Rock shelters of Bhimbetka: Aboriginal folklore and popular culture of the Adivasis – Madhya Pradesh

[…] Fresh from the book launch of Ijlal Majeed’s stunning new poetry collection in Bhopal, I find myself gazing at the rock shelters of Bhimbetka and murmuring these verses over and over again. For indeed there is something subliminal about this place; it makes you question accepted notions of time and timelessness. Looking at the … Read more

The dance went on: Adivasi self-assertion and networking during tribal cultural festival in Ranchi – Jharkhand

Watching tribal dancing live and up close is a hugely different experience from watching it on telly. For the 40-strong Gudalur adivasi group, recently invited by the Central University of Jharkhand to the Tribal Cultural Festival in Ranchi, the face-to-face with similar groups from all over India was mind boggling. For over 25 years, Stan … Read more

Participation of tribal children in music CD production and dance programme: Aseema Trust and Vidya Vanam School at Anaikkati – Tamil Nadu

Enjoyable listening and a special gift for lovers of Indian music: CD “Kelir Kelir” produced by Aseema Trust and Rukminidevi Natyakshetra Tastefully arranged, this professionally produced CD is intended for educational use in Tamil Nadu’s schools. The songs and dance cover a wide range of traditional and modern styles. The price of Rs. 250 per copy contributes to the … Read more

Vayali’s earth songs & digital community archive at the 4th International FOSS Conference – Kerala

What is that brings a music band advocating folk music to a seminar on open software? Vayali Folklore Group, the music band, comes into the picture as Vinod Nambiar, its executive director, is leading a session on ‘Documenting culture on FOSS’ at the ongoing 4th International FOSS Conference, Kerala, on December 29. “We are documenting … Read more

Traditional music instruments of the Santals at the Museum of Santal Culture – West Bengal

Tirio bamboo flute * Dhodro banam bowed instrument * Madol or tumdak double-sided barrel drum * Photos: Boro Baski, Museum of Santal Culture; photo credit: Ludwig Pesch © 2012 Information on these and other music instruments provided by the Wesanthals E-Group * Tirio: The instrument most favoured by Santals, is bamboo flute with seven holes. It is … Read more