Rajasthan Artists

Rajasthan's musicians, dancers, puppeteers and painters have made it one of the most colourful places in India for the arts.

Music

The Manganiyar and Langa families of western Rajasthan have sung the songs of the desert for generations, and singers such as Mame Khan now perform around the world. Allah Jilai Bai of Bikaner, famous for the Maand song "Kesariya Balam", received the Padma Shri. Jaipur also gave its name to a gharana of Kathak dance.

Dance and puppetry

The Kalbeliya dance of the snake-charmer community, made famous by Gulabo Sapera, is on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Ghoomar is danced by women in swirling skirts, and Kathputli string puppets act out the stories of Rajput heroes.

Painting and crafts

Phad scroll paintings of the folk hero Pabuji are carried by Bhopa singer-priests; the Phad painter Shree Lal Joshi received the Padma Shri. Kishangarh's Bani Thani paintings, Jaipur's blue pottery and block printing, and Bikaner's miniature painting are other famous traditions.

Sources

• Rajasthan Tourism: Government of Rajasthan
• Department of Art and Culture: Government of Rajasthan
• West Zone Cultural Centre: Udaipur (Ministry of Culture)
• Sangeet Natak Akademi: India's national academy of music, dance and drama (Ministry of Culture)