rhd logo A PROJECT BY INDIAN TRUST FOR RURAL HERITAGE & DEVELOPMENT
bakarow Go back

RAJASTHANManganiyar Folk

The Manganiyars are a Muslim community of hereditary folk musicians known for their
age-old stories and knowledge of folklore. Their music has been patronised by
landlords and aristocrats over the ages and they are known to be skilled performers
of a very high calibre. Hailing from the regions of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Barmer,
their fine performances have gained international recognition.

Peeru Khan is a young and gifted Manganiyar living in Sonoo village near Jaisalmer,
Rajasthan. His grandfather was a well-known literary exponent and his father Barkat Khan
is still a performing Manganiyar singer.

The Manganiyars transcend religious boundaries, while greatly revering the forces of nature.
They are prominently known for their songs about Mirabai, Kabir, Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna.
Apart from this, they also sing about Rajasthani wedding traditions such as Banna-Banni,
Bidaai and more. An important responsibility of the Manganiyars is the task of preserving the
genealogies of families. They recount the histories of families and pray for their well-being.

The song you hear ‘Raat Suti ne Sapno Aayo’, is a bidaai or farewell song where the bride is leaving her maternal home after her wedding. She describes various memories and tales of her childhood and early years spent at her maternal home. The primary instruments used include Kamaicha, Khartaal, Harmonium and, Dholak.

Song - RAAT SUTI NE SAPNO AAYO

  • Voice & Harmonium - Peeru Khan
  • Kamaicha - Ghewar Khan
  • Khartal - Ghame Khan & Sameer Khan
  • Dholak - Suresh Khan