Kathmandu- The charmer waves a pungi, a reed instrument made out of a gourd, in the snake’s face, which has nothing to do with the music. Snakes have no external ears and are only able to hear low-frequency rumbles. However, they take a defensive stance and stand up when they see something threatening. According to Robert Drewes, head of the herpetology department at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, “the movement of the snake is absolutely zeroed in on the guy playing the toodley thing.” He moves, the snake moves.
In modern India, snake charmers are roving musicians who try to enchant and entertain people with their flute (pungi) and a couple of dancing cobras. They are also villagers who earn a living performing on the streets. Since ancient times, fathers have passed their sons the captivating chants and piercing tunes used by snake charmers.
