Dhol Rhythms

Perhaps no other instrument is more evocative of Punjab than the drum dhol.

Because the dhol is so loved by Punjabis and because of its more recent associations with the world renowned Punjabi dance - bhangra, the image and sound of this drum has become indicative of "Punjab" the world over.

History

The dhol is sometimes imagined as the most primal of instruments, indigenous to the Punjab region since the earliest of times. However, the dhol was probably introduced to India via the Persian drum type, dohol (duhul).

Evidence for this interpretation is found in the 16th century treatise A’in-e-Akbari, which describes the inclusion of four duhul in the naubat orchestra of emperor Akbar (1542-1605).Persia had been a centre of diffusion for many aspects of Islamic empire, including the use of the dohol as an instrument of warfare and as part of the royal entourage.

Accounts from Egypt, for example, show in 1047 the military band consisted of drums called tabl (an Arab drum) and duhul, and in the 13th century describe the use of four duhul.

Similarly, this type of drum was introduced as part of the Mughal rule in India, used, along with kettledrums (naqqaara/ nagaara), to mark the times of day and the movements of royal persons.

The actual word /dhol/ (the Indian version) does not appear in print until around 1800 (in the treatise Sangitasara) where it is considered to indicate a colloquial pronunciation.

Construction

The dhol is a double-headed barrel drum, often made from a shell of hollowed out mango (amb) or sheesham (taahlli) wood.

Both ends are covered by drumheads of contrasting levels of pitch (madeen and nar - "feminine" and "masculine"), made of goatskin or plastic.

The drumheads are attached by rope lacing tightened by metal rings (challe), or by metal brackets tightened with a wrench.

No dhol goes without the addition of tassels or pom-poms (phuhmman, usually tied to the tightening rings) and a strap with which the player suspends the drum from his shoulder.

Arguably the most important feature of the dhol is its stick combination. The madeen is hit with a thin stick, usually of flexible cane (baint), called chiti, teehl/teehli , or chari/ chadi.

The nar (also called dhaama) is beaten with a crooked wooden stick called dagga, often carved out of the light but strong roots of the acacia (kikkar) tree.To find out more information and find the latest offers on authentic, quality dhols click here for email enquiries, telephone us on 0116-2557508 or visit us at our store.

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