Despite veiled invisibility in the local Jaisalmer setting, there are exceptional Merasi women musicians who have typically played the Dhol in the confines of their homes and for their patrons. 

Concern for their personal safety makes it difficult for women to play in places mandated by their patrons.

Unfortunately, LKSS Director Dr. Sarwar Khan and Merasi Youth state that the female legacy is declining. 

Following an EMC Heritage Trust Award, FAR volunteers encouraged Merasi Youth to record women's traditional songs in safe places, music infrequently heard in the course of endless domestic duties.

Merasi women sing songs passed down from their grandmothers and ancestors

Songs often narrate a woman’s perspective of marriage and leaving her family behind to join her husband's extended family.

Within moments of sitting together, the Merasi women's voices blended in harmony, singing woefully over the beat of the Dhol. 

Excerpt from song Kurja:

Kurja is a bird who acts as a messenger.

This song is intended for a girl’s family. 

She says to her mom, you arranged my marriage far away.  You sent me so far.

I miss you, she says to Jaisalmer.  Your water is so sweet.  Here in my husband’s village it is so salty.  His voice is also salty.

Mother, send me a message at my husband’s home so far away.



 Nawab proudly uses equipment provided by the EMC Heritage Trust Project

Traveling to an outlying Jaisalmer village to record an admired female dhol player, we drank the protocol chai, ate chapatti cooked over a dung fire, and sat with the men for hours waiting while the women finished their chores.

Merasi women share their legacy and are heard with respect

In the midst of their cooking, the women suddenly began singing.

We captured this rare delight, one perfect example of the beautiful unpredictability of India.