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Dhadi is a form of bardic song recitation that is historically found in the north and northwest regions of the Indian subcontinent (Punjab, Rajasthan, Sindh). As a cultural practice it is associated with genealogical and other narrative traditions such as the Punjabi qissa (ballad) or var (heroic song). A dhadi group is typically formed by a sarangi player along with two drum players who act as vocalists as well. Dhadis have shown a pattern of fluctuating affiliations to religious traditions, ranging from Hindu, Muslim to Sikh patronage. After the partition of India in 1947, a majority of dhadis in Punjab have become exclusively associated with Sikh religious organizations and known for their more focused repertoire of Sikh martyr songs.
Historical Trajectories and Intricacies of Memory
Whereas dhadis form a community of musicians situated at the social margin of contemporary Punjabi society, the social history of the dhadi genre nonetheless...
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Nijhawan, M. (2017). Dhadi(s). In: Mandair, AP.S. (eds) Sikhism. Encyclopedia of Indian Religions. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-0846-1_496
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