Even though they have performed around the world and mesmerised the audiences with their talent, when they return to their villages in the Thar desert of Rajasthan, they get upset. The performing folk artistes claims that they have to struggle with poverty while authorities do not take them seriously.
“We have been paid very low here by the government agencies,” says a well-known artists Bade Gazi Khan from Barmer.
Also a study conducted by Barefoot College of Tiloina in Rajasthan to highlight socio-economic status of folk artiste communities, like Langa and Manganyar, had further confirmed the sorry state of the folk artistes in the state.
“If the present situation continued to be allowed, we will see some of the instrument will be fashioned out,” says Manohar Lalas, a disciple of late Komal Kothari who promoted the folk musicians of the desert.
“We have lost the Jogia Sarangi in Alwar, the Gujarati Sarangi will meet the same fate,” says Mr Lalas. The folk artistes say the amount of payment, known as honorarium, is very less. Alwar’s Omer Farooq is an established name among the performing folk artistes who performs with “Bhapang” instrument. “We have been paid anything ranging between `250 and `500 by the government institutions and departments. The rates were same for decades,” says Mr Farooq.
“The Langa and Manganyars were patronised by feudal lords during the princely days. With the fall of such institutions or traditional system, we were left unattended. During the princely days, we were given foodgrain, cloth and money. Even we got all kind of support. That “Jajmani” system, reciprocal social and economic arrangements between families of different castes within a village community in India, was good,” says Mr Farooq.
The government have not revised the rates for years, he added. “I joined the government service, but resigned from the job to serve the family tradition. Now, I think it was a wrong decision,” says Mr Farooq. A senior officer in tourism department told this correspondent that the government was contemplating to announce a package for the folk artistes.
“Such artistes are heritage and our cultural ambassador. We will help them,” says the officer.
The survey was conducted when a well-known social worker Bunker Roy requested his organisation to look into the problems of the folk artistes. The survey claims that the folk artistes in the desert region lack basic services, like drinking water, housing, homestead tiles and even burial ground. The survey says most of the artistes were landless and have no source of income.
“I have performed in over 40 countries, including USA, Canada, United Kingdom and Pakistan, but have not been able to come out of poverty,” says Bade Gazi Khan. “Even though we perform in Europe. Doordarshan and All-India Radio rarely engage us for programme. Wo to rishvat dene walo ko hi bulate hai (They call only those who bribe them),” laments Bade Gazi Khan.
“The situation is pathetic. In the absence of proper and structured opportunities to promote and preserve the music and tradition, the folk artistes are forced to move away from the traditions,” says Mr Lalas.
The Bare Foot College survey also noted that the folk artistes were compelled to look for other means of livelihood. As a result of which folk artistes and their music is slowly dying and young people from their communities are unable to grow up in an atmosphere where they can choose to carry forward their tradition and music.