta items like dolls(Rajasthani
mukhota) animal figures. In this village 15-20
families known as kumarh are engaged in this
traditional terracotta works. Presently only one SHG
exists named Harota pottery. Kailash Chandra
Prajapati is one of the finest artisan who was also a
SHG member leader of another SHG which is not existing. As he said a peoples who wants to create
their own they don’t like to be in SHG. They attend the local fairs . kailash provide training for local
artisans which is organised by Rural Non-firm Development agencies. Many of them have health
insurance card and availed loans, many goes to pragati maidan Delhi and state fairs and festivals.
Terracota in Molela village, Rajsamanad :
History : The history of the art of pottery dates back to Indus
Valley Civilization and lot of states have contributed to make it
richer. The pottery art of Rajasthan boasts its distinctive art style.
The potters have the innate touch in their hands to turn clay into
objects of worships-mainly folk deities, conveying an intimacy
with religion and belief woven into daily life, a practice, which has
been the main sustainable income for these artists.
The art of making attractive motive, plaques or idols of god with
terracotta has made Molela village a name in the art of pottery.
While previously the artists used to make Vishnu forms but today
these figures are often mounted on tiles or plaques and are hung
from the walls of temples and homes. Presently they also make scenes that depict the daily life of the
villages of Rajasthan.
Artists concentration : There are around 50 artists involved with the craft form.
Guru / Leaders of the craft form: The quality of craftsmanship of these talented potters is worth
mentioning. Some of the potters like Jamnalal Kumhar is
a state awardee while artists like Mohonlal, Lakshmilal
are national awardees. Mohan Lal is also a Padmashree
awardee.
Market: The main market of the artists is at local level.
During the month of Jan and Feb villagers come and
purchase their folk deity from the craftsman. Huge
number of villagers come and purchase the folk deity.
Some of the artists have high market linkage while some
of the artists have low market linkage. The artists earn
28. about Rs 1.5 lacs in a year, some may earn a little more.
Some of the artists like Mohon Lal has visited international countries. Artists like Jamnalal Kumhar
have visited countries like Israel.
Some of the artists also visit fairs and festivals organised by the DIC, DC, Handicrafts, National
Institute of Design and others. Many work on collaborative projects with international craftsman.
Documentation: Many researchers have worked with the artists. Some articles have been published.
SWOT Analysis:
Strength Weakness Opportunity Threat
High quality of
craftsmanship.
Artists are
concentrated in one
place.
Molali village is a
known place.
Some foreigners
also visit the place.
Young generation
also work with
their parents.
Its more family
based business and
some artists are not
interested to work
together with
artists from other
families.
Lack of
community trust
and bonding.
Mobilissation of
artists to form a
society and create
market linkage for
the society.
The high quality of
craftsmanship has
demand in
international
market as well
Since, the artists do
not want to
exchange ideas
among others there
is low transfer of
knowledge among
the community.
Leather Work (mojri):- Mojri is traditional shoe of Rajasthan made of local leather.The shoe makers
belong to regari community. There are 400-450 families are engaged in making at Udaipuria village of
Chomu block. They are the traditional shoe makers presently they making designer sandals, diary
covers, purse. There are two SHG in the village Ganga SHG and Nagar SHG. Mr. Banoary lal Barodia
is a key person and trainer of ganga SHG whose wife Shanti devi is a president of the group. This group
will participate pragati maidan Delhi for the first time. They have the artisan card and they collect raw
material from Chomu, Jaipur. They received loan of rupees 2 lakhs. They saved hundread rupees for
month. Mr. BanowarilalBarodia is a local trainer received certificates from RUDA (rural non-firm
development agencies) in 2005 he also being trained himself from Central Research Institute. All male
members of both the SHG’s are engaged in production, marketing and business. They sale there product
to the whole saler locally.
Carpet Weaving:
In Salabas, Sangasani, Khudiyala there are weavers who make traditional carpets. Mostly weavers work
as labourers. They have their own loom and the design, raw materials and order is being given by some
agency. The labours get around Rs 100 – Rs 125 per day. If they work on their own and sale it to the
market they may get a little extra amount but procurement of raw materials, getting new designs is a
major concern. Again the artists feel that if they work on their own they can work more in a single day
as they can work on their own designs which is less complicated. The order works have intricate
designs and takes much longer time.
29. The market of these carpets is all over India and abroad.
Organisations like MM India presently procures carpet
from the artists. Nabard has formed some SHGs in the
area with these weavers but the economic condition of
the artists is still poor. In areas such as Khudiyala,
Salabas there are many societies formed like Budhraj
Dury Udyog, Sirry Sakti Dury Udyog, Salabas Durry U
dyog.
There are around 100 weavers involved with the
tradition. The Kumar community who previously used to
do pottery have now turned into making carpet weaving.
Possibilities of Rural Tourism :
Tourism Department has already snapped in all tourism centers. But there may be cultural destinations
which are still missed out and may be linked up for making the trails much more interesting.
For instance, the route from Jodhpur to Phalodi can be like this :
Note : Since many tourism trails are operational, there may be scopes of linking the cultural destinations
to the trails.
In Jaisalmir too there are oppurtunities of linking places like
Barna where many Mangniyar artists live or Chattargarh in
Fatehpur Tehsil where many Mangniyar and Bhajan artists
stay.
Udaipur district with its hilly terrain attracts thousands of
tourists. Interesting places in Jhadol, Khatodi Bastee ,
villages of the Khatodi, see the dance form of the Khatodi
tribes can be linked with the tourism trail.
Oshian Jain temple Khinchan – Migratory Birds Community Hall of the
Langas
Oshian Wind Mill Oshian Desert Safari Fatiyal Mata ke Mandir
30. AGVP and inclusion ofart forms and the artists :
AGVP is yet to start in the district of Jodhpur, Jaisalmir, Ajmer, Udaipur and most of the districts. The
SGSY Schemes have been run by the DRDA and since its completion, NRLM is trying to set up its
operation in the districts.
The SHGs under the foray of the SGSY scheme will be included in the NRLM scheme if the SHGs
confirm to all indicators under then NRLM mission.
Some issues / considerations to be taken up while working with the performing artists under NRLM
scheme :
Most of the artists are not included in any of the SHGs. If the SHGs were formed they are
presently defunct.
While working with the community SHGs have to be formed of village women out of which
some will be artists or their beneficiaries. In one area / village / GP it is difficult to find 12
artists to constitute a SHG. SHG members of same community will have larger unity.
Men constitute maximum number of artists, thus women beneficiaries have to be taken under
SHGs. Out of total number of artists 80% are male.
Ten SHGs can form a VO where all SHG members are members of VO. The artists will be also
members of VO. Some of the artists / beneficiaries should be in the governing body of the VO.
Seperate societies / livelihood collectives should be formed with the artsits at Block level with
respect to each art form.
The NRLM mission has a feature called Satdarpan in RGAVP website which would have
details of each SHG, name of members, their socio economic profile, photos of each members
and other necessary details. The details of SHGs which are functional and are slowly taken up
in the NRLM mission is being uploaded in Satdarpan. There are about 6000 SHGs in Ajmer
presently around 2000 formed under SGSY scheme and around 6000 formed under ICDS
scheme.
32. Jodhpur :
History : Jodhpur is known for Mehrangarh Fort, Umedh Singh palace, Bal Shramand lake, Mandor
garden migratory birds and rich cultural
heritage. The city of Jodhpur is the historic
center of the Marwar region. Jodhpur was
founded in the 15th
century by Rao Jodha and
served as the capital of the kingdom of
Marwar under the Rathore Rajput dynasty till
independence.
The district is located in the Western part of
Rajasthan. The district is bounded on the
north by Bikaner, on the northeast by Nagaur,
on the south east and south by Ajmer,
southwest by Pali and west and northwest by
Jaisalmir.
Demographic Profile: There are 7 tehsils in
the area, Phalodi, Osian, Bhopalgarh,
Jodhpur, Shargarh, Luni, Bilara. There are 10
Blocks / Panchayat Samity. They are Osian,
Shargarh, Balasar, Bap, Phalodi, Mandor,
Luni, Bhopalgarh, Bilara and Jodhpur City.
There are 339 Gram Panchayats in the
district. The total population of Jodhpur is
36.85 lacs out of which male population is
19.24 lacs. Density of population is 161.
Total literacy rate of the district is 67%.
Different Folk Forms and Handicraft Forms ofthe region:
Folk Form /
Community
Block / Area # of artists Potentiality
Langa Community
(Rajasthani Folk Geet)
Phalodi Tehsil (Kalra,
Bangti Khorot, Bangti
Kala, Bidasri, Bhoros,
Tekra, Ghator,
Hindalgol, Bap,
Kuslawa)
Sherghat Tehsil
(Chanchalwa, Samesar)
Osian Tehsil (Jakhar).
Jodhpur city and
surrounding. (Kalakar
Colony, Pratap Nagar)
The largest
concentration of the
150 + (100 young
artists who want to
learn the artform).
30 artists
Langa community with their rich
Rajasthani lok geet – Marwari
Lok geet, sufiyana qalam has
reached out to all parts of the
world. The rich music tradition
of the Langas are appreciated all
over. Instruments like Sindhi
Sarangi, Khartal, Morchang,
Dholak, Harmonium and Matka
are typical instruments played by
the artists. Group performance,
chorus and high quality of
instrumentalists make this music
a treat to hear.
33. Langas is in Bernawa
near Balotra but it falls
under Bermer
bordering Jodhpur.
Mangniyar Phalodi Tehsil (Raneri,
Baru, Dholia, Kanasar,
Eka, Mohra)
45 + (40 young artists
who want to learn the
artform)
Mangniyar community like the
Langas also sing Rajasthani Lok
Geet and Sufi numbers.
Mangniyars have also reached to
all parts of the world. The
Mangniyars play traditional
musical instruments like
Kamaycha, Khartal, Dholok,
Harmonium. The singers and
instrumentalists are of high
quality. The Mangniyars perform
in small groups.
Kalbelia Jodhpur city and
surrounding area like
Barli, Jawar, Gangona,
Shikharpura in Luni,
Pal, Bhatinda and
Salabas in Luni.
There are other areas
also where this Nath
community of people
whose Guru being
Kanifnath is found.
There are around 300
artists of Kalbelia but
there are no
concentration zones of
the artists. They are
nomadic tribes /
gypsies thus they move
about from one place to
other. With the
growing popularity of
Kalbelia some artists
have become leaders
like Kalu Nath and take
other dancers /
musicians with them.
Kalbelia the snake charmers,are
the nomadic tribes the gypsies.
Their main music is the pungi or
the bin. They also play morchang.
The dancers dance to the tune of
the bin like a snake. Kalmeans
snake and belia means friendship
– thus Kalbelia. The costume of
the dancers,the music, the
presentation have made Kalbelia
a name all over the world.
Dholi Dholis are found all
over Jodhpur.
Khichan in Phalodi
Tehsil is known for
Dholis
Around 150 artists
present around
Jodhpur. In Khichan
there are around 25
artists.
Dholis are traditional dhol
players. Their ancestors used to
play dhols in the darbars of the
Rajas. This group of people still
play dhol and sings Rajasthani
Lok Geet in marriages and other
ceremonies.
The Dholis have a market in
Rajasthan and surrounding area.
Bhil practicing Pabuji
Ke Phad. And the
performers are called
Bhopa.
The artists are found in
Kakhani in Luni,
Phalodi areas, in Bauri
Block.
Some have also recided
in Jodhpur city and
surrounding areas like
Hardev Dharamkata in
Banar road.
But the Bhopas area
also found in other
areas
More than 100 artists
are present.
Bhopas sing the songs of Pabuji
their folk deity. A scroll depicting
the story is hanged at the
background. Three to Four artists
perform together. A male
member-Bhopa and a female
member-Bhopi (mainly chorus)
sings the song of Pabuji’s war
heroics and marriage of Gogaji
with Pabuji’s niece. One of the
traditional instrument played by
the performers is Ravanhatta. The
34. Joshi family of Shahapura-
Bhilwara paints this pad / scroll
on a piece of cloth.
The form Pabuji ke pad is mainly
performed in Rajasthan. Hotels,
tourism areas are the major
clients. The tourism season 4
months is when they get
programmes. The art form has
potential of showcasing to all
over India.
Mashak player , the
bagpipers of Rajasthan
Satni village, Madan
Lal
There are very few
Mashak players left in
Rajasthan. In Satni
there are 2 players.
Very few instrumentalists left.
There may be scope of including
these instrumentalists with the
Dholis and form groups.
Mirasi Tilasri village, Satin,
Bhopalgad village,
Tilasri and other
adjoining villages
There are around 20-30
singers and
instrumentalists
They sing Rajasthani folk songs
and plays dhols, drums. They are
economically backward and have
huge potential at local and
national level. Performs mainly
during marriages.
KacchiGhori Jodhpur and adjoining
areas like Masuri,
Kokunda village.
3-4 groups. Around 20
people.
The artists are not
much found presently
in the villages.
Kacchi Ghori is where a male
members dresses up as a horse
and dance. Musicians play
instrument.
There are few groups who
generally performs in the hotels,
marriages and other occasions. It
has local and national market.
Other performing folk art forms like katputli, ghair nrityo are found but in less numbers, around one or two
groups and in the cities. These artists mainly perform in the hotels and tourism places.
35. Persons Met:
Name ofPerson Organisation Contact Number
Kailash Gehlot PFT Manager,NRLM 9929263042
Ganpatlal Ji Sukha DPM,NRLM 9460306683
Ramraj Purohit Micro Finance, Mngr, NRLM 9414722139
Mahendra Ji Sabal Sanstha 9414703652
Madan Lal Artist , Mashak, Satni 9784351753
Dinesh Dhol Player, Mashak, Satni 9610858556
Jhumar Lal Dhol player, Satni 9610858556
Fazal Khan Mand Gayaki, Satni 9636223783
Suja Ram Bhajan, Bennan 7568440544
S L Paliwal Sachib, Sangeet Natak Academy 9414156029
Ajit Bacchu Khan Hindalgol, Phalodi 9982729322
Vijay Dan Ditha / son
Mahendra Ji
Rupayan Kala Sansthan now known as
Sabal Sanstha
9414703652
Bhamnaram, Bhopa Bhopa sings Pabuji ke pad 9602720950
Prem Nath, Kalbelia Kalbelia dancer, Jodhpur City 9929053403 /
7568862058
Hanumanji Carnett player 8239902687
Umrao Khan Langa Langa 9829692972
36. Jaisalmir :
History: Jaisalimir better known
for the Golden Palace and the
sanddunes has a rich historical
legacy behind it. The ruling family
of Jaisalmer were Yadava – Bhatti
Rajputs descended from Yadu or
Jadava whose progenitor was
Buddha, the founder of the
Chandravansh or Lunar race and
whose power was paramount in
India at a very remote period of
World History. Shri Krishna the
leader of the Yadus was the forty
sixth in descent from Yadu and
ruled at the famous Dwarka and on
whose death the tribe broke up. The
grandson of Saliwahan was Bhatti.
The nineteenth descendant from Shri Krishna was great warrior and conquered many of the
neighbouring princess. From him the patron was changed and the tribe was called by his name ‘Bhatti-
Rajput’. The Bhatner (Hanumangarh) near Ganganagar was founded by Bhatti. Shortly after this,
Mahmud of Ghazni made his expedition into India against the Ghaznis and thus they were moved
southward. Crossing the Sutlej they found refugee in the great Indian desert adjacent to Jaisalmir which
for the last 1000 years has been their home.
The capital of their desert kingdom was successively Deorawal, Lodarva and Jaisalmir.
The district of Jaisalmir is situated in the western part of Rajasthan. It is bounded on the west, north and
north west by Pakistan. On the south and east are the districts of Bikaner and Jodhpur, and on the north
east is Bikaner district of Rajasthan. Jaisalmir district is almost entirely a dry – sandy wasteland,
forming a part of the Great Indian Desert of Thar.
The Fort and Golden City of Jaisalmir founded by Maharawal Chandarvanshi (Lunar Race) Yadav
Bhatti Rajput Jaisal in 1156 AD. In 1635 Jaisalmir became part of the largest dominion held by Bhatti
Chiefs, themselves vessels of the Delhi empire.
Demographic Profile:
Jaisalimir is one of the biggest districts in Rajasthan. The total area covered is 38392 sq km. There are 3
subdivisions, 3 Tehsils and 3 Panchayat Samity. The total number of inhabitated villages is 750 and
there are 37 uninhabitated villages. Thus total number of villages is 787 and there are 128 Gram
Panchayats, 2 Municipal Councils and 3 Community Development Blocks. Jaisalmir is also known for
its 471 km long international border. The total population of Jaisalmir is 508247, having male
population of 279101 and female population of 229146. The total density of population is 13 per sq km.
The total literacy rate of the district is 51.4%. Schedule Caste and Schedule tribes constitute 20% of the
population.
Tourism Influx in Jaisalmir:
37. Jaisalmir due to its gracious fort and sand dunes attract thousands of tourists from all over India and
abroad. Total tourist influx in Jaisalmir is 2.76 lacs out of which 64% is Indian tourist and 36% is
international tourist. Thus a major revenue comes from tourism. To cater to this huge influx of visitors
there are about 127 hotels. Though the number of hotels is more the rates in the hotel are high and there
are very few quality budget hotels.
It has been observed that the tourists visit places of natural resources and tangible heritage but the
tourists do not have scope to visit the cultural destinations. It is the artists who come during the tourist
season to the palaces, resorts, hotels and perform.
It would be ideal if the cultural destinations like the villages where the Mangniyars live can be linked to
the tourism trails.
One example is the trail from
Jaisalmir to Khuri where the
tourists can also visit villages
like Barna where many
Mangniyars live. The tourist
can visit ‘Pehchaan Lok
Sangeet Sansthan’ the
community centre of the
Mangniyars which they use for training future generation of artists and is led by renowned Mangniyar
musician Gazi Khan.
Festivals held at Jaisalmir:
Desert Festival at Sam dunes, 42 km from Jaisalmir: Desert Festival of Jaisalmer is a colorful festival
held in February every year. Golden sands of the Thar Desert, musical performance by folk singers
under the moonlit sky at the dunes in Sam makes the festival unique in nature. The rich culture of the
region is on display during this three daylong extravaganza.
Different Folk Forms and Handicraft Forms ofthe region:
Folk Form /
Community
Block / Area # of artists Potentiality
Mangniyar
community sings
MarwariLok Geet
Village - Verna
Tehsil – Khuri.
Village – Chandan,
Sanwara, Keralia,
Kanoi, Bhesdha
Tehsil – Pokran.
Village - Habur,
Dhandi, Tehsil –
Sam.
Village- Chattagarh,
Satto, Bhiya, Jausa,
Geraja, Chelak,
In village Verna there
are 30 artists and around
40 more artists can join
in training.
Around 100 Magniyar
artists stay in Pokran
Tehsil.
Around 40-50 artists
stay in Sam Tehsil.
In Fatehgarh arlso there
are around 100 artists.
Mangniyars community with
their rich Rajasthani lok geet –
Marwari Lok geet has reached
out to all parts of the world. The
rich music tradition of the
mangniyars are appreciated all
over. Instruments like
Khamaycha, Khartal,
Morchang, Dholak, Harmonium
and Matka are typical
instruments played by the
artists. Group performance,
chorus and high quality of
instrumentalists make this
music a treat to hear.
38. Kapuria Tehsil –
Fatehgarh.
In Hamira and
Jasinda there are also
some artists.
There are also artists
at Ramdewra the
Jaisalmir town also.
Altogether there are
more than 300 artists.
Puppeteer Kalakar Colony,
Jaisalmir town.
There are around 20 –
25 family staying in the
area.
The artists are of high quality.
Presently they generally
perform in the hotels, resorts
and desert folklore museum.
The group of 4-5 artists et
around Rs 2500/- per show.
Some artists like Mukesh Bhatt
have gone to Spain recently and
received 7000 Euro.
Nirgun / Sargun /
Bhajan
The artists are
scattered throughout
Jaisalmir.
The main areas are
Mulsagar,
Amalsagar, Dabla,
Rupsi, Sam, Kanoi,
Salkha, Sipla,
Kumharkotta,
Kahala, Khuri, Soda,
Jethui and
Chattagarh.
Some artists are also
located in Ramdeora
and Pokran side.
In Baiya village of
Fatehgarh Tehsil,
Padmaram Meghwal
and Bhaisaram
Meghwal are
exponents
There are more than 200
artists practicing this
form
The Nirgun / Sargun and
Bhajan artists sing traditional
Bhajans of Meera Bai, Kabir,
Ramdas, Surdas , Ramdev and
other saints. The traditional
instrument used by the artists is
Tandoora. Most of the artists
perform in different villages but
do not get any remuneration
other than the travelling
charges. Some artists who are
acclaimed get some honorarium
during performance.
These artists have a market at
local and national level.
Bhopas singing
Pabuji ka Fad
Gafurbhatta, near
Kamla Nehru School
Jaisalmir town.
There are around 12
artists.
The artists perform in various
hotels, museums and other
palaces in Jaisalmir.
Handicrafts
Pottery Village: Pokran,
Pokran
There are around 200
families involved with
the craft form.
They are quality craftsman and
have huge potential.
39. Other Places Visited:
Desert Cultural Centre: Desert Cultural Centre, run by Nand Kishore Sharma is an author-teacher
and historian. He set up this amazingly well-resourced centre near Gadisar Lake in 1997, years after
he founded the Jaisalmer Folklore Museum in 1984. At 77, Sharma is pursuing quite passionately
the love of his life – documenting and celebrating the history of Jaisalmer. Desert Cultural Centre
has Old photographs, maps, manuscripts, paintings, musical instruments, puppets, local costumes,
coins, camel ornaments — and much more. A catalogue of these materials is available for purchase.
The entire collection has been put together largely through Sharma’s own efforts. He has written
several books on Jaisalmer, many of which have been translated into other languages with the help
of scholars and researchers who have visited him.
Tourist areas at Khuri and Sam
Pehchaan Lok Sangeet Sansthan at Barna, Khuri.
Music Mirasi School, Near Patwon Ki Haveli, Jaisalmir town.
Persons Contacted:
Name ofPerson Organisation Contact Number
Mr K R Mehta Rajasthan Finance Corporation 9414097638
Nandkishore Sharma Desert Cultural Centre 9413865665
Gaji Khan Mangniyar artist 9414150061
Kutle Khan Mangniyar artist 7742548501
Bhage Khan Mangniyar artist 9680720784
Sawan Khan Mangniyar artist 9460347685
Mukesh Bhatt Puppeteer 9950138719
Tagaram Bhil Algosa Player 9461770153
Baba Balgiri Maharaj Nirgun singer 8952038567
Babu Ram Bhil Nirgun Singer 9636514987
Hariram Bhopa Sings Pabuji ka Fad 8387808111
Kasiram Bhopa Sings Pabuji ka Fad 9799195346
40. Ajmer :
History : Ajmer today is mostly known for
Pushkar and Ajmer Sharif, the shrine of Sufi
sanit Khwaja Monuddin Chisti. Pushkar fair
has attracted thousands of tourists around the
world. Ajmer founded by Ajay Pal Chauhan
in 7th
century. It got its name from Ajay
Meru or the invincible hill. Here he built
India’s first hill fort Taragarh. It remained a
Chauhan’s strong hold till 1192 AD when
Prithviraj Chauhan the last Hindu king of
Delhi lost it to Mohammad Ghori. In 1556
AD it became an integral part of the Mughal
Empire.
Pushkar Lake is another important
pilgrimage site. According to the Padma
Puran the Pushkar Lake is a divine location
as it is here where a lotus fell from the hands
of Lord Brahma when he was on his search
for a tranquil spot to perform Yagna. Thus it
became known as ‘Tirtharaj’ as no
pilgrimage is considered complete without
taking a dip in the holy waters of Pushkar
Lake.
Demographic Profile: Ajmer district has an area of 8481 sq km and a population of 25.84 lakhs. The
main community of people staying in Ajmer are Hindus, Muslims and Jains. The district is situated in
the center of Rajasthan, and is bounded by Nagaur district to the north, Jaipur and Tonk districts to the
east, Bhilwara district to the south and Pali district to the West. The district has a population density of
305 inhabitants per square kilometre. Ajmer has a sex ratio 950 and a literacy rate of 70.46%.
Ajmer is divided into 4 subdivisions – Ajmer, Beawar, Kekri and Kishangarha and further subdivided
into 6 tehsils.
Festivals held at Ajmer:
Pushkar Fair is being held on October and November around Pushkar Lake on the occasion of Kartick
Poornima. The 12 day affair has a religious significance too. Hundreds of horse, camels and buffaloes
are brought here and sold. Camel races, parades and other musical events are full of fun and gaiety.
Nagaur Fair is being organised at Nagaur between the months of Jan and Feb. Hundreds of cattles are
brought here for selling. Recreation is provided by delightful entertainment like tug of war, camel races
and soulful music.
Tejaji cattle fair held between Aug – Sept is also another important fair. District Administration, DIC of
Ajmer organises Dipotsav Craft Fair every year. The District Industries Centre has built a permanent
structure where a handicraft person can put up his / her stall.
41. Different Folk Forms and Handicraft Forms ofthe region:
Folk Form /
Community
Block / Area # of artists Potentiality
Kalbelia Ganaheda village
near Pushkar beside
Railway station.
Kalbelia artists are
also present in
Karail Gram
Panchayat.
There are around 60
artists in Ganaheda
village. But there are
possibilities of training
more artists in the
village. Around 20-30
more young artists can
be included.
In Karail there are
about 15-20 artists.
The Kalbelia dancers are known all
over India. The dancers in the
village of Ganaheda generally
performs during the tourist season
from Nov – Feb. Raki, Kalbelia
dancer is a renowned dancer and
have even visited international
countries like Spain and France.
But, other artists generally get Rs
200/- to Rs 300/- per show. The
artists have performed in Delhi,
Haridwar, Bombay, Goa. There is
huge potential of augmenting
income of the artists and providing
market linkage of the artists.
There is also huge potential of
linking these nomads to various
Government schemes.
Bhopas singing
Pabuji ke Pad
There are some
Bhopas in Karail
Gram Panchayat.
5 families. 10 artists. Devi Lal is one of the Bhopas
residing in Revat Gram Panchayat.
The Bhopas presently work in
shops and also play instrument and
sings once they get orders. The
artists play their traditional
instrument Ravanhatta and also
make these instrument. The
Bhopas sale this instruments at
musical shops and to foreigners.
Kishangarh
School of Art
Kishangarh town There are around 100
artists.
There are high quality of painters
but mostly this artists are much
well off. The main characteristic
feature of Kishangarh art of
painting is the painting of
Banithani, the female lady who is
perhaps the most beautiful women
after Monalisa. It is said that Raja
Swai Ram Singh had an eternal
love with this beautiful lady. There
are some big art organisations like
Shree Krishna Art Centre,
Nangalia Art Handicrafts which
sales paintings to national and
international clients.
Kishangarh
School of Art
Pisangan town,
Pisangan Tehsil
There are more than
100 artists.
The Kishangarh school of Art
practiced in Pisangan is a age old
tradition. The artists paint on cloth.
It is known that some artists came
from Kishagarh and settled in
Pisangan. During 70s there were
around 500 artists but slowly the
42. number of artists decreased. As
competition increased with other
painting forms of Udaipur, Jaipur
the demand of the artists slowly
decreased. Presently there are very
few practicing artists around 5-6.
But there are possibilities of
bringing back these traditional
painters into mainstream and bring
back the lost heritage of Pisangan
art.
Puppetry Bhatt community in
Telipara, Vaishali
Nagar
There are around 10
artists staying in this
area. Sohan Lal Bhatt
is a renowned
puppetter.
There are very few puppeteers
staying in the area. Though the
quality of artists is high they get
very few programs. Presently,
Sohan Lal Bhatt also takes order of
other folk performances and act as
a agent to conduct programmes in
hotels. The main concentration of
the puppeteers is in Nagaur. The
artists also make high quality of
puppets of different sizes and
depicting different characters
which also has a market. The
puppeteer narrates stories of
Sahijan Badshah, Amar Singh
Rathore
Since, number of artists is less and
the artists also stay at the town it
may be difficult to include them
under NRLM.
Qawwals of
Ajmer
Ajmer town, behind
Ajmer Sharif,
Chiwki Awwal,
Peer Road.
There are around 50
artists, 7 groups.
The artists staying at the town
beside Qawwali also have
secondary livelihood option. Each
group performs around 30 -40
programmes in a year and earns
about Rs 20000 from each
programme. The Qawwals perform
all over India but generally
performs only in private
programmes and do not get
chances in Government
programmes. Tourism Department
do not give programmes to the
43. artists nor they are linked with
ICCR.
Handicrafts :
Stone Curving Kishangarh Town There are around 40 –
50 artists
Kishangarh is known for marbles
and stones. Stone curving and
making various stone based
products like lamp shades, statues,
pen stands etc. This is a big
industry and the artists work as
mere labourers.
Though the potentiality of the
artists is huge, it is difficult for the
artists to make stone materials of
their own as their is huge cost
involvement of the raw materials.
Stone curved materials is also now
falls under the District Industries.
Some other products are kalin / carpet weaving and block printing. Carpet weaving is being done at
Baghera, Kekri Tehsil and Masuda Tehsil is known for Block Printing.
Other Places visited :
Social Work and Research Centre / Barefoot College :- The organisation formed at Tilonia is the
brain child of Sanjit Ray. The organisation works on health, education, water and sanitation and other
development parameters. Barefoot college also provides consultancy / hands on training to generate
social power. They also develop many handicraft products and teaches puppetry to villagers.
The organisation uses puppetry to generate social awareness in villages around Tilonia.
Urban Haat Mela, Ajmer :
The Urban haat mela was organised by DIC,Ajmer. Many craftsmen from different districts give stalls
in the fair. The place is a permanent one and one can give stalls in this place.
44. People Met:
Name ofPerson Organisation Contact Number
Rahul Chowdhary NRLM 9829771104
Raki Kalbelia dancer 9982834398
Shadu Kalbelia dancer 8875227565
Haji Qurban Farid Chishtiyai Qawwal 9928083055 /
9983073125
Purushottam Chauhan Sachib, Karail GP 9530300325
Ashok Soni Sarpanch 9829325311
Satya Narayan Prajapat Painter, Pisangan school of Art 9829425248
Sampat Singh Godara BDO,Pisangan 7597120147
Farid Hussain Qawwal,Ajmer 7665387292
Santosh Bhopa 9982319832
Sohan Lal Bhatt Puppeteer 9828430927
Babulal Ujira Puppeteer 9772391030
Debilal Potter , Jaisalmir 9928439461
45. Jaipur and surrounding area:
History : Jaipur city was the first planned city in northern India conceived by the Raja Swai Jay Singh
in 1727. Located 262 kilometers from Delhi, jaipur was the first planned city in northern India. Jaipur's
history dates back to the 12th century when the Kachchwaha clan of Rajputs arrived at the old fort
palace of Amber in the Aravalli Hills. The Kachchwaha belonged to the Kshatriya, or the warrior caste
of Hindus, but they traced their origins back to the sun, via Kusa who the twin son of the god Rama.
Demographic Profile:
The district of Jaipur has an area of 11152 sq km. It is
bounded by Sikar district on the north, Haryana state on
the extreme northeast, Alwar and Dausa districts on the
east, Sawai Madhopur District on the south east, Tonk
district on the south, Ajmer district on the west and
Nagaur district on the south west.
There are 13 Subdivisions, 13 Tehsils, 2369 villages, 13
Panchayat Samitis, 489 Gram Panchayats, 10 Nagar
Palikas and 1 Nagar Nigam. The total population of
Jaipur district is 66.63 lacs. The district has a population
density of 598 inhabitants per square kilometre. The sex
ratio is 909 and the literacy rate is 76.44%.
Different Folk Forms and Handicrafts of the Region:
Folk Form /
Community
Block / Area # of artists Potentiality
Kathputli Panipej, Kathputli basti
near Udyog Bhavan in
Jaipur town.
There are around 500
artists involved with
the craft.
The artists originally came from
Nagaur district and settled in
Jaipur town. The entire group of
artists hails from the Bhatt
community. These group of
traditional artists perform in
various festivals and fairs. Some
also perform in hotels, resorts and
other places. Some artists like
Mukhesh Bhatt and Binod Bhatt
performed in Pragati Maidan,
festivals at Shillong, Kolkata and
other places. Apart from
performance the artists make
puppets on their own and sale
them in the market and hotels.
Generally, after each show they
sale the puppets that they carry.
Artists like Mukesh Bhatt have
their workshops where slum
dwellers learn to make puppets
and sale them. The artists
generally earn about Rs 3000/- to
Rs 4500/- per month and during
season the earning is about Rs
46. 5000/-. There are huge
possibilities of linking the artists
at international and national level
but the issue is that the
concentration of the artists is
mainly at the Jaipur town and
artists are not found at the
villages.
Daff / Chang dance District: Sikar . Tehsil -
Fatehpur.
There are around 150
artists involved with
the art.
Daff or Chang dance is a dance
form practiced by the Malis
during the Holi festival. Slowly,
other villagers also got involved
with the dance form. Daff or
Chang dance is a group dance
depicting three forms of Dhamaal
accompanied by the musical
instrument dafli, shahnai and
dhol. The three forms of Dhamaal
are ‘Shringar Ras’ (depicting love
and devotion), ‘Deb Vandana’ (
about gods and goddesses), ‘Raj
Vandana’ ( about kings and their
kinship).
The artists presently perform in
various festivals and fairs. Artists
like Ghisaram Joshi is empanelled
with WZCC, ICCR and have
performed all over India. The
group under Ghisaram Joshi gets
programme but other artists do
not get regular programmes. The
artists who do not get regular
programmes sustain through other
forms of livelihood.
Handicrafts :
Lac Jaipur – Manihar, Gali
and Pattabasti in Jaipur
town.
Near about 500 people. Lac bangles, sindoor box, pen
stand, pen are the major items
made by the lac articles. Wearing
lac bangles is a ritual and is wore
by all married women. Lac has a
huge market in Rajasthan. The
raw lac is being brought from
West Bengal. Lac based products
is an industry and the artists work
as labours.
Miniature Painting Joypur town around
city palace.
Some artists also stay
at Sanganer Tehsil,
Sanganer village
There are around 150
artists.
Miniature paintings are the
famous art form of Rajasthan
influenced by the Mughal
miniature painting. Rajasthani
miniature paintings has so many
gharana like Bundi, kota,
Kisangarh, Mewar and Marwar
school of paintings. Painters were
patroned by the kings of
47. Rajasthan. Jaipur miniature
paintings are highly influenced by
the Mughal miniature painting.
Presently very few artists practice
this art form. They perform as
individual artists and also work
under businessmen.
Blue Pottery Sangner at Jaipur There are around 400
artists
Blue Pottery is known for its
Turko Persian origin. The potters
work under businessman and big
industrialist who export their
product in international market
also. Artists like Anil Daraya has
international fame but the artists
are seldom recognised as they
cannot make their own product
due to high raw material cost and
do not have market to sale them.
Leather Works Block: Chomu, Village
: Udaypuria
400-450 families are
involved with the craft.
Leather works are mainly done
Regari community. They make
decorative ‘Mojri’ which they
sale at the wholesale market. The
craftsmen earn around Rs 4000/-
per month. SHGs are also formed
in the village and the craftsmen
are also enrolled under the SHG.
There are possibilities of giving
them a bigger market.
Bagru Print Bagru village and
Sangner
There are more than
1000 craftsmen.
The craftsmen from the Chipa
community is involved with the
craft form. After the bagru print is
done the cloth comes to industries
in Sanganer from where it is
being sold.
Terracota Block: Chomu village:
Harota
There are around 200
artists involved with
the craft.
The potters work in families. The
artists lack unity among
themselves. The artists make dolls
(mukhota), utensils and other
decorative items. The artists earn
about Rs 1 lac per year. They sale
them in the market and also
perform in various festivals and
fairs. Artists like Kailash Chand
Prajapat have participated in
festival at Shilpa Gram, Pragati
Madan at Delhi and Joypur Saras
Rashtriya Craft Mela. The artists
also participate though DRDC.
48. Persons Met :
Name Organisation Phone Number
R C Agarwal DPM,Jaipur, NRLM 9413239055
Dilshad Khan Manihar, Jaipur town 9929069086
Devilal Barma Miniature Painting 9928402395
Anil Daraya Blue Pottery, Sangner 9412618800, 9460709372
Banoyarilal Boradia Leather Work 9829288257 / 9509431892
Rajesh Cheepa Bagru Print
Kailash Chand Prajapat Terracota artist, Harota 9828095465
Om Prakash Bhatt Kathputli artist 9579727111, 9667438229,
9636722554
Sitaram Pujari Sikar, Shekhawati painting 7742246652
Ghisaram Joshi Daff / Chang dance 9571801809, 01571231921
49. Udaipur :
History :Udaipur is also known as the City of Lake. Udaipur is the historic capital of the kingdom
of Mewar in the former Rajputana Agency. The Guhils (Sisodia) clan ruled the Mewar and its capital
was shifted from Chittorgarh to Udaipur after founding city of Udaipur by Maharana Uday Singh. The
Mewar province became part of Rajasthan after India
became independent
Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai
Singh II as the final capital of the erstwhile
Mewar kingdom, located to the southwest of Nagda,
on the Banas River, the first capital of the Mewar
kingdom. Legend has it that Maharana Udai Singh
II came upon a hermit while hunting in the foothills of
the Aravalli Range. The hermit blessed the king and
asked him to build a palace on the spot, assuring him it
would be well protected. Udai Singh II consequently
established a residence on the site. In 1568,
the Mughal emperor Akbar captured the fort
of Chittor, and Udai Singh moved the capital to the
site of his residence, which became the city of
Udaipur.
As the Mughal empire weakened, the Sisodia ranas, and later maharanas (also called
the Guhilots or Suryavansh), who had always tried to oppose Mughal dominance, reasserted their
independence and recaptured most of Mewar except for Chittor. Udaipur remained the capital of the
state, which became a princely state of British India in 1818. Being a mountainous region and
unsuitable for heavily armoured Mughal horses, Udaipur remained safe from Mughal influence in spite
of much pressure. The rajvansh of Udaipur was one of the oldest dynasties of the world. Even the Nepal
kingdom and Jammu kingdom are believed to have been originated from Mewar.
Demographic Profile : Udaipur is one of the major tourist destinations of Rajasthan. Udaipur district
has a total population of 3067549 of which around 50% are female. Thus it has a higher sex ratio 958.
The literacy rate of Udaipur is 62.74%.
Folk Form /
Community
Block / Area # of artists Potentiality
BhawaiNrityo Gogunda Block , Thur
village
There are around 100
artists. But many artists
stay in Udaipur
presently living their
village homes.
The dance form originally was
practiced by the Bhawai
community who migrated from
Gujarat. But presently many
communities practice this form.
Bhawai dance is a colourful dance
form
Teratali Gogunda Block, Dhol
village
There are around 50
artists.
Ramdevra pujari...kamad
community
Kathori dance Kathori Bastee, Sanija
Gram Panchayat, Kotra
Block
There are around 50
artists.
The Kathori community migrated
from Gujarat. This dance is
generally performed during
Navratri when they worship
Amba Mataji. The artists do not
50. get much performance and
depend on other forms of
livelihood. The artists also work
under MNREGA and engage into
agricultural works. Though they
have performed in some festivals
but they were not paid any
honorarium and were only paid
conveyance fare .
Organisations visited:
WZCC: West Zone Culture Centre in Udaipur in Rajasthan state is one of many regional cultural
centres established by Ministry of Culture, Indian Government to preserve and promote traditional
cultural heritage of India. The West Cultural Zone is one of seven Cultural Zones of India defined and
provided with administrative infrastructure by the Government of India. This organization not only has
retained the cultural talent but also has worked for its development. The organization provided
information of the empanelled folk artists.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal: Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal is a cultural institution based
in Udaipur in Rajasthan state in India engaged in studying folk art, culture, songs and festivals of
Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh and to popularise and propagate folk arts, folk dances and folk
literature. It was set up in 1952 by Devilal Samar. The institution has a museum that exhibits collection
of folk articles from Rajasthan like rural-dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical
instruments, folk deities and paintings. There is puppet theater (Kathputli) too where puppet shows are
held at regular interval.
Tribal Research Institute: The institute led by M L Venna works for the development of the tribals in
the district of Udaipur and also adjoining districts.
51. Persons met:
Name Organisation Phone Number
R.Agarwal AGVP 09414104718
Mr.Prakashji AGVP 09461387946
Vilas Janve WZCC 09414158686
Rakesh Mehta WZCC 09785390774
Dinesh Upadhyay Tribal Research Institute 09414385562
Bhamri Devi Teratali artist 09950127934
Nirmala Devi Teratali artist 09950127934/09624139505
Jashoda Devi Teratali artist 09549664377
Ramli bai(Kashiram
Lakhma)
Kathodi Bastee villager 09636074023
Bhurilal Garasia Garasia community member 09784182710
Mirza Akbar Begh Tura kalengee 09928327380
Ratan lal Dholi Tura kalengee 09929514816
Osman Shah Tura kalengee 09928515371
Madan Chittari Tura kalengee 09694831024
Gopal Gamiti Bhawai(dhol) -
Benilal bhat Katputli 09352526355
Vijoy Bhat Kath putli 09928736236
Gobardhan Samar Bharatiya lok kala mondal 09352516622
52. Bhilwara:
History : The Textile City of India has very fine history. When Arjuna was going to Dwarika with all
Gopis during Mahabharata period he was passing through the present Bhilwara region. There was a war
between Arjuna & Bhils. Local tradition reveals that it came to be known as Bhilwara because it was
mostly inhabited by Bhil tribes in old
days. These Bhils were eventually driven
away towards the hilly tracts and interior
places of less importance by the ancestors
of the peasant settlers. Another version
recounts that the present Bhilwara city had
a mint where coins known as 'BHILADI'
were minted and from this denomination
was derived the name of the district. A
town nearby the city named "Mandal" is
assumed to be the base of the Mughals
when they attacked Chittor Garh, the
mughal forces camped near the "talab" of
the town of Mandal, ruins of the camp can
still be seen there. Bhilwara is also known
as "the city of Cloth".
The city also has religious importance. The NIRGUNA Ramsnehi Samrday was founded here by saint
Ram Charanji Maharaj in 1779 AD. There is a famous Ramdwara in the city, which is also housing
Ram Snehi Hospital in its campus. The other important place (Ram Niwas Dham) of the samrday is
located 50 km away in the town of Shahpura, where every year on the eve of Holi a 5 days celebration
takes place.
Demographic Profile:
The district has an area of 10,455 km², and a population of 2,009,516 (2001 census), which increased
26.14% from 1991 to 2001. It is bounded on the north by Ajmer District, on the east by Bundi District,
on the south by Chittorgarh District, and on the west by Rajsamand District. State Highway (Jaipur-
Udaipur) passes through the district, as does a broad gauge railway line measuring 84 km and
connecting Ajmer with Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh. The nearest airport is at Udaipur (171 km).
There are 7 sub-divisions in the district Bhilwara, Shahpura, Gangapur, Gulabpura, Aasind, Mandalgarh
and Jahajpur. There are 15 tehsils named Bhilwara, Banera, Mandal, Mandalgarh, Beejoliya, Kotri,
Shahpura, Jahazpur, Sahada, Raipur, Asind and Hurda. Similarly there are 1783 villages as per census
of 2001.
According to the 2011 census Bhilwara district has a population of 2,410,459 . The district has a
population density of 230 inhabitants per square kilometre (600 /sq mi) . Its population growth rate over
the decade 2001-2011 was 19.7%. Bhilwara has a sex ratio of 969 females for every 1000 males,[1]
and
a literacy rate of 62.71%.