The History of Flamenco: How A Spanish Art Form Found Its Rhythm In India

Imagine a group of Romani people who migrated across different lands and continents, carrying their ragas and rhythms, until they finally settled in Andalusia, Spain, where they continued that legacy. From the rhythmic sound of the wooden floor to the fire of the dancer's feet, Flamenco is an art form passionately practised in Southern Spain.

What if someone told you that the history of this form is genetically embedded in the roots of a 5,000-year-old civilisation, India? Flamenco has diverse influences, including Jewish, Romani, Moorish, and Arab cultures. The Romani people are believed to have originated in Northern India around the 10th to 14th century, specifically from regions like Punjab and Rajasthan.

The Roots of Flamenco

Before the Spanish embraced Flamenco as a national treasure, the Romani people had been living it. Scholars and historians have been intrigued for decades by Flamenco's connection to some Indian art forms. One Flamenco performer, Vicente Escudero, even travelled around India in the early 20th century to trace the art form's roots.

Oliver Rajamani, an Indian-American musician who studies Romani history and its Indian roots, told Condé Nast Traveller about the origin of Flamenco. "There are ample theories about the evolution of Flamenco, but one thing of absolute certainty is its Romani connection... The Romani people are historically, genetically, and linguistically linked to India."

Rajamani cites renowned geneticist Dr. Kumaraswamy Thangaraj, who explains that the Romani trace their ancestral homeland to Northwest India, with genetic evidence pointing further back to ancient Dravidian roots in South India. According to Rajamani, the Tamil folk music Oppari closely represents Flamenco’s Cante Jundo (deep songs). He also notes that the Indian raga Bhairavi can be heard in Flamenco and many European gypsy musical styles.

Confluence of Flamenco & Indian Classical Art

Rajasthan-native Flamenco dancer Kunal Om Tavri has conceptualised shows that blend Flamenco with Indian art forms like Kathak and Rajasthani Kalbelia. Now based in Spain, he trains with the Romani community in the centuries-old hillside caves that have historically served as their informal stages. 

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The Genetic Link between Kathak and Flamenco

Both Flamenco and Kathak are beautiful art forms of storytelling that express emotions through dance. They are often described as “cousin art forms” or “separated sisters” due to their striking resemblances.

• Both forms use the floor as a percussive instrument to generate intricate and powerful rhythms. Kathak dancers use Tatkar (footwork) and ghungroos (ankle bells) to create complex sounds, while Flamenco dancers use Zapateado and Taconeo (heel and toe work) with special shoes.
• Kathak involves fast, graceful chakkars (spins) and an upright posture. Similarly, Flamenco features quick, dramatic turns, and both forms maintain dynamic turns and alignment throughout the performance.
•  Both dances feature a strong improvisational dynamic with accompanying musicians. In Kathak, this takes the form of a rhythmic dialogue with the tabla player, while Flamenco involves spontaneous, collaborative interaction with the guitarist and singer (cante).

A passionate legacy that began in India, flowed as a "human river" across continents through the Romani people. It was given a powerful new structure in Spain, all while carrying forward and embracing its Indian roots.