Child Artist Group

Langa and Manganiar are two Muslim ethnic groups living in the Thar desert in the west of Rajasthan. Their musicians play the traditional, semi-classical music of Western Rajasthan. They offer their musical skills to the communities where they play at important traditional celebrations such as births, marriages, rituals and other communal festivities. The communities are obliged to pay them and give them money, presents (e.g. jewellery) or part of their agricultural products in return for their services. These rules laid down in society 5 centuries ago have made it possible for the tradition to survive to the present day.

Although both groups come from the same region, the Langas have played their music exclusively for the Muslims, who belong to the lower castes of the region (Jagirdars). The Manganiar have played for the Hindu Jagirdars and also for the kings of Western Rajasthan. This difference in audience continues even today, whereas the repertoire of the two groups has gradually become interchangeable