Rawanhatta

Structure

The "Rawanhatta" consists of half a coconut shell resonator covered with leather, bound to it with the help of cotton cords, a two feet long bamboo stick fixed to the resonator with two main strings, one of horse tail and other of steel. In addition to these are sympathetic steel strings varying between three to thirteen, passing over a bridge and than directly to the wooden pegs fixed to the sides of the stick. It is played with a curved bow of horse tail hair drawn across the strings with rhythmic jerks, the ghungrus (small brass bells) attached to it provide the rhythmic support. It is held by the left hand, the resonator resting on the left side of the chest. The dexterity lies in playing each successive note, which is clear, detached and synchronizing with singing, changing the rhythm and displacing the normal beats and accents, whenever it is required, depending upon the song.

Generally, players (bhopa) sing and simultaneously play this sonorous instrument or accompany the singers (bhopan). The artists are seen clad in white frock coat like cotton wear with Survar and a brightly colored tourban or a 'Pheta'.

Artists play Mand (the beautiful folk tune of Rajasthan) and many other folk tunes with great precision and welcome you with "Kesariya Balam Aao Ni, Padharo Mharo Des" !