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Langa literally means song giver. An accomplished group of poets, singers, and musicians from the Barmer district of Rajasthan, the Langas seem to have converted from Hinduism to Islam in the 17th century. Traditionally, Sufi influences prevented them from using percussion instruments, however, the Langas are versatile players of the Sindhi Sarangi and the Algoza (double flute), which accompany and echo their formidable and magical voices. They perform at events like births, and weddings, exclusively for their patrons (Yajman), who are cattle breeders, farmers, and landowners. The Langa musicians are regarded by their patrons as ‘kings’.
The Sindhi Sarangi used by the Langas, is made up of four main wires, with more than twenty vibrating sympathetic strings which help to create its distinctive haunting tones. The bowing of these instruments is a skilful exercise, often supported by the sound of the ‘ghungroos’ or ankle bells that are tied to the bow to make the beat more prominent.
Langas are professional caste musicians. They live in western Rajasthan and provide musical service to Sindhi Sipahi community. They sing songs related to life-passage ceremonies i.e. birth, marriage and related ceremonies or festivals.
Historically for at least four hundred years the group has been providing music on Gujratan and Sindhi Sarangi. This evolved chordophone, the Sindhi Sarangi has helped them to enhance the quality of compositions.
The Langas continue to serve their patrons but for the last two decades, they have become a big force in representing folk music of Rajasthan on all types of electronic and other popular media. They are widely travelled artists in the whole world. They have a strong voice and have an improvisatory technique to improve the quality of songs.
In recent years the Langas have taken to rhythm instruments like Dholak and Khadtal. Earlier Dholak was totally tabooed in the group.Langa are separated into two groups on the basis of using folk Instruments.
One group is SARANGIYA LANGAS. This group mainly plays String Instruments like Sarangi and other accompanying instruments like Dholak and Khadtal.
There is another group which is known as SURNAIYA LANGAS. These Langas play on aerophonic instruments only like Murali, Surnai and Satara. They never sing vocally.