A Musical Concert with Merasi (Dholi) Women

Join our Teaching Fellows as they present a musical concert featuring the Merasi (Dholi)Women. Experience the rich musical heritage of Jodhpur through performances and discussions about the history and traditions of their music and learn more about the challenges these artists face in preserving their cultural heritage.

This unique experience will offer insight into the traditional Maand Gayaki and its water connection, as many songs are based on the scarcity of water. It is also a rare glimpse into a fading tradition, with only a few Merasi (Dholi) Women left.

Merasi (Dholi) Singers: Jamila Bai, Sunnat Bai, Ajijaa Bai and Wasim (dholak)

About the Creative Arts Education Programme and the Teaching Fellowship:

“Jal Dharohar” is an initiative devised by a group of five Teaching Fellows who have been involved in our pilot Creative Arts Education Programme over the last year. Celebrating the diverse and culturally rich heritage, folklore, handicrafts and musical traditions of Jodhpur, the group have developed three community programmes which will take place across public venues in the city.

Their main emphasis focuses on fostering empowerment, nurturing cultural pride, and encouraging active community engagement. The purpose of this initiative includes the preservation and promotion of Jodhpur's unique heritage, the empowerment of local communities, increased public awareness and appreciation of the cultural wealth, and fostering community engagement through artist interactions and workshops aimed at fostering a deeper connection with the artistic expressions of the region.

The project also explores traditional water resources to understand their cultural and ecological significance and to cultivate an appreciation for this historical heritage. As part of our exploration of water storage, we will participate in a pottery-making workshop to learn about the art of pottery and its relevance to the weather and traditions of Jodhpur.

This project aims to showcase and preserve a community that is at risk of disappearing in the coming years, while helping the audience to understand and value local art.

About the Merasi (Dholi) Community: 

The Dholi community is also known as Merasi. The term "mirasi" originates from the Arabic word "miras," which means legacy or heritage, reflecting their ancestral livelihood and are one of Northern India's most unique communities. Traditionally, they served as genealogists, keeping track of family histories and narrating these tales at family gatherings and Rajwada functions.

The Merasi are a prominent musical group in Rajasthan, hailing from Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jalore, Jodhpur, other western Rajasthan districts, Punjab, and Pakistan. Primarily Muslim, the Merasi have received considerable support from Rajasthan's Rajputs and other nobility. Historically, they dedicated their music to the lives and tales of the royal class.

Traditionally, the community performed low-wage tasks for upper castes and sang at special occasions such as childbirth and marriage. Over time, in Jodhpur, they divided into two communities: "Dholi" and "Merasi," both of which continue to perform songs and play instruments at special events.

The Merasi musicians sing hymns and honors for both Sufi saints and Lord Krishna, preserving and generating the rich heritage of their empire. Their music and writings celebrate all wonderful souls, making the community respectable and popular in their introductory era.