Manganiyar musician Champe Khan honoured in Jaisalmer

Manganiyar folk musician Champe Khan, from Sanawara village in Jaisalmer district, was honoured by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during a dinner held on Singh’s recent visit to Jaisalmer. Khan performed traditional folk music at the event. He has performed in more than 40 countries.

Notable Points

• Manganiyar patronage and oral tradition: Manganiyar musicians traditionally performed for Rajput and Charan patrons, known as Jajmans. Their songs have also passed from generation to generation as oral history of the Thar desert.
• Kamayacha construction: The kamayacha, also called khamaycha, has 17 strings: three made of goat intestine and 14 of steel. Its round resonator is covered with goat leather. The instrument is heard in Jaisalmer and Barmer.