In the quaint village of Dantli, the myriad of musical communities that call this region home are the Jogis of Eastern Rajasthan who stand out for their extraordinary talents. The Jogis of Eastern Rajasthan are known for their unique ability to immerse the audience into the realm of folklore through their mesmerizing performances. One of the most enthralling stories they bring to life is ‘Bharthari ki katha’, a musical narrative that delves into the life and times of King Bharthari.
Bharthari, also known as “Jogi Sant” Bharthari, holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Rajasthan. A temple dedicated to Bharthari in Alwar stands as a testament to his revered status in the region. The legend of Bharthari is not confined to Rajasthan alone; it echoes in the folklore of Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal.
King Bharthari, who was once the ruler of Ujjain, renounced the world and abdicated in favour of his younger brother Vikramaditya. His life’s journey, replete with spiritual transformation and self-discovery, is a source of inspiration for many. Through the mesmerizing performances of the Jogis of Dantli, Bharthari’s saga continues to resonate with audiences, bridging the gap between the past and the present.
For Puran Yogi, Jogi Sarangi is the main instrument of their group. This type of sarangi is played by wandering minstrels, or jogis, in India. It is a smaller and more portable version of the traditional sarangi. The jogi sarangi has a shorter neck and a smaller body and is often played in a more folk-style. It also has fewer strings, typically only three or four. This makes it easier to play and carry, and it allows the jogi to play a variety of different styles of music.
He is accompanied by Shrawan Yogi on Harmonium, Kamal Kishore Mahawar on Dholak and Pooran Mal Yogi(Raisar) on Chimta. Chimta, a folk Rajasthani instrument, is a pair of metal tongs with jingles attached to them. It is played by striking the tongs together, which produces a sharp, tinkling sound. It is also a versatile instrument that can be used to create a variety of rhythms and melodies.
Initially, the main occupation of their tribe was cattle farming. However, with time, they chose to embrace their musical talents and began singing bhajans and kathas in temples as they wandered from place to place. The art of singing ‘Bharthari ki katha’ has been handed down through generations. In addition to this epic tale, their repertoire includes “Kayaroopi bhajan,” “Gopichand ki katha,” and “devi-devta ke bhajan.” Puran Ji and his group carry on the legacy, having learned the intricate art form from their guru, Manohar Nath Ji. They bring to life the epic saga of King Bharthari through their musical prowess.
