රාවණහත්ථ වීණාව සහ රාජස්ථාන් ජන ජීවිතය

Abstract

This paper examines the Historical background and the significance of the Ravanhattha veena and its hereditary players in Rajasthan, India. The persistence of this instrument is evident in different regions i.e. Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh etc. The epic literature such as Ramayana, Pabuji (Rajasthan own epic) also refers to the instrument. It is invariably referenced in ancient Indian Musical texts since the 7th century, with various epithets. Ravanhattha is also associated with the mythological king Ravan from Sri Lanka, whose period of reign dates back to at least six thousand years, according to Ramayana. The study will involve both a literature and field survey that includes live discussions and communication with the particular community (Bhopa) who have inherited the so called ravanhattha veena by the candidate.