Category Archives: Musicology

“Cultural music and dance forms among the adivasis have evolved over centuries. Beautified by elements and nuances of their surroundings, these forms depict their very lifestyles. Played for hours together in the same tempo, music is an integral part of celebrations and mourning. […] Each instrument has a purpose and belief related to it and they call for agile fingers, sturdy nails and strength of breath. Chaudhari who hails from Padamdungri, mentioned how the playing of Dera – exclusively a woman’s art – is now almost non-existent.” – Vikram Chaudhari interviewed by Ashleshaa Khurana for Times Of India (30 January 2014)
https://indiantribalheritage.org/?p=13780

“Many of the tribes have two distinct types of music, the ‘outdoor’ ensemble, which is often performed by members of a different tribe or a Hindu caste, and their own characteristic tribal songs. The outdoor ensemble is used at weddings and on festive occasions. It varies in size and structure, depending to some extent on the affluence of the tribe. The main instruments are the double-reed oboe-type, a straight, curved, or S-shaped horn, a variety of drums – kettle-shaped, cylindrical, or frame drums similar to the tambourine – and cymbals. The names of these instruments sometimes vary from one tribe to another, although it seems likely that they represent a common tradition.” – N.A. Jairazbhoy, “Tribal, Folk and Devotional Music” in: A Cultural History of India (London: Oxford University Press 1975)
https://indiantribalheritage.org/?p=3488

“Tribal and folk music is not taught in the same way that Indian classical music is taught.” – David Courtney
https://chandrakantha.com/articles/indian_music/folk_music.html
https://indiantribalheritage.org/?p=13574