Smithsonian Folkways Recordings is the nonprofit record label of the Smithsonian Institution, the national museum of the United States. We are dedicated to supporting cultural diversity and increased understanding among peoples through the documentation, preservation, and dissemination of sound. We believe that musical and cultural diversity contributes to the vitality and quality of life throughout the world. Through the dissemination of audio recordings and educational materials we seek to strengthen people's engagement with their own cultural heritage and to enhance their awareness and appreciation of the cultural heritage of others. This collection of Indian music from West Bengal in the east, Haryana in the north, Kerla in the south, and Rajastan from western India represent the product of several centuries of a flourishing musical tradition. Whether a sacred melody or a snake charming tune, each of these songs feature intricate drum patterning and a unique instrumentation which can only be expected in a country where music is a gift of the gods. Instrument(s) Bumbass; Dholak; Drum cymbals; Drum; Flute; Gopiyantra; Israj; Kartal (Clapper); Katiyavana; Mirdam; Pakhavaj (Drum); Sarangi; Shehnai; Sitar; Tabla; Tapar (Drum); Vana; Violin. Year of Recording 1950. Record Label Folkways Records. Source Archive Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. Credits Produced by Harold Courlander ; Design by Ronald Clyne. 101 Folk Song from West Bengal Male singer, instrumentalists 2:53. 102 Folk Song from Haryana Male singer with sarangi, pakavaj, and kartals 2:49. 103 Tamil Folk Song Male singers, violinist, vani and mirdam players 2:48. 104 A Naga Swaram-Snake Charmers Melody Three reed-instrument players, drummer, cymbals 2:14. 201 Religious Song from Kerla Mixed singers, kattyavana veena players&
