Sikandar Khan

Sikandar Khan is a folk musician and an artist who hails from Boruda village of the Jaisalmer district in Rajasthan. He belongs to the Manganiyar community which has its roots set in the medieval times. This community emerged as a group of artistic individuals who primarily follow the muslim religion but sing praises of Hindu Gods and Godesses. They have a deep historical connection and bond with the Rajputs who have always been a royalty in the state of Rajasthan and they sing ballads of Rajput rulers who have been patrons to the Manganiyars for ages.

Sikandar has never had the opportunity to get formal education so all his knowledge lies in the field of folk as well as traditional classical music. At the age of 24, he has mastered the ability to play the percussion instrument known as Dholak. He is also quite fond of singing and considers music as his only passion in life. His guru was his father, Nizre Khan, who made his name and fame in the folk music spectrum of Rajasthan and passed on his knowledge to his sons.

Along with the group of musicians lead by Haape Khan he has performed in almost all districts of Rajasthan and other major cities in India. Due to a lack of latitude in the field of folk music within the state and the country, these artists have to resort to other jobs in order to earn a livelihood for their families. Sikandar aspires to perform his music around the globe as the ecosystem develops to incorporate more folk artists like him. He also aims to make an impact on the livelihoods of the people in the community through his craft through more opportunities to showcase the art form he is inordinately passionate about.

• Jaisalmer
• Rajasthan