title: Indian Artistic Communities and Trance Practices: Local Traditions of Gujarat, Assam and Kerala
abstract: The paper provides a comprehensive comparative cultural and anthropological study of Indian artistic communities — dynasties of musicians, dancers, actors, performers of epic legends playing ritual drama, martial arts masters. A peculiar common Indian feature is the combination of three factors in their activity: artistic skills passed during regular training; religious service (most artistic activities are in one way or another devoted to certain cults and/or turn out to be part of ceremonies) 
journal: Russian Foundation for Basic Research Journal Humanities and social sciences