Where ancient rhythm meets the energy of today.
Led by master Kartaal artist Firoz Khan Manganiyar, The Kartaal Project brings the raw, living heartbeat of Rajasthan to the global stage — powerful, immersive, and deeply rooted in tradition.
The Kartaal Project is a bold musical journey that revives Kartaal (Khartaal) as a lead rhythmic force — restoring it from the background to the very center of performance. Here, Kartaal is not accompaniment; it is the driving soul of a contemporary folk symphony.
Rooted in the Manganiyar tradition of Rajasthan and shaped by years of national and international exposure, the project bridges ancestral rhythms and contemporary expression. Traditional taals are honored in their purest form, while thoughtful arrangements and ensemble dynamics allow the music to speak fluently to modern audiences.
What emerges is a sound that transcends language and geography — rhythm that can be felt as much as heard, connecting people through shared pulse and energy.
The Kartaal Project is built on a simple yet powerful belief:
when rhythm speaks honestly, it connects universally.
Every taal performed is a living inheritance — shaped by ancestors, preserved by ustads, and reimagined by today’s youth. These rhythms are not fixed patterns; they are stories passed hand to hand, generation to generation.
By placing Kartaal at the heart of the performance, the project reaffirms rhythm as the original language — one that speaks directly to the body, the breath, and the soul.
The Kartaal Project was born from a deep realization — that the soul of Rajasthani music lies in its rhythm. Over years of performances and collaborations, the project’s founder observed that audiences, regardless of background, responded most strongly to the raw, powerful taal.
Traditionally, Kartaal once led Manganiyar performances. Over time, its role diminished. This project restores Kartaal to its rightful place — at the center of the stage.
Rhythm that lives, breathes, and speaks through the hands.
The Kartaal Project honors traditional Manganiyar taals while enhancing them with folk textures and subtle contemporary elements — without ever losing their soul. The result is music that remains rooted, yet globally accessible.
Firoz Khan Manganiyar is a renowned Kartaal artist from the Ishani Gharana of the Manganiyar community of Rajasthan. Born into a legendary musical lineage, Kartaal is not merely an instrument for him — it is inheritance.
He began his training at a young age under his father, Ustad Gaffur Khan Manganiyar, one of the most respected Kartaal maestros of his generation. His exceptional command over rhythm earned him the title “Chhota Jadugar of Kartaal” early in his career.
With over 18 years of professional performance experience, Firoz Khan has performed at prestigious national and international festivals, collaborating with leading Indian and global artists. His musical journey reflects a rare balance — deep traditional grounding combined with fearless contemporary exploration.
Through The Kartaal Project, he presents Kartaal as a global rhythmic voice, preserving its legacy while shaping its future.
+91 8079 025 206
info@thekartaalprojectbyfirozkhan.com
