A CULTURAL AND MUSICOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE ENDANGERED TRADITIONAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS OF RAJASTHAN

Rajasthan's folk music tradition has long been renowned for its diversity, cultural richness, and distinctive instrumental heritage. Wind instruments (Sushir Vadya) constitute an important part of Rajasthan's folk musical tradition. They serve not only as a means of entertainment but have also been integral components of social, religious, and cultural life.In the present era, due to modernization, changing social structures, and declining interest in traditional arts, many of these wind instruments have reached an endangered state. The objective of this research is to conduct a cultural and musicological study of the endangered wind instruments of Rajasthan. The study examines the origin, structure, playing techniques, musical characteristics, and folk-cultural contexts of these instruments. Through this analysis, an effort has been made to understand their significance and contribution to Rajasthan's musical and cultural heritage.