For several years now, I've heard rumors about the state of magic in India, that it has almost died out as an art form there due to local governments trying to ban panhandling of tourists.

When one considers that India is one of the oldest homes to magic and is the origin of the most famous magic trick of all, the Indian Rope Trick, what can be done to keep this vital link to magic's past alive?

Since the origin of the Indian rope trick is probably the English press, that may not be a good analogy. However, consider that three major magic manufacturers are located in India. These are Tayade, Giri and Uday, and there may be more.

Doesn't sound dead to me.

Perhaps I should have clarified, but I was tired at the time I wrote the original post.

I know that the famous Indian Rope Trick, as described in various pieces of literature, has never actually been seen performed in modern times, if ever. The origins for what I call "The most famous trick that never was" is shrouded in myth and mystery.

As for magic in India, I wasn't talking about manufacturers of illusions, I meant magic as a street venue and done for busking involving fakirs and the like. I am sure that there are other performance styles that are in danger as well due to government restrictions.

What kind of restriction is the government imposing on? Would be good to know about it too.

There are still buskers in India. What makes you think there aren't?

There is an IBM ring in India, Ring 261, which meets on the second Sunday afternoon, in Tamilmandu.

In the August Linking Ring, there were some presentations of street magic.

Bill, with those activities going on, this shows that magic is very active in India.

My understanding was that many of the street performers were living in a place called Shadapa Depot (no, I don't know if that's the correct spelling) and was one of the few places left where they could perform openly.

Well, rather than post any more, I decided to send an e-mail to one of the magic sites in India. When I find out more, I will post it.

Thanks, Bill. I was watching a show called World's Greatest Illusions that I had taped eons ago and that's where I got most of my information. I have heard similar things from other sources over the years. It would really be sad to see street magic/busking legislated out of existence, as that is how many tourists envision India, at least in part, when they go over there.

Here's a thread that indicates one of the activities happening in India ...

http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......96&0
.

Bill,

Thank you! When in doubt, go for authority.

I'm looking forward to your findings. Decades ago I was offered an opportunity to perform there and simply could not at the time. With a new baby and sick wife going that far way was not an option. Now that new baby is an adult college grad still playing baseball and unfortunately his mom died long ago. Given the chance now, I would likely go.

It will be interesting to see what is going on there now.

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

I haven't heard back from them yet.

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