Langas of Rajasthan

Langa literally means 'song giver'. An accomplished group of poets, singers, and musicians from the Barmer district of Rajasthan, the Langas seem to have converted from Hinduism to Islam in the 17th century. Traditionally, Sufi influences prevented them from using percussion instruments, however, the Langas are versatile players of the Sindhi Sarangi and the Algoza (double flute), which accompany and echo their formidable ad magical voices. They perform at events like births, and weddings, exclusively for their patrons (yajman), who are cattle breeders, farmers, and landowners. The Langa musicians are regarded by their patrons as 'kings'.

Born in the golden sands of Rajasthan, the Langas have picked up only one trade in life that of carrying the desert in their heart. Located with rustic folk melodies that have trickled down to them from seven generations, the Langas have been singing of the desert charm all their lives. And they plan to sing folk for all ages to come, because they believe that folk is the mother of all classical musical traditions. The Langas, who consider themselves descendants of the Rajputs, are known as creators of the finest music of the desert. Their songs are passed from generation to generation, which makes them effectively the keepers of the history of the desert. They sing songs about Alexander the Great, Maharajas stories and past battles in the region.

The soulful, full throated voices of this music community have filled the cool air of the desert night for centuries in a addition that reflects all aspects of Rajasthan life. Songs for every occasion, mood and moment; stories of legendary battles, hers and lovers engender a spirit of identity, expressed through music that provides relief from the inhospitable land of heat and dust stroms.

The Langas have been part of the patriotic hits like the Vand Mataram and Maa Tujhe Salam. Much of the folk music in these scores draws on the musical repertory of Langas, who have even composed pieces on Mahatma Gandhi and Kargil martyrs.

Langas, are musical cousins to Mangariyas. Their art is identical except that Langas are accompanied by a sarnghi instead of the kamayacha. Both are string instruments, but the saranghi has more strings and so, is richer is range demanding greater training and virtuosity from the vocalist.

The Langas' and Mangariyas' music have been supported by wealthy landlords and aristocrats for generations. Both in the same dialect, but their styles and repertoirs differe, shaped by the taste of their patrons. The monarchs of the courts of Rajput and Jaipur maintained large music and dance troupes an in an environment where the arts were allowed to flourish.

Though both communities are made up of Muslim musicians, many of their songs are in praise of Hindu deities and celebrate Hindu festivas such as Diwali and Holi. The Mananiar performers traditionally invoke the Hindu God Krishna and seek his blessings before beginning their recital. At one time, the Manganiars were musicians of the Rajput courts, accompanying their chiefs to war and providing them with entertainment before and after the battles and in the event of his death, would perform at the ruler's vigil day and night until the mourning was over.