Rajasthan, literally translated means 'Land of Kings'. Areawise, it is the largest Indian state. Rajasthan is made up of the  vast Thar desert, and shares borders with the Punjab and Sindh provinces of Pakistan, to the north west, and west repectively. Within India, it shares it's borders with Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat states.

This geographical dynamics have greatly influenced the culture and heritage of Rajasthan. This has been especially true of the Rajasthan music heritage. Many of the  surviving music tribes of Rajasthan, that are intrinsic to the indigenous folk music of Rajasthan, originate from these border territories. These include musicians form both castes; Hindu and Muslim. The contribution is rich and diverse, rendering deep and rich soulful music!

Rajasthan's folk music has dominant influences from the different tribes residing there. These include musicians from the Manganiar, Langha, Bhopa Bhopi, Kalbelia tribes to name a few. Their diverse styles give a variety of folk songs and styles to the folk music scene in Rajasthan.

The musical instruments too, are indigeniously made by the artists. Algoza, Rawanhatta, Nagara, Morchung, Been, Duph, Bankiya, Dhol, Sarangi are just some of the many indigeniously made musical instruments used by the tribe. Songs and music is all about nature, folk lore, kings and queens, seasons, and also include daily activities.  Included too is the  most important and precious part of the desert life; Water!

Some of the musical tribes of Rajasthan are:

Mirasi tribe: Found also in Punjab, Haryana, and other parts of North India, in Rajasthan the Mirasi musicians are found in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and other areas.  It is said that they originally were Hindus, but got converted around eight centuries ago to Islam. They belong to different gharanas, or gotras, and they sing and play the drums at weddings, for a living. They are traditionally genealogists, and maintian the genealogy of the Jaat and Chippa community.

Kalbeliya and Bopa tribes:  Both these tribes are gypsy tribes but are very different from each other.  Both are nomadic and have no permanent place. Kalbeliyas are originally snake charmers and dancers. Whereas Bopas are musicians and singers. Kalbelias are famous for their sensous dance as mostly it was inspired by snake movements. Traditionally they were known as popular dancers and musicians, and would recieve royal patronage from the Rajasthan royalty. Both the Bopa and the Kalbeliya gypsies, were especially called during festivals, marriages and fesive occasions, where they would entertain the guests with their musical and dance skills. With absence of the royal families, this has diminished and has affected their daily livlihood. They still perform on occasions but on streets. They are a common feature at the Pushkar camel fair.

Langha tribes: Historically, an Afghan tribe, they are a community of musicians and singers, that passes on tho the next generation in a hereditary manner. The tribe is found in the Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan provinces of  Pakistan, and in Gujarat and Rajasthan states of India. They speak and sing in marwari. Traditionally, they were patronised by landowners and wealthy sections of the Rajasthan community. The speciality of these musicians are that they are mostly muslim musicians but sing songs dedicated to Hindu deities and gods. The word Langha translated means 'song-giver',  and they have sufi influences in their renderings. They play the Sindhi sanrangi  and the Algoza, indeginious instruments inherent to these tribes, with finesse. Events such as birth, weddings and other big events have the Langhas performing in all their glory!

Manganiar tribe:  Considering themselves descendants of Rajut's, the Manganiar tribe is one of the renowned musical tribes of Rajasthan. Invoking Lord Krishna, before a recital, traditionally the tribe would accompany the warriors and entertain them before and after a war. They have both Hindu and Muslim patrons, and sing for them during a wedding, birth or important occasions is their profession. They recite the geneology of their patron with rich renditions. Khamaycha, Dholak and Khartaal are the traditional instruments that are used my this tribe.

Traditional music also includes Paanihari songs that revolve around daily chores, water, wells and are mostly sung by the women.