Bhopa: The Art of Survival
DosVelas Pictures
Bhopa is a caste of musicians turned beggars in the state of Rajasthan, India.
For centuries the Bhopa were the court musicians of the grande Maharajas, but with the independence of India and the progressive disappearance of these Kings, the members of this caste lost their privileges and became one of the lowest castes in Rajasthan.
Today they survive by their music, which is the only work they know; now playing for tourists for whatever they can get.
They live in hard conditions and the next generation must decide between following the tradition of their caste or integrating themselves in the complex social web of modern India.
This piece, an experimental documentary, is a profile of three generations of Bhopas constructed through their stories, their music and a look at the process of the making of their musical instrument: the Ravanatha.
