About The Archive
The Rupayan Sansthan Archives in Jodhpur form one of the most comprehensive repositories of Rajasthan’s folk traditions. The collection spans over 7,000 hours of audio and video recordings, along with a smaller but significant set of photographs and field notes documenting folklore, performing arts, crafts, and everyday life in western Rajasthan.
This archive complements the work of Arna-Jharna: The Desert Museum of Rajasthan, providing the research foundation on which many of the museum’s exhibits and interpretations are built.
Scope and Content
The recordings in the archive capture oral narratives, songs, musical performances, rituals, and interviews with community members. They document not only artistic expression but also the knowledge systems and practices that define sustainable living in the desert – from water harvesting to material use and craft techniques.
Over decades of fieldwork, researchers, musicians, and storytellers have contributed to building this body of knowledge. The archive now serves as a living record of the region’s cultural diversity and continuity.
Collaboration and Research
The archive is regularly accessed by scholars and institutions studying folklore, ethnomusicology, anthropology, and regional history. Over the years, it has hosted and supported research by many leading academics, including:
- Dr. John D. Smith (Cambridge University)
- Prof. Susan Wadley and Prof. Ann Gold (Syracuse University)
- Prof. Daniel Neuman (University of California, Los Angeles)
- Dr. Subha Chaudhuri (ARCE, Gurgaon)
- Vibeke Homma, among others
Their collaborations have helped expand the understanding of Rajasthan’s performing arts and oral traditions in global academic contexts.
Access and Partnership
Rupayan Sansthan welcomes researchers, scholars, and cultural institutions to collaborate on projects related to Rajasthan’s folk culture, oral history, and performance traditions. The archive is available by appointment for study and documentation work.
Institutions and departments interested in joint research, digitization, or field documentation can reach out to the Sansthan to explore partnerships. These collaborations aim to preserve not only recordings but also the relationships and community knowledge that sustain this cultural ecosystem.
A Living Record
The archive continues to grow – not as a static collection, but as a living record of Rajasthan’s regional identity. Together with the museum, it helps bridge the gap between field and exhibition, ensuring that the voices, songs, and stories of the desert remain accessible for learning, research, and reflection.
Booking Note
To plan your visit or request a customized experience, please contact us at rupayansansthan@gmail.com or call +91 9772434111.
Bookings should be made at least one week in advance.