Indian Storytelling Singers – Bhopas

Monday, January 17, 2011 Goto comments Leave a comment Blog

So Lee and I decided to take up the offer of Vijay the camel man (www.camelman.com) to go on a three day trip into the villages of Shekhawati. And it was probably one of the best decisions we made. Partly because of the wonder of mooching about villages that rarely (if ever) get to see tourists. Partly because we got lots of rum, a camp fire and we shared stories late into the night. But mostly because after Vijay heard me tell a story he decided to invite the local Bhopas over the next night to play.

Bhopas are the caste of storytelling musician/ singer poets that are particular to Rajasthan and the Bhopas of Vijay’s village are world renowned, having just returned from New Zealand before coming to us.

Unfortunately my camera couldn’t pick them up because it was too dark, but I recorded some of the singing and took some piccies:

What was really great was when he began to improvise verses, you could see the light in his eyes when he made jokes relating to the people present. And after a few rums he was very much enjoying himself!

It was a great experience and exactly what I came to India to see.