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MUSIC INSTRUMENTS

DHOLAK

The Dholak is a small percussive instrument often used by women and professional musicians. The main body of the Dholak is a shell made of wood and the heads are mounted with skin. A rope are thread is passed around the shell and over the braces to adjust the pitch of sound produced by striking the faces of the skin with hands to produce beats. Some times two sticks are tied to a finger or a ring is put around the thumb to produce an additional effect.

DERU

Deru is a Dholak type percussive instrument made of a wooden shell and skin mounted on both sides. In fact, it is a large Damru, which is struck with sticks to produce rhythmic beats. Deru is used by folk performers as well as wandering devotees.

CHIMTA

It is a twang like instrument made of two long metallic strips joined on one side. The strips are often embellished with rings, which produce tinkling sounds when the Chimta is played. To produce percussive sounds, one holds the joint in one hand and plays strips between the fingers by striking one with the other. The Chimta is often used as an accompaniment in folk musical performances.

MANJIRA

Manjiras (cymbals) are made of brass and is either flat or cup shaped. These are used in pairs of different sizes and shapes. They are played in classical as well as folk and devotional music as an accompaniment. Two cymbals are tied together with a long chord and are struck with each other on the front sides to produce very pleasant tinkling sounds.

BEEN

This wind instrument is used primarily by the snake charmers. But it has found its permanent place, now, in Haryanvi dances too. Made from dried pumpkin, it has two joints pipes to produce different notes. The player of Been has to produce continuous flow of air by breathing into it.

KHARTALS

Khartals-wooden cymbals are two pieces of hard wood made flat on one side and round on the other. Fixed in the fingers of one hand the flat surfaces are struck with each other to produce percussive sounds. Some times small bells or metallic rings are also fixed at the back of each Khartal to produce a tinkling effect.

GHARAH

This is simple earthen pitcher and is used as an accompaniment to provide rhythm with folk singing. The open mouth is covered with stretched rubber and is played with a small stick. Raagni singers often use it with Nagara and Dholak to complement the musical beat.

NAGADA