Komal Kothari

Komal 'Komalda' Kothari (1929-April 2004) was an Indian folklorist from Jodhpur. Kothari was known for his work on the folklore of Rajasthan and its links to local music and instruments. [ [http://www.princeclausfund.org/en/what_we_do/awards/2000kothari.shtml 2000 Prince Claus Award] Accessed June 1 2006 ] He died from cancer in April 2004.

Kothari's research resulted in his development of the study of a number of areas of folkelore. In particular, he made contributions to the study of musical instruments, oral traditions and puppetry. [ [http://www.columbia.edu/cu/lweb/news/libraries/2004/2004-06-17.kothari.html Remembering Komal Korthari] Columbia University, Accessed June 1 2006 ]

He was also a patron of Manganiyar and Langa music. He was the first to record them and helped spread them out of their traditional regions. [http://www.goodnewsindia.com/Pages/content/conservation/manganiyars.html The magical music of Manganiyars goes global] Good news India, Accessed June 1 2006 To this end, he also founded the magazine 'Prerna'.

Kothari founded the Rupayan Sansthan and spent most of his career at the Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Academy. He received a number of awards during his, such as the 'Padamshri' and 'Padma Bhushan from the President of India. [ [http://www.sruti.com/June04/nnote2.html Komal Kothari: Folklorist Par Excellence] SRUTI magazine, Accessed June 1 2006 ]

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