Folk Music and Musical Instruments of Punjab

by Alka Pande

For centuries folk music has been interwoven with the social fabric of the people. Folk compositions are mere reflections of the intimate associations of group and social activities like sowing, reaping, marriage and childbirth. The folk singer has a song for every month and the players of folk music are always prepared with their instruments near at hand to entertain the village. This book explores the rich but little-known world of Punjab folk instruments. With case studies and directories and tracing the birth, development and current status of over 70 instruments from the northern state of India, the book is must for lovers of folk traditions and those interested in world music. The book includes a 60-minute music CD performed by Punjab's traditional folk musicians on 15 instruments.

300 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1999

About the author

Alka Pande trained as an art historian and has written prolifically on Indology and Art History. She is the author of several books with a special interest in gender and sexuality; her PhD thesis was on the theme of Ardhanarisvara. She has written extensively on erotic Indian Literature and art as well. She was awarded the Chevalier dans l ordre des Art et des Lettres in 2006 by the French government. In 2009, she received the Australian Asia Council Special Award. Alka Pande is an independent curator and is currently working as an art consultant for India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. She lives in New Delhi with her husband and daughter.