Thanga Darlong (20 July 1920 – 3 December 2023) was an Indian folk music artist, known for his contribution to the folk music of Tripura and his work in preserving and promoting the traditional instrument Rosem.

Thanga Darlong
Darlong holding the traditional musical instrument 'Rosem'
Darlong holding the traditional musical instrument 'Rosem'
Background information
Born(1920-07-20)20 July 1920
Muruai, Tripura, India[1]
Died3 December 2023(2023-12-03) (aged 103)
Kailashahar, Unakoti district, Tripura, India
GenresFolk Music of Tripura
OccupationMusician
InstrumentRosem

Biography

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Thanga Darlong was born in Muruai village in Tripura. He was awarded the Padma Shri (2019), the fourth highest civilian award in India.[2][3] He is also a recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2014), the highest Indian recognition given to practising artists.[4][5] He is also a recipient of Academic Fellowship Award (2015),[6] state-level Vayoshresta Samman (2016) and Centenarian Award.[5]

Darlong hailed from a Small Hilly ADC Village DeoraCherra Muraibari under Gournagar RD Block of Kailashahar in Unakoti district, Tripura. In 2016, he was also showcased in Tree of Tongues in Tripura directed by Josy Joseph.[2]

Darlong was listed in the 2024 edition of Guinness World Records as the oldest professional male folk musician at 98 years 319 days.[1]

Darlong died on 3 December 2023, at the age of 103.[7]

Honours

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Oldest folk musician (male)".
  2. ^ a b "Tripura CM felicitates Padma Shri awardee Thanga Darlong". The Sentinel. 29 January 2019.
  3. ^ a b "List of Padma Awardees 2019" (PDF). Padmaawards.gov.in. Government of India.
  4. ^ a b "Thanga Darlong". Sangeetnatak.gov.in. Retrieved 30 January 2019.
  5. ^ a b "Four North East artists conferred Sangeet Natak Akademi award". The Northeast Today.
  6. ^ a b "President Gives Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards". Outlook India. 23 October 2015.
  7. ^ "Tripura: Rosem maestro and Padma Shri awardee Thanga Darlong passes away, CM condoles". India Today. 3 December 2023. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
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