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The sapera community belongs to the kalbeliya tribe of Rajasthan. The word kalbeliya refers to one who catches kal (black) objects, i.e. snakes. The community in Delhi is believed to have fled Rajasthan due to a severe drought. To impress gullible tourists they sometimes claim to have been residing in the city since the days of Mughal rule. However, knowledgeable elders vouch that the tribe moved to Delhi around 1918.The sapera community’s profession and image received a dramatic boost after independence.
Foreign tourists helped enhance their economic and social status. The snake charmers would stand outside star hotels to attract the attention of guests. Even today some of their flutes bear the dimes and nickels showered on them by enthralled foreigners. As a result of such interactions, many snake charmers were invited to perform abroad. This was the golden period for this community, remnants of which can be seen in the form of the fancy phones and fridges that still adorn their houses.