Shan Ali Shah

18110023
SS 137
Blog post # 2

The caste that I have chosen for this write up is ‘Mirasi’. Even though I was familiar with the
caste, I always heard people using the term with negative connotations and as derogatory. After
looking at the historical context, it made sense that why our community don’t see the ‘Mirasis’
with the equal respect that we give to other communities. Historically, given the hierarchy in
Hindu caste systems, Mirasi caste was considered a 'low caste' and was looked down upon. For
that reason, many mirasi groups converted to Islam at the hands of Amir Khusro, the 13th-
century Sufi poet, to gain the equal status in society. Even though they have been facing
numerous challenges throughout history till today, their talents in singing and dancing has not
just gained them appreciation but has become a major part of their identity. (Revolvy)

Today, the Mirasi are found throughout Northern India and Pakistan. Traditionally, they were
ballad singers, and would often sing at weddings but now, they have different roles in society.
For example, in Bihar, many were musicians at the court of the many Zamindars (Landlords) but
with the abolition of the zamindari system, the Mirasi have taken to farming. A few are still
called to sing songs at special occasions, such as weddings and funerals. Many Mirasi also
turned to the Shia faith and play an important role in the Moharam festivities. Similarly, in Delhi,
during the Mughal reign, the Mirasi were employed as soldiers and musicians in their armies.
(Daniel & Neuman, 1980). They also attained great fame at the court of the Mughal emperors,
while others were devotional singers/qawwals at the various Sufi shrines. In Pakistan, the Mirasi
are now mainly a community who participate in Ashura activities, recites nohas, and have been
good entertainers having provided many of the country's singers and theater artists. The Mirasi
women in Pakistan participate in weddings by playing dolki and singing folk songs called
galyan. The folk songs (galyan) have been orally handed down from generation to generation.
Folk music does not seek its theme or any emotional content from music, but starts with one of
its own choice, in the form of poetic peace or song and music serves as but a guide or groove for
the overflow of poetic emotions. (Neuman & Daniel, 1977).

The Mirasi are no longer in demand because their form of entertainment is no longer popular.
The local community no longer prefers folk music and gives priority to Indian music and dance.
Due to this rapid transformation of trends and modes of entertainment, the Mirasi are no longer
fulfilling the entertainment criteria of the rural community. Today, the Mirasi communities have
in many ways lost their traditional profession, but are still struggling to hold on to their traditions
with great difficulty.
 WORK CITED:
1 - Revolvy, LLC. “‘Mirasi’ on Revolvy.com.” Trivia Quizzes,
www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=Mirasi.
2 - Neuman, A. & Daniel, M. (1990).The Life of Music in North India; The Organization of an
Artistic Tradition. (2nd ed.). Chicago: Chicago University Press.