Instruments, Rajasthan, NZCC

FOLK DANCES	FOLK THEATRE
FOLK INSTRUMENTS	FOOD
HANDICRAFTS OF NORTH INDIA	FINE ARTS

FOLK INSTRUMENTS

GHARA & KAMYCHA VADAN

Ghara is an earthen pot used for storing water. It is also a popular folk instrument. The player blows the wind in the hollow part of the pot and produces different sounds. At the same time, he beats the outer part of the pot with his hands to create different rhythmic patterns.

KAMAYACHA

Itis an instrument similar to the Sarangi, which is played with the help of a bow. This instrument is also used as an accompaniment for singing performances.

MARCHANG VADAN

Marchang is a small instrument made of metal - either brass or iron. This instrument is placed between the lips and the sound is produced with the help of breathing. When the strokes of the index fingers are used for modulating the sound. The instrument brings forth wonderful sounds creating rhythmic patterns.

KHADTAL

Khadtal is a percussive instrument made of small flat wooden pieces, which produce vibrating rhythms when beaten together. The performers sing and produce different beats with the help of their hands.

MURLA & SURINDA

Murla is a folk instrument quite similar to the snake charmer’s Pungi. This instrument is played especially by the professional singing community of western Rajasthan known as Langas.

SURINDA is an accompanying instrument with the Murla. It is quite similar to the Sarangi and is played with the help of a bow. The tiny bells tied at the end of the bow provide the tinkling effect in the rhythm.

SITARA VADAN

Sitara is an instrument comprising of two flutes. One flute is used for producing a fixed scale of a musical note while the other is used to play a tune. This instrument is popular among the shepherds.

BHAPANG VADAN

This rhythm-creating instrument is made of the hollow shell of dry pumpkin called Tumbi. The base of the shell is cut and is mounted with dry skin of a goat. A string is fixed at the center of the skin. The string is stretched and relaxed by the player while striking it with his fingers to produce pleasing sound variations. This instrument is used as an accompanying instrument in vocal performances.