Photo Gallery

A traditional folk musician in typical regional costume, playing the historic stringed instrument known as the Ravanahattha. This is an ancient long-necked lute and one of the oldest known precursors of the modern violin. The body usually consists of a halved coconut covered with animal skin, and a long neck made of bamboo. The instrument has main and resonance strings, as well as a bow that is often decorated with small bells. – Jodhpur – 1990

A musician from Khuri plays the kamaicha (also known as the kamayacha), one of the oldest stringed instruments in the world. It is carved from a single piece of mango wood. The soundbox is large and circular, and covered with goatskin. The instrument has 17 strings. Three main strings are made of goatskin, whilst the remaining steel or copper strings serve as resonating strings. It is played with a bow and is known for its deep, resonant sound, often described as the ‘heart and soul’ of Rajasthani folk music. – 1990

A musician from Khuri plays the kamaicha (also known as the kamayacha), one of the oldest stringed instruments in the world. It is carved from a single piece of mango wood. The soundbox is large and circular, and covered with goatskin. The instrument has 17 strings. Three main strings are made of goatskin, whilst the remaining steel or copper strings serve as resonating strings. It is played with a bow and is known for its deep, resonant sound, often described as the ‘heart and soul’ of Rajasthani folk music. – 1990

A group of musicians from Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, playing traditional folk music on their instruments. They are wearing the colourful turbans (pagris) and white robes typical of this region. The two box-shaped keyboard instruments (on the left and in the middle) are harmoniums. They produce sound via a built-in bellows, which is pumped with one hand whilst the other hand plays the keys. The horizontal drum on the right is a dholak. It is a double-headed hand drum that is very widely used in Indian folk music. The repertoire often includes Qawwali songs and epic chants that have been passed down through generations. – 1990