In Rajasthan, several communities believed to share ancestral ties with the Romani people of Europe—such as the Madari, Nat, Kalbelia, and others—continue to live on the margins of society. Though their roots trace back centuries, many of these groups are now struggling to survive in modern India.

Historically known for performing arts, magic, animal training, and acrobatics, these communities have seen their traditional livelihoods vanish. Government restrictions and changing social norms have pushed many into poverty and forced them into sedentary lives.
The Madari, once nomadic magicians, now live in an urban settlement in Jaipur where the pavement abruptly ends, replaced by sand. Most work in scrap collection or other informal labor. Bundu, an elder, is one of the few who still practices magic, performing in tourist hotels when possible and sharing his earnings with the entire community.

The Nat face even harsher conditions. Without a stable place to live, they camp on the edges of the city, facing imminent eviction due to urban development. Guddu, a community member, offers a glimpse into their lives—rising early to light fires against the winter cold, holding on to ancestral customs as best they can. Some still perform, but most now work as construction laborers, picked up daily by contractors and transported in rented trailers, which they pay for themselves.
 

These communities—once celebrated for their unique talents—remain sidelined, their living conditions a stark contrast to the cultural richness they carry.

Jaipur, India. November and December 2024. Miguel SR & Pablo Feito (writer)

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