Mukund Nayak

Mukund Nayak (born 15 October 1949), is an Indian artist. He is a folk singer, songwriter and dancer. Nayak is an exponent of Nagpuri folk dance Jhumar. He is recipient of the Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

Early life and family He was born in Bokba village of Simdega district, Bihar (now Jharkhand) in 1949. He belongs to a family of a Ghasi community, who are traditionally musicians. He married Dropadi Devi. He has five children including Nandlal, Praduman and twin Chandrakanta and Suryakanta. In 1980, when regional and tribal language department formed in Ranchi University, he became associated with the University. In 1981, he came in contact with Dr Carol Merry Baby researcher on Karam music of South Bihar and got a chance to work with her. In 1988, his troupe performed at the third "Hong Kong International Dance festival" of The Hong Kong Institute for the Promotion of Chinese Culture. In 1985, he established an organisation "Kunjban" to promote Nagpuri culture. Kunjban promotes Nagpuri culture, especially Nagpuri Jhumar. 2009 Baha Yes Nagpuri 2019 Phulmania Yes Nagpuri 2022 Karma Dharma Yes Nagpuri Awards and honors

Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, 2019