Ensemble Divana

The history of Rajasthan is inextricably linked with that of the Maharajas, who ruled over the land with great pomp and circumstance and who surrounded themselves in their courts with musicians, poets and other artists. From the twelfth century, Islamic Moguls besieged the land, permanently establishing power there in 1568. Many musicians were evicted and began leading a nomadic existence until the Rajas returned to power in the eighteenth century. In the meantime, many of the musicians had converted to Islam. The Langa and Manghanyar, musician castes, in particular added 'khan' to their names as a symbol of their devotion. The Langa settled on the outskirts of cities in order to be of service to their Yajaman patrons, a modest Islamic caste of cattle breeders and farmers. The Manghanyar, who lived at the edge of the Thar Desert, returned to the Ksâtri, an ancient caste of warriors whose history dated back to the ancient Rajas. Divana is an ensemble that, under the direction of Gazi Khan Barna, unites the best musicians and soloists and represents both Langa and Manghanyar. The ensemble has made earlier appearances in Zingaro, the Théâtre du Soleil and in the film Latcho Drom.