Home »States »Rajasthan » Folk Music & Dances

The Autophonic Instruments

The bells are the first of the autophonic instruments. The Ghanti or the Ghanta are commonly used and the ghungroo (ankle bells) form an integral part of the music.

The Bhopas of Bherunji wear large ghungroos around their waists and sway their bodies to provide a rhythm. The war dance of the Godwad area, the Ramjhol, is performed to the rhythm of the large ankle bells. Then there are the manjeeras which are made of brass in the shape of hemispherical metal cups struck against each other.

The Jhanit and the Taala are different kinds of manjeeras. Another variety of musical instruments is formed by a single metal plate, the thalli. This is struck in various ways producing different kinds of tones and rhythems. The Jhalar, also called the Ghanta and Thali or Tasli are commonly used. In Jaisalmer district an interesting variant of the jatarang is used.

It is called the haltal and is a thali with water filed in it. The jhalar is usally played with bells, blowing of conchshells and beating of drums at aarti and on other religious occasions. The Jhol and the Bankia are used at auspicious social occasions as an accompaniment to the host of dances performed at such times.

he shree Mandal uses scores of Jhalar like disc. Unfortunately it is rarely heard now. Rhythimc music is also provided by the Khartals which are disc jinglers struck against each other. Junglers are also used on the Chhinpia and the lejim. The Raigidi or Khartal used by the Langas and Manganiyars is made of simple wooden castanets, and two struck against each other from the basic rhythim. The kathodis of Udaipur use scrappers.