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{{more citations needed|date=April 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2018}}
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| total_ref        = <!-- references supporting total population -->
| total_ref        = <!-- references supporting total population -->
| genealogy        =  
| genealogy        =  
| regions          = [[Rajasthan]], [[India]]{{·}}[[Sindh]], [[Pakistan]]
| regions          = [[Rajasthan]], [[India]]
| languages        = [[Marwari language|Marwari]]{{·}}[[Sindhi language|Sindhi]]{{·}} [[Dhatki language|Dhatki]]
| languages        = [[Marwari language|Marwari]]{{·}}[[Sindhi language|Sindhi]]{{·}} [[Dhatki language|Dhatki]]
| religions        = [[Islam]]
| religions        = [[File:Allah-green.svg|15px]] [[Islam]]
| related_groups  =  
| related_groups  = [[Langha (tribe)]]
| footnotes        =  
| footnotes        =  
}}
}}
The '''Manganiar''' are a community found in the desert of [[Rajasthan]], [[India]]; mostly in the districts of [[Barmer district|Barmer]] and [[Jaisalmer district|Jaisalmer]], but also found in the districts of [[Tharparkar District|Tharparkar]] and [[Sanghar District|Sanghar]] in the bordering province of [[Sindh]] in [[Pakistan]].{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}} They are known for various compositions describing stories from Hindu mythology focused on humans, nature, and salvation. They, along with the [[Langha (tribe)|Langha]] community, are known for their [[folk music]]. They are groups of hereditary professional musicians whose music has been supported by wealthy landlords and aristocrats for generations.
The '''Manganiar''' are a [[Muslims|Muslim]] community found in the [[Thar Desert]] region of [[Rajasthan]], India; mostly in the districts of [[Barmer district|Barmer]] and [[Jaisalmer district|Jaisalmer]], and in the districts of [[Tharparkar District|Tharparkar]] and [[Sanghar District|Sanghar]] in the bordering province of [[Sindh]] in [[Pakistan]]. They are known for various compositions describing stories focused on humans, nature, and salvation. They, along with the [[Langha (tribe)|Langha]] community, are known for their [[folk music]]. They are groups of hereditary professional musicians whose music has been supported by wealthy landlords and aristocrats, especially their traditional [[Jajmani system|Jajman]] (patrons) from the locally dominant [[Hindus|Hindu]] [[Rajput]] and [[Charan]] communities for generations.<ref name=":0" /> Some of their [[raga]]s have originated in the Thar and are not found in the [[Hindustani classical music|north Indian classical tradition]].<ref name="M1">{{cite book |last1=Abbas |first1=Shemeem Burney |title=The Female Voice in Sufi Ritual: Devotional Practices of Pakistan and India |date=4 June 2010 |publisher=University of Texas Press |isbn=978-0-292-78450-5 |pages=46–47 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m3IDRqlNxuMC&dq=manganhar&pg=PA46 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="k1">{{cite book |last1=Kothiyal |first1=Tanuja |title=Nomadic narratives: a history of mobility and identity in the Great Indian Desert |date=2016 |publisher=Cambridge University press |isbn=9781107080317 |page=261 |quote=The Manganiyars and Langhas are Muslim musicians and are quite different from the [[Bhopa]]s of [[Pabuji]], as they do not claim to be bards but musicians in a real sense. Using instruments like [[rubab (instrument)|rabab]], kamayacha, pyaledar [[sarangi]], chautaro, sirimandal etc., they not only sing songs of birth, marriages and death, but are also entitled to sing in the kacheris of the patrons. It is in these assemblies that they sing ballads like [[Dhola Maru|Dhola-Maru]], [[Umar Marvi|Umar-Marvi]], [[Momal Rano|Moomal-Rano]] and [[Sassui Punnhun|Sassi-Punnu]]. Manganiyars sing classical compositions like mota [[geet (song)|git]] (bada [[khayal]]) and chota git (chota khayal). Some of their ragas have originated in the Thar and are not found in north Indian classical tradition.}}</ref>


==History and origin==
==Etymology==
The Manganhars consider themselves descendants of the [[Muslim Rajput|Rajputs]] and are renowned as folk musicians of the [[Thar desert]]. Their songs are passed on from generation to generation as a form of oral history of the desert. The traditional Jajman (patrons) of the Manganhar are the locally dominant [[Rajput]] and [[Charan]] communities,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Musafir |url=https://www.laphil.com/musicdb/artists/3793/musafir |access-date=2022-05-30 |website=LA Phil |language=en |quote="Manghaniyars, like Langas, are sedentary Muslims whose home extends over the border into Pakistan, but their patrons are mostly Hindu Rajputs (a high caste) and Hindu Charans (a caste of poets, bards, and historians)."}}</ref> while the Langha have a similar relationship with the [[Sindhi-Sipahi]], a community of [[Muslim Rajput]]s. At times of birth, marriage, or any family festivity for their [[Rajput]] patrons, the manganhar musicians sing songs of the desert and many specially composed songs to praise the patron and his family. {{citation needed|date=September 2016}} {{dubious|date=September 2016}}.
Manganhar originated from the words ''mangan'', which means "to beg", and ''hār'' which means "a garland of flowers.".<ref name="M1" />


==Present circumstances==
A legend is also among the people :-
In 1978, [[Jodhpur]]-based musician Komal Kothari provided the Manganhars with institutional support, allowing them to sing outside the state for the first time. Currently, several Manganhar groups tour internationally.
 
In the [[Muhammad|prophet]]'s house, [[Fatima|Bibi Fatema]] offered a necklace (haar) to a Mirasi named Mangan. From this time onwards they were called the 'Manganhar' and the community is now known as Manganiyar.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Desert Music: Soul of Western Rajasthan |url=https://artsandculture.google.com/story/desert-music-soul-of-western-rajasthan/twUBeELO1jFemw |access-date=2024-12-31 |website=Google Arts & Culture |language=en}}</ref>
 
==History==
The Manganhars are renowned as [[folk musicians]] of the [[Thar desert]]. Their songs are passed on from generation to generation as a form of oral history of the desert. The traditional [[Jajmani system|Jajman]] (patrons) of the Manganhar are the locally dominant [[Rajput]] and [[Charan]] communities.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Musafir |url=https://www.laphil.com/musicdb/artists/3793/musafir |access-date=2022-05-30 |website=LA Phil |language=en |quote="Manghaniyars, like Langas, are sedentary Muslims whose home extends over the border into Pakistan, but their patrons are mostly Hindu Rajputs (a high caste) and Hindu Charans (a caste of poets, bards, and historians)."}}</ref><ref name="k1" />


==Instruments==
==Instruments==
'''Kamaicha'''<br/>
'''[[Kamancheh|Kamaicha]]'''<br/>
The 17-string khamaycha is a bowed instrument. Made of mango wood, its rounded resonator is covered with goat skin. Three of its strings are goat intestine while the other 14 strings are steel.
The 17-string khamaycha is a bowed instrument. Made of mango wood, its rounded resonator is covered with goat skin. Three of its strings are goat intestine while the other 14 strings are steel.<ref name="k1" />


'''Khartaal'''<br/>
'''[[Kartal|Kartaal]]'''<br/>
The khartaal is a kind of castanet made of teak. Its name is derived from "Khar", meaning hand, and "Taal", meaning rhythm.
The [[Kartal|kartaal]] is a kind of castanet made of teak. Its name is derived from "Kar", meaning hand, and "Taal", meaning rhythm.{{citation needed|date=October 2023}}


'''Dholak'''<br/>
'''[[Dholak]]'''<br/>
The dholak is a hand drum similar in timbre to a bongo. A dholak may have traditional lacing or turnbuckle tuning. The dholak has a simple membrane and a handle on the right hand side. The left hand membrane has a special coating on the inner surface. This coating is a mixture of tar, clay and sand (dholak masala) which lowers the pitch.
The dholak is a hand drum similar in timbre to a bongo. A dholak may have traditional lacing or turnbuckle tuning. The dholak has a simple membrane and a handle on the right hand side. The left hand membrane has a special coating on the inner surface. This coating is a mixture of tar, clay and sand (dholak masala) which lowers the pitch.{{citation needed|date=October 2023}}


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦--->
* [[KANCHRA Khan]], a singer
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->
* [[Lakha Khan]], folk musician, sarangi player and vocalist<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rahman |first=Azera Parveen |date=2021-12-09 |title=Lakha Khan: 'Music is the reason I am here today' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/desert-notes/article37912057.ece |access-date=2025-04-09 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} “''The MANGANIYARR community, to which Khan belongs to, are the oral historians of the desert.''”</ref>  
* [[Mai Dhai]], Pakistani manganhar folk singer
* [[Mai Bhagi]], Sindhi folk singer
* [[Mai Bhagi]], Sindhi folk singer
* [[Kachra Khan]], a singer of the Managniar community of western Rajasthan
* [[Mai Dhai]], Pakistani MANGANIYARR folk singer
* [[Mame Khan]], a folk singer
* [[Mame Khan]], a folk singer
* [[Sakar Khan]], Khamaicha player, Padmasree award winner
* [[Sakar Khan]], Kamaicha player, PADMASRI award winner
* [[Swaroop Khan]], playback singer
* [[Swaroop Khan]], playback singer


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==External links==
==External links==
* [http://manganiar.com/music.html manganhar.com]
{{Commons}}
* [http://manganiar.com/music.html manganhar.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916124426/http://manganiar.com/music.html |date=16 September 2019 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110831211734/http://unboxedwriters.com/2011/04/manganiar-magic/ "manganhar Magic" article by Poonam Goel]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110831211734/http://unboxedwriters.com/2011/04/manganiar-magic/ "manganhar Magic" article by Poonam Goel]
* [http://www.rajfolkseries.com/music.html "Rhythms of Rajasthan" Preservation Project]
* [http://www.rajfolkseries.com/music.html "Rhythms of Rajasthan" Preservation Project]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110715205207/http://www.roystenabel.com/manganiyar.html "The manganhar Seduction" live show]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110715205207/http://www.roystenabel.com/manganiyar.html "The manganhar Seduction" live show]
* [http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=3089 Smithsonian Folkways]
* [http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=3089 Smithsonian Folkways]
* {{Cite web |title=Manganiyar Musicians |url=https://www.mamekhan.com/manganiyar-musicians.html |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=www.mamekhan.com |language=en}}
{{Social groups of Rajasthan}}{{Indian Muslim}}
{{Social groups of Rajasthan}}{{Indian Muslim}}


[[Category:Muslim communities of India]]
[[Category:Social groups of Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Social groups of Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Muslim communities of Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Muslim communities of Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Social groups of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Social groups of Sindh]]

Latest revision as of 12:27, 30 January 2026

Manghanhar
Manganiar children performing with their guru at Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur at World Sufi Spirit Festival in 2016.
Total population
Unknown
Regions with significant populations
Rajasthan, India
Languages
Marwari · Sindhi · Dhatki
Religion
Islam
Related ethnic groups
Langha (tribe)

The Manganiar are a Muslim community found in the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan, India; mostly in the districts of Barmer and Jaisalmer, and in the districts of Tharparkar and Sanghar in the bordering province of Sindh in Pakistan. They are known for various compositions describing stories focused on humans, nature, and salvation. They, along with the Langha community, are known for their folk music. They are groups of hereditary professional musicians whose music has been supported by wealthy landlords and aristocrats, especially their traditional Jajman (patrons) from the locally dominant Hindu Rajput and Charan communities for generations.[1] Some of their ragas have originated in the Thar and are not found in the north Indian classical tradition.[2][3]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Manganhar originated from the words mangan, which means "to beg", and hār which means "a garland of flowers.".[2]

A legend is also among the people :-

In the prophet's house, Bibi Fatema offered a necklace (haar) to a Mirasi named Mangan. From this time onwards they were called the 'Manganhar' and the community is now known as Manganiyar.[4]

History[edit | edit source]

The Manganhars are renowned as folk musicians of the Thar desert. Their songs are passed on from generation to generation as a form of oral history of the desert. The traditional Jajman (patrons) of the Manganhar are the locally dominant Rajput and Charan communities.[1][3]

Instruments[edit | edit source]

Kamaicha
The 17-string khamaycha is a bowed instrument. Made of mango wood, its rounded resonator is covered with goat skin. Three of its strings are goat intestine while the other 14 strings are steel.[3]

Kartaal
The kartaal is a kind of castanet made of teak. Its name is derived from "Kar", meaning hand, and "Taal", meaning rhythm.[citation needed]

Dholak
The dholak is a hand drum similar in timbre to a bongo. A dholak may have traditional lacing or turnbuckle tuning. The dholak has a simple membrane and a handle on the right hand side. The left hand membrane has a special coating on the inner surface. This coating is a mixture of tar, clay and sand (dholak masala) which lowers the pitch.[citation needed]

Notable people[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Musafir". LA Phil. Retrieved 30 May 2022. Manghaniyars, like Langas, are sedentary Muslims whose home extends over the border into Pakistan, but their patrons are mostly Hindu Rajputs (a high caste) and Hindu Charans (a caste of poets, bards, and historians).
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Abbas, Shemeem Burney (4 June 2010). The Female Voice in Sufi Ritual: Devotional Practices of Pakistan and India. University of Texas Press. pp. 46–47. ISBN 978-0-292-78450-5.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Kothiyal, Tanuja (2016). Nomadic narratives: a history of mobility and identity in the Great Indian Desert. Cambridge University press. p. 261. ISBN 9781107080317. The Manganiyars and Langhas are Muslim musicians and are quite different from the Bhopas of Pabuji, as they do not claim to be bards but musicians in a real sense. Using instruments like rabab, kamayacha, pyaledar sarangi, chautaro, sirimandal etc., they not only sing songs of birth, marriages and death, but are also entitled to sing in the kacheris of the patrons. It is in these assemblies that they sing ballads like Dhola-Maru, Umar-Marvi, Moomal-Rano and Sassi-Punnu. Manganiyars sing classical compositions like mota git (bada khayal) and chota git (chota khayal). Some of their ragas have originated in the Thar and are not found in north Indian classical tradition.
  4. ↑ "Desert Music: Soul of Western Rajasthan". Google Arts & Culture. Retrieved 31 December 2024.
  5. ↑ Rahman, Azera Parveen (9 December 2021). "Lakha Khan: 'Music is the reason I am here today'". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 9 April 2025. “The MANGANIYARR community, to which Khan belongs to, are the oral historians of the desert.”

External links[edit | edit source]

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