Haape Khan

 Haape Khan is the lead singer of the folk music group called the Pokhran Manganiyar. He is just 25 years of age and comes from Khelana village in Jaisalmer district. Haape Khan has received formal education only till sixth grade. After that, he began to learn and take music as his passion as well as a profession just like the other people of his community.

Apart from singing, Haape also understands all the intricacies of classical music including the ragas and taals and considers the Maad raga as his favorite rage to perform. He took inspiration and learned music from his father and guru Nizre Khan, who used to play along with Ghulam Khan’s father. He also knows how to play traditional instruments like Dholak as well as Khartal. 

Due to a lack of opportunities in the field of music and a shortage of support from the government these artists have to resort to other means to earn a livelihood and an income that would support their families. Haape Khan does farming during the offseason to feed his family.

All of these artists, despite receiving the support of the royal Rajput families that reside in the region have to work in different professions during the offseason to get the financial support needed to feed their families. Through their musical talents, they wish to pursue a career in music and promote the Manganiyar culture across the world and create a sustainable environment wherein these musicians can work with their art forms and prosper.

• Jaisalmer
• Rajasthan