Pakhawaj

Structure of Pakhawaj: Pakhawaj is an Indian barrel-shaped, two-faced drum, the North Indian equivalent to the Southern Mridangam. It is the percussion instrument in the dhrupad accompaniemtn and is widely used for dance performances also. The pakhavaj has rich tone, very rich in harmonics.

Set horizontally on a cushion in front of the drummer's crossed leg, the larger bass-skin is played with the left hand, the treble skin by the right hand. The bass face is smeared with wet wheat dough and is the cause of the vivid, bass sound the Pakhawaj produces, this face lacks the 'Syahi'. The leather is knit on the wooden barrel with a 'Gajra' and the small wedges are insterted in "Wadi" to stretch the leather. This helps to get desired pitch.

Typical Pakhawaj syllables: 'takete' and 'titekata gadigina'.

Taals played on Pakhawaj (mostly): Chautal, Tevra, Sultaal etc..

Category: Percussion (Ghan)

History: Pakhawaj can be considered as the 'king' of all Indian percussion instruments. It is traditionally associated with Dhrupad, an ancient style of singing full of religious compositions. Before the emergence of the 'Tabla', which is said to have evolved from Pakhawaj only, Pakhawaj was used to accompany the Indian instruments of the time including the Veena (been), Sarangi. The majestic looking drum is depicted in ancient sculpures, carvings, paitings all over India.

Pakhawaj Artists: Pt Bhavani Shankar, Pt Manik Munde, Pt Tota Ram Sharma, Pandit Mohan Shyam Sharma

'Tripushkar' was an ancient drum with 3 faces and is now obsolete although one is likely to find its mention in old books like Bharata's natyashastra. Tripushkar is not seen in practice these days.