In a story about how one person can make a big difference, the Phoenix reported last year on how Caitie Whelan, a senior at Brown, has been aiding the Merasi, a community of lower-caste musicians in India.
Under the Hindu caste system, the 15,000 Merasi in Jaisalmer District, Rajasthan, are members of the lowest strata within the untouchable caste, “the lowest of the low,” according to Whelan. In Rajasthan, one of India’s most conservative states, this means that they have little access to education, political representation, and steady employment.
These problems are compounded by India’s rapid modernization, which is stripping the Merasi of their sole means of income and social value: music. “They are the gatekeepers of a 37-generation musical legacy,” says Whelan, with traditions that describe “local folk history and the genealogy of the region.” As modern capitalism replaces traditional forms of exchange, the Merasi can no longer support themselves through their music. Children go to work instead of learning the musical traditions of their elders, Whelan says; as a result, those traditions are “on the brink of eradication.”
In 2006, Whelan traveled to Jaisalmer with Folk Arts Rajasthan to record Merasi music and create an archive of their folk legacy. But the community indicated that it needs more to preserve their singular cultural identity — its members need the opportunity to improve their lot through education.
Now, as Whelan writes to tell N4N, a group of the Merasi are set to perform tomorrow at Brown:
The Merasi, a community of marginalized Untouchable musicians from the deserts of northwestern India, will be performing an explosive medley of haunting music and intoxicating dance from their 800 year old artistic legacy right here at Brown University!
The Finer Points:
When: Friday, May 2nd, 6-8pm
Where: Salomon 101, Brown University
Tickets: Free! Reservations highly recommended; RSVP to this email or pamela@brown.edu
Suggested Donation: $5, all proceeds benefit Folk Arts Rajasthan (www.folkartsrajasthan.org, FAR) and FAR's educational programming, The Merasi School (http://merasischool.org), launched by Brown Grad Caitie Whelan.
Hear the songs, see the dances, and contribute to the creation of a more equitable Merasi future!
. . . Also, feel free to check us out on Facebook and invite ALL your friends!