Char Bayt
Char Bayt is a Muslim tradition in local oral poetry in Tonk in the State of Rajasthan, Bhopal in the State of Madhya Pradesh, and Rampur, Chandpur, Malihabad and Amroha in the State of Uttar Pradesh, India. Chaar Bayt are four line sequence of verse sung to the beat of the "duff" (a percussion instrument). The poetry has originated from an Arabic poetic form called "Rajeez" and can be traced back to the 7th century. This is a very participative and lyrical form of poetry which is also performed in a collective. Often there is a troupe with headed by an 'ustad'. The singers who perform chaar bayt are often illiterate and come from economially weaker sections of the society.
Source IGNCA Inventory of ICH, Janapada Sampada Division, IGNCA
Contributed by Aditya, CEE Ahmedabad
Kalbelia: Folk Songs and Dances
Kalebelia folk song and dances are the art form of the Kalbelia community of Rajasthan. Klabelia is the community of snake charmer predominantly found in districts of west Rajasthan and some areas of east Rajasthan. Kalbelia Dance is an expression of the Kalbelia community's way of life as snake charmers. The women in flowing skirts dance to the beat of the 'khanjari,' a percussion instrument, and the 'poongi,' a wind instrument. Both these instruments are made by the Kalbelias themselves from natural materials like dried vegetable gourds and leather hide. On the occasion of Holi (the festival of colours), the Kalbelias perform a special dance with another percussion instrument called the 'chang.' While men play the instruments, the women sing and dance. It is remarkable that in today's context, the Kalbelia's traditional music and dance has evolved into a creative and contemporary version that enthrals audiences worldwide. The music of the 'poongi' has a sinuous quality, which makes a dancer swirl and dance like a serpent. The songs also portray the creative and poetic acumen of the Kalbelias. The Kalbelias are reputed to compose lyrics spontaneously and improvise songs impromptu during a performance. The vast repertoire of songs covers all the rites of passage in their life.
Source IGNCA Inventory of ICH, Janapada Sampada Division, IGNCA
Contributed by Aditya, CEE Ahmedabad
Kathputli - The Art of Puppetry of Rajasthan
Kathputli (kath means wood, putli means doll), the art of puppetry of Rajasthan is believed to be more than a thousand years old. It is chiefly the Bhat community that practises this art. Handcrafted in Rajasthan, the puppet's head
Storytelling with Kaavad
"The Kaavad offers an identity to all the communities that are connected to it. Each community has multiple identities but in this specific one concerning the Kaavad they are all related. The makers get their uniqueness as they are the only ones who make them and were created to make them. They depend on the tellers to some degree to continue making the Kaavads. The tellers get their professional identity from the very name and depend on their patrons to continue the tradition. The patrons 'recognize themselves' and their ancestors in the images that the Kaavad mirrors. The myth in a way explains the reality and reinforces the dependence and synergy."