Bhopal: The Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya inaugurated its latest “Exhibit of the Month” with a special focus on Southeast Asian culture. The exhibition was opened by Ms. Meenakshi Pandey, Administrative Officer of the Institute of Hotel Management. Commending the initiative, Ms. Pandey noted that the museum is expanding beyond Indian art and culture by showcasing the rich heritage of Southeast Asia.
This month’s exhibit features the khene, a traditional mouth organ from the Isan region of Laos and Thailand. More than just a musical instrument, the khene serves as a cultural symbol and is often used in storytelling, spiritual rituals, and entertainment. It plays a central role in Buddhist ceremonies, village festivals, weddings, and ancestral rites.
The khene is believed to have originated between the 8th and 10th centuries AD in the Indochinese region. Historical records and temple carvings suggest it was in use across Southeast Asia over a thousand years ago. It is especially associated with the folk music tradition of Mor Lam in Laos and Thailand.
Curated by Dr. Anuradha Panda, Museum Associate, the exhibition highlights the significance of the khene, which UNESCO recognized in 2017 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. This recognition has increased global efforts to preserve and promote the instrument.
