Dholak

Dholak is a percussion instrument made of cotton, metal, steel, goatskin, buffalo skin, Sheesham wood, mango wood, and syahi. This folk instrument is found in various parts of Uttar Pradesh. Dholak can be played in three ways- on the player’s lap, while standing, or pressed down with one knee while sitting on the floor.

A two-headed hand drum, Dholak is a folk percussion instrument. Around 45 cm in length and 27 cm in breadth, it is widely used in qawwali, kirtan, lavani and bhangra. The smaller surface of the dholak is made of goat skin for sharp notes while the bigger surface is made of buffalo skin for low pitch. It allows a combination of bass and treble with rhythmic high and low pitches. The shell of the Dholak is made of Sheesham or Mango wood. The membrane has a compound Syahi which helps to lower the pitch and produce the sound.

The head is played with the left hand which produces a high pitch. A cotton rope lacing and screw-turnbuckle are used to release tension while playing. Steel rings/pegs are twisted inside the laces to attain fine tuning. Dholak can be played in three ways- on the player’s lap, while standing, or pressed down with one knee while sitting on the floor.