Between Faqīr and Fankār? Sounding Complex Subjectivities through Shah Jo Rāg in Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Ragi faqirs are devotees who perform Shah Jo Rag, a musical tradition for singing Sufi poetry at the shrine of poet-mystic Shah 'Abdul Latif Bhittai (1689-1752) in Sindh, Pakistan. Focusing on the life experiences of my teacher Manthar Faqir, I historicise various subject positions that contemporary ragi faqirs refer to as faqir (devotee), fankar (performing artist), karigar (skilled artisan), and artist. Through Manthar Faqir's performances, I analyse sonic manifestations of his complex subjectivities that at times shift, at times coexist, to demonstrate how he deploys sounded strategies emerging from different subject positions to balance devotion, artistry, legitimacy, and livelihood.