Gypsies have survived the test of time and they are now embracing the modern ways to popularise their culture. In such a scenario, a forthcoming festival in Jodhpur is just the right platform to showcase their art. By Karan Bhardwaj
In Rajasthan, there has never been a dearth of nomadic tribes which, over centuries, influenced the folk music and created a rich legacy of art that is much revered and protected in the state. Historians have proved how nomads from parts of Gujarat and Punjab and primarily Rajasthan migrated to different parts of the world during different eras and gave birth to a culture which exotically is called gypsy. For centuries, gypsies in different continents, be it Europe or Australia, have been famous for their outstanding dance and music.
The forthcoming Jodhpur Flamenco and Gypsy Festival, running in its second year, will celebrate nomadic art and will also bring international gypsies closer to their roots. The festival organisers have confirmed well-known artistes such as latin jazz pianist Chano Dominguez, Javier Colina, Daniel Navarro Munoz, Karen lugo, Agustín Carbonell “Bola”, Berk Gurman, Victor Guadiana, Pablo Dominguez and others. The most exciting part would be fusion performances of international gypsies and Indian nomads from the communities of Kalbelia, langa and Manganiyars. Indian artistes Abdul Rashid Khan and Zakir Khan will team with Enriquo Terron, Guihermo Alejandro and Jacobo Abel.
“Gypsies from Europe are well-travelled and enjoy greater exposure than their India counterparts. But I’m stunned how they establish an immense camaraderie when they sit together. There’s an instant connection and it’s difficult to distinguish them on the basis of their region. They share a strong rapport,” says Roberto Nieddu, managing and artistic director of the festival. “First they will give separate performances and gradually they will be introducing fusion. There should be public understanding of where this fusion is coming from. We want people to be aware of how similar Rajasthani artistes are with international gypsies,” he adds.
Roberto is in India for 22 years and he himself has been playing piano for 15 years. He is no less than a gypsy himself. He tours Rajasthan and spends time with Rajasthani artistes. “I understand their traditions. Gypsy culture is in the blood of Indians. There are many nomadic tribes, which are still wandering and entertaining people,” he says.
The last edition of the festival drew cheers but the organisers are still looking at a sustainable revenue model. “We incurred losses last year. But we are on a mission. We want like-minded people and sponsors to come on board, people who want Rajasthani music to flourish globally,” says Roberto, also the executive director of CRN productions. His company with the help of Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur is planning to invite researchers, historians and film-maker who work on the history of gypsies and create a library to educate the world about this history. “Our goal is to create a hub where gypsies around the world can be identified and invited to share their stories and art,” he tells us.
European scholars studying the Roman culture have found that the Romani languages share words, including numbers, action, family relationships, etc with Indian languages such as Gujarati, Punjabi and Rajasthani. The roots are based on Sanskrit. “Many gypsy traditions in Europe have similarities to Rajasthani culture. They also believe in arrange marriages, have dowry system and avoid inter community marriages,” says Roberto.
But to build a hub, Jodhpur has a long way to go. Gypsy culture is not thriving and there are no major platforms to provide them exposure. “We need more such stages to give them an opportunity to showcase their art. Gypsies are extremely talented artistes but they do not have enough representation at music festivals. We hope to create larger awareness of this rich legacy and how they have shaped the world music,” he says.