India's Folk Music Styles: A Map

After we created a map for India's Folk Art Forms, we realized that folk dance and folk music were so closely connected with folk art, so why stop at just putting folk art on a map! Here's the next map in our series of 'All Things Folk' in India - India's Folk Music on a Map. Next up, we will be covering folk instruments, folk dances... and slowly we will also start exploring the interconnectedness of all of these wonderful arts. As always, let us know what you think and if we have missed any style in the comments below. We hope this series helps you appreciate the rich cultural tapestry of India's folk traditions and their deep-rooted connections.

List of Folk Music Styles

State/Union Territory	Folk Music Styles
Sikkim	Lepcha Gha Kito
Punjab	Tappe Sithnian Chhand Heara Lorian
Arunachal Pradesh	Ja-Jin-Ja Baryi Nyioga.
Haryana	Jogis Bhats Sangis
Nagaland	Heliamleu Hereileu Neuleu Hekialeu
Goa	Dekhn Foogdi Dhalo Mando
Karnataka	Karadimajal Yakshagana Janapada Geethe
Assam	Bihu songs Bodo Karbi Mising
Jammu and Kashmir	Ladishah Sufiana Kalam Hafiz Nagma
Maharashtra	Lavoni Pavodas Gondhal Tamasha
Tamil Nadu	Pulayar melodies talams Pann
Uttar Pradesh	Rasiya Birha Chaiti Kajari Ghazals Thumari Khayal Marsiya Qawwali
Himachal Pradesh	Jjhoori Laman Samskara Ainchaliyan
Uttarakhand	Mandals Panwaras Jhoda Thadya
Kerela	Kathakali Music Mappila Pattu Ottamthullal Songs Sopanam oppana kol kali.
Manipur	Khullang eshei Thabal chongba Nupi pala Gaur Padas
Mizoram	Bawh Hla Hlado Dar Hla Puipun Hla
Tripura	Jaduni Sarbang Chamari Tunmani Kuchuk Ha Sikam Goria Rwmani Reser khakra Waying Khilimani
Andhra Pradesh	Madiga Dappu Mala Jamidika
Telangana	Oggukatha Sarada Kala Suvvi paatalu
Odisha	Avanti Panchali Odramagadhi
Bihar	Sohar Sumangali Ropnigeet Katnigeet
Chattisgarh	Sohar Bihav Sua Goura Khuduwa Pathoni Faag Sawnahi Cher Chera Dohe Bhojali
Gujarat	Dayro Lokvarta Marasiyas Fattanna Lagna-geets Kabir Vani Fattanna Sidi in Kutchh
Madhya Pradesh	Relo Dhankul Leha Pai Nirguni Lavani Shringari Lavani
Bengal	Bishnupur Gharana Baul sangeet Rabindra Sangeet Nazrul Geeti Dwijendrageeti Jeebonmukhi Adhunik
Jharkhand	Dohari Domkach Janani Jhumar Jhumta Mardana Daidhara Pahil sanjha Adhratiya Vinsaria
Rajasthan	Panihari songs Maand Pabuji Ki Phach Manganiars Langas music

The people of India have always been fond of music, dance, and story telling. Indian folk music is a vibrant collection of songs and dances that have been passed down from generation to generation within communities.

It encompasses different types of music such as sacred, epic, seasonal and auspicious songs, sung by bards or chanters (storytellers) in religious festivals like Holi, Janmashtami, Ram Leela and Diwali.

Indian Folk Music is a never-ending adventure of exploration into the cultural traditions and expressions of India. From religious songs and festive tunes, to heroic narrative songs and seasonal songs. Indian Folk has it all. The musical diversity that you will find here is astounding, and you may find yourself learning some new things about your own culture as well!

So if you're interested in Indian music, be sure to check out the different styles of folk music in the list above. And if you are interested in practicing and protecting the cultural heritage of India, click here to take a class with us.

Studying for UPSC or any other exam? Follow this page for an upcoming quiz! Conducting your own research project on a specific embroidery style? Email us at research@memeraki.com to connect with us. Follow us at @me_meraki on Instagram to keep with our work on Indian Folk.