From the Land of the Rajas:

Creativity in Rajasthan

Khyal is a popular form of Rajasthani folk theater.  In the 17th century a folk tradition of Khyal emerged in the region around Agra, Uttar Pradesh; it consisted of competitive compositions of poems on mythological and historical individuals.  In the 18th century this tradition reached Rajasthan, where it became a folk drama.  In Rajasthan, Khyal is essentially a form of folk opera, combining singing, dancing, and music.  The plays, performed exclusively by men, consist of solo and duet dances interspersed with some stylized acting.  They include mime and chanting, and music for percussion and stringed instruments.  These popular entertainments are based on old mythological stories, historical accounts, and popular folk tales.

(Top, L, and R) Theatrical turbans, 9-11167, 11171, 11174
Photos by Therese Babineau