 Along the ancient Silk Road near the India-Pakistan border, tribes of “untouchables” remain subject to the Hindu caste system. Despite their unfortunate status, the Manganiyar and Kalbeliya people are also, by tradition, exceptional musicians—but since the creation of modern India, they no longer have royal patronage and depend on local tourism and wedding ceremonies for their livelihood. This program explores their rich culture, which is tied historically to that of the original “Gypsies” and now faces extreme social and economic challenges. Viewers are taken into the lives of villagers struggling to feed and protect their families as infrastructure development threatens, and subsequently does, leave them homeless and subject to horrific abuse at the hands of local officials—all while they seek recognition from their own government. Anthropology Review Database calls this a “riveting study in human geography and the plight of a voiceless people.” (Portions with English subtitles, 55 minutes)
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