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Affinity Between Romani and Indian Musical Instruments



Author(s)

Rimjhim Sinha

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DOI:10.17265/2159-550X/2026.01.004

Independent Researcher

The present study focuses on Romani and Indian folk musical instruments. It undertakes a comparative analysis of the instruments used by the Romani community in Europe and the Kalbeliya community in India, in order to identify similarities between them. For this study, five instruments—bhapang, poongi, khanjari, dholak, and khartal—have been selected. All five instruments exist in both Romani and Indian societies. The similarities have been analyzed and discussed at the levels of name, structure, and melody. In addition, interviews were conducted with Romani and Indian experts, as well as with members of both communities the Roma and the Kalbeliya—and the findings were examined in the light of historical evidence. The study reveals that the Kalbeliya and Roma communities share a common origin. Consequently, similarities can be observed in their languages, folk dances, and musical instruments. Indian influences are still visible today in the lifestyle and social structure of the Romani community. Furthermore, both the Indian Kalbeliya and the European Roma are often referred to by the name “Gypsy”.

Roma community, Kalbeliya community, Banjara community, Romani and Indian folk musical instruments, Sapera dance, Flamenco dance, Rajasthani folk tune

Rimjhim Sinha. (2026). Affinity Between Romani and Indian Musical Instruments. History Research, January 2026, Vol. 8, No. 1, 47-53.