Anwar Khan Manganiyar
Ustad Anwar Khan Manganiyar | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Anwar Khan |
| Born | Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India |
| Genres | Rajasthani folk, Manganiyar music, Sufi music |
| Occupation(s) | Vocalist, Musician |
| Instrument(s) | Vocal, Kamayacha, Khartal, Morchang, Harmonium, Dholak |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
Ustad Anwar Khan Manganiyar is an acclaimed Indian folk and Sufi singer known for his contribution to the preservation and promotion of traditional Manganiyar music, a hereditary oral tradition practiced by the Manganiyar community in Rajasthan. He is considered one of the foremost exponents of Rajasthani folk music and was honored with the Padma Shri in 2024 by the Government of India for his contributions to the arts.[1][2]
Early life and training
Anwar Khan was born in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, into a family of traditional Manganiyar musicians. He began learning music at a young age under the guidance of his father, the late Shri Ramajan Khan, a respected musician in their community. He further refined his skills under the mentorship of Komal Kothari, a folklorist and ethnomusicologist renowned for documenting Rajasthani folk traditions.[3] The Manganiyar tradition is an oral tradition, with musical knowledge passed down through generations.
Musical career
Anwar Khan is known for his powerful vocal range, knowledge of ragas, and mastery of various traditional instruments including the kamayacha, khartal, morchang, harmonium, and dholak. He performs traditional folk songs that accompany weddings, festivals, and life-cycle rituals, and is known for preserving oral epics, ballads, and devotional music within his performances.[4][5]
He has performed extensively both in India and abroad at festivals such as the Mahindra Kabira Festival, Jodhpur RIFF, and World Sacred Spirit Festival. His international appearances have introduced global audiences to the unique and intricate Manganiyar soundscape.[6]
Bollywood and mainstream music
Anwar Khan gained nationwide recognition for his vocal contributions to the Bollywood film Padmaavat (2018), particularly the song "Ghoomar". His collaboration with renowned composer A.R. Rahman and other Bollywood artists has brought Rajasthani folk to popular platforms.[7]
Musical style and legacy
Anwar Khan is known for fusing classical elements with folk traditions. His music often follows classical raga structures while incorporating regional rhythmic patterns and vernacular poetry. He is also a well-known performer of Sufi music, especially compositions by Kabir, Meera Bai, and Bulleh Shah.[8]
He is credited with mentoring young artists in the Manganiyar tradition and raising awareness about the socio-economic challenges faced by folk musicians.[9][10]
Awards and recognition
- Padma Shri (2024) for distinguished service in the field of arts.[11][12]
- Recognition from cultural organizations such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi and Department of Culture, Government of Rajasthan (unverified; citation needed).
See also
References
- ^ "Padma Shri to Sartaj Anwar Khan of Folk Music". Bhaskar.com. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
- ^ "Padma Awards Dashboard". dashboard-padmaawards.gov.in. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
- ^ "Ustad Anwar Khan Manganiyar: The Voice Keeping Rajasthan's Folk Music Alive". Indulge Express. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
- ^ "Anwar Khan Manganiar". Mahindra Kabira Festival. 17 September 2013. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
- ^ "Sanjari Folk Music Rajasthan, Anwar Khan Mangniyar and his team". Indian Culture.gov.in. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
- ^ "Anwar Khan Manganiar". Mahindra Kabira Festival. 17 September 2013. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
- ^ "Padmaavat: 'Ghoomar' singer Anwar Khan Manganiyar on his experience". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
- ^ "Sanjari Folk Music Rajasthan, Anwar Khan Mangniyar and his team". Indian Culture.gov.in. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
- ^ "Education must for artistes, Ustad Anwar Khan". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
- ^ "Musical Malady: Folk singers and their tales". Financial Express. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
- ^ "Padmashri Anwar Khan Manganiyar". Google Arts & Culture. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
- ^ "Padma Awards Dashboard". dashboard-padmaawards.gov.in. Retrieved 17 May 2024.