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Synopsis The cultural diversity, the staggering multiplicity of races, the linguistic and ethnic groups, religious and social organizations, agricultural practices, fairs, festivals and seasons account for an incomparable richness of folk traditions in India. an attempt has been made through a comprehensive survey of the contemporary folk forms to illustrate the salient features of this rich, complex, multilayered and multi-dimensional picture of the folk-traditions which have given place to sophisticated classical forms. They have all co-existed and are interdependent and interrelated. These forms embody man’s innate universal desire to express his joys and sorrows. In spite of great variation and multiplicity of themes, forms and styles, folk traditions continue to be a distinct category characterized by the overwhelming quality of spontaneity of participations of everyone without an artificial barrier between the actors, performers and the audience. Music in various folk art forms plays an important role and provides the best medium to express their feelings and emotions. "Folk India" in eleven volumes presents the documentation of the contemporary folk lore of Indian comprising of music, dance, drama, art forms, ballads, musical instruments and songs of different states of India. Folk songs, ballads and lores have been notated so that a common man can understand them easily and may be able to render them without much difficulty. An overview of the musical appreciation of these folk art forms enriches the practical aspect. This will go a long way in the preservation of the folk art-forms, cultural and musical traditions of India.