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The Sindhi Sarangi used by the Langas, is made up of four main wires, with more than twenty vibrating sympathetic strings which help to create its distinctive haunting tones. The bowing of these instruments is a skilful exercise, often supported by the sound of the 'ghungroos' or ankle bells that are tied to the bow to make the beat more prominent. The word 'Manganiyar' means those who asks for alms. On different occasions they would go to patron's house and sing appropriate songs and in turn would be rewarded. The Manganiyar community is divided into two parts, one whose patrons are Hindus and the other who have Muslim patrons. The Hindu patrons mostly belong to Bhati and Rathore communities of Rajputs , the Muslims patrons are Sindhi Muslims. Even though the Manganiyars are Sunni Muslims by birth, their lifestyle and the way of dressing up reflect the Hindu or the 'Ganga-Jamana' culture. They present a perfect example of communal bonhomie as for generations they have been closely linked to both Muslims and Hindu families for their livelihood. Since generations the traditions of singing and composing for occasions is going strong. Singing at their jajmaans house on various occasions is their traditional profession. Describing their jajmaans illustrious history which is full of honor and pride, is their speciality. The descriptions of jajmaan's Genealogy with the support of artists is known as 'Shubhraj. Such is the ability of these people that they could recite all the names of the last few generations of the jajmaans within the space of a single breath. This also includes the descriptionsof their achievements. In exchange of the above, the manganiyars were rewarded handsomely in the form of grain, wheat, goat, camel, sheep, horse or cash |
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Kamaycha is a popular bow and string instrument, used by the folk artists belonging to the Manganiyar community of Rajsthan . This instrument is known for its deep booming sound. The Kamaycha contains a large sized circular resonator, the source of the booming sound. There are 3 strings, made of gut, used for producing the melody. Two strings made of brass gives the drone. Additionally, there are 15 sympathetic strings made of steel. The Kamaycha is held vertically while playing. |
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Morchang is the most favourite instrument for Langa community of Rajasthan, a wrought iron instrument, much akin to the Jews harp, which produces twanging sounds |
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Dholak is a classical North Indian, Pakisthani and Nepalese hand drum. A dholak may have traditional lacing or turnbuckle tuning. The dholak has a simple membrane and a handle on the right hand side. The left hand membrane has a special coating on the inner surface. This coating is a mixture of tar, clay and sand (dholak masala) which lowers the pitch and provides a well defined tone. The wood used for the membrane is usually made of teak wood, also known as "sheesham" wood. The process of hollowing out the drum is the determination of the sound and quality of the dholak A dholak has 2 heads a small part for the high pitch, and the large part is for the low pitch and it's pitched depending on size and tuning sounding like a bongo in playing mode. |
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Khartaal, The word mean Khar and Taal. Khar means hand and Taal means Rhythm. Rhythm of Hands. Khartaal is a kind of castanets, made of teak wood, and the artistes hold them in both hands and perform with tremendous ease. A young man's Karthal play holding it in his hands was a thrill to watch for the way he created complex percussion sounds, while his partner was playing the dholak |