The Langas, hereditary musicians of the Thar desert, are associated with:

The Langas are a community of hereditary folk musicians of the Thar desert, living mainly in the Barmer and Jaisalmer districts of western Rajasthan, as well as in neighbouring parts of Gujarat (Kutch) and the Sindh province of Pakistan. They are Muslims, but they sing songs in Rajasthani, Sindhi and other languages for both Hindu and Muslim patrons.

Traditionally, Langa musicians depended on patrons (called "jajman" or "yajman"), mainly the Sindhi-Sipahi Muslim cattle herders. They sang at births, weddings and other family occasions and were given gifts of cattle, grain and money. Their songs were also a way of recording the family history (genealogy) of their patrons.

Instruments played by the Langas:

• Sindhi sarangi (a bowed string instrument).
• Algoza (a double flute).
• Kamaicha (more typical of the Manganiyars).
• Dholak, khartal (wooden clappers) and morchang (jaw harp).

The Langas are closely related to another community of hereditary musicians, the Manganiyars, who also live in Barmer and Jaisalmer and whose main instrument is the kamaicha. Both communities perform a wide repertoire of folk songs, Sufi songs and ballads, such as "Nimbuda Nimbuda" and "Dama Dam Mast Qalandar".

In the 20th century, the folklorist Komal Kothari of Jodhpur did important work in recording and promoting the music of the Langas and Manganiyars, helping them perform on national and international stages. Well-known artists include Langa groups from the village of Barnawa and singers such as Anwar Khan (a Manganiyar).

Why not the other options?

• ✗Punjab and Haryana have folk singers who perform Heer, Boliyan and Ragini.
• ✗Bihar and Jharkhand have Bidesia and Jhumar traditions.
• ✗Kerala and Tamil Nadu have their own folk traditions, such as Villu Pattu.