Tribal music and musical instruments

Chhattisgarh's Rajgond tribe has its own traditional musical instrument, which goes by the name of Kirtan Khola. It is a kind of drum which is played during their cultural and communal religious performances and ceremonies, especially when the members gather at any festival or perform any…

The Khanjani is one of the traditional musical instruments of the Chhattisgarh’s Savra, Binjhwar, and Kandh tribes. Although it is essentially a stringed instrument, a brass or bronze disc is inserted inside its shell to provide a unique tinkling sound. The sound produced is not just melodic; it…

Thoti tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), is socio-economically backward and their population is dwindling. They were traditional nomadic bards who used to travel village to village singing praises of their Gond patrons or Dhani in return for food and presents. The Keekri is an…

The Alghojo is a traditional flute instrument, held close to the hearts of Gujjar nomads for its spiritual and melodic values. Fashioned out of a single bamboo stem, normally seven to eleven inches in length, it possesses six or seven finger holes to play a range of folk melodies. The Alghojo is…

"Do Naal" or "Jodhi" is a distinctive stringed instrument built by joining two flutes or "Alghozas" together. Harmonized sounds produce when played concurrently, as both flutes come together to provide a fuller melody compared to when played individually like a single…

This large drum of the Rathwa tribe stands for pride and unity in their cultural heritage, especially in relation to their celebrations of Holi dances. It helps in bonding with their spiritual thought, wherein it is considered a sacred musical weapon to venerate their ancestral traditions and seek…

Chhung is an ancient mouth organ, often five or seven inches in length, made of iron and copper. The instrument is shaped like a small trident (trishul), with a fine copper wire making up a central section of the instrument. Although once a common instrument among nomadic tribes, most especially…

The Chimtoo, typically a kitchen utensil like tongs, is innovatively transformed by the Gujjar tribe into a music instrument. With some adjustments, it is converted from an ordinary utility instrument into a rhythmic instrument deployed in folk and mystic music performances. As a musical add-on,…

The Yaktaro, or Eik Tara, is a single-stringed instrument used particularly by the Gujjars of Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining areas. This instrument forms an important part of Sufiyana Gojri poetry, which is highly emotive folk music strongly embedded in the culture of the Gujjars. The clear and…

The Dhool-a cylindrical drum, has become an important part of Gojri musical heritage, especially among the Mirasi community. The Dhool, known for its depth, is mainly used towards dances, celebrations, and performances in folk music. The Dhool is far from being just an instrument; it establishes a…