The Saperas are a race of Indian snake charmers. They are perhaps the most mystical of all Indians who have caught the attention of the world. Highly revered by people, snakes have a special place in the Indian tradition. Saperas carry snakes along with them in baskets and they wander from place to place for their livelihood.
The saperas play a piped instrument called ‘been’, producing fine tunes. They make the snake dance to the tunes of the ‘been’, providing entertainment to the public. Money received from the public is the source of livelihood of the saperas. They also earn by selling antidotes for snakebite. They also sell herbal powders and ointments.
The Saperas trap a total of eight varieties of snakes including the rat-snake, king cobra and python. They enjoy a divinely status in some parts of the country owing to their capturing skills. Saperas live in parts of North India.
