Week of August 7, 2010
Untouchable Music SchoolPhoto/Alison Brockhouse
Students at the Merasi music school trade off playing various drums during their daily rhythm exercise.
Description
Most Americans are aware of the Indian caste system and are familiar with the term 'Untouchables,' or Dalits, the people at the lowest rung of the caste system. In the Indian state of Rajasthan, there's a sub-group of Untouchables who have been known for their talent as folk musicians for 2,000 years, passing down music from generation to generation. Both the advent of modern technology and ongoing caste tensions have harmed the livelihoods of these musicians.
In this commentary, reporter Adam Pogoff takes us to the Jaisalmer District of Rajasthan, where a school for the younger generation teaches traditional songs.