Musical instruments of Rajasthan
The musical instruments of Rajasthan include: ravanahatha, kamayacha, Sindhi sarangi, morchang, algoze, bin, nagphani, bankia, tarpi, chautara, ghara, jantar, chikara, ektara, murali, murli, gujari sarangi, deru, bapang, bhapang and khartal.
List of Rajasthani musical instruments
Algoza
Alghoza, also known as Algoza is a traditional double-flute woodwind instrument prominent in the folk music of Sindhi, Kutchi, Saraiki, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Baloch cultures. It consists of two beak flutes—one producing the melody and the other providing a continuous drone. These flutes are either bound together or held side by side while playing. The instrument requires a constant stream of air, as both flutes are blown simultaneously to create a rhythmic and melodic soundscape.Bin
Bin is the Rajasthani word for mashak, which means bagpipes in Hindi. They are a type of bagpipe native to Rajasthan, and are similar to the algoza. Its name also means water bag, as the bag was originally used to carry water. The bin is also heavily used in Kumaon, Garhwal, and parts of Uttar Pradesh.Bhapang
Bhapang is an instrument that looks like a drum, but uses string. They are made from gourd shells, and use a flexible cloth to cover the gourd, like goat skin. Then strings hang from the skin and are tied at the middle of the 2 shells. A bamboo stick is then used to produce pitches.Chautara
The Chautara, as shown from its name, has four strings and is similar to the tanpura in its use. It is made of light wood and used as an accompaniment in singing.Deru
A corn hand percussion instrument that is like the bhapang. The drum is made from mango wood, and the drum's sides have skin covering them. Strings are attached, and the player uses these to change pitch.Jantar
A type of veena, with 2 resonators. These resonators are made of gourd or wood. The rest of the jantar uses wood, steel, and horsehair, traditionally. It is considered an early form of veena, and is closest to the Rudra veena and Saraswati veena.Kamayacha
The seventeen-string kamayacha, or khamaycha, is a string instrument constructed out of a piece of mango wood, featuring a round resonator covered in goat leather. It is also related to the sarangi and chikara, but has its own unique sound.Three of its strings are made of goat intestine, while the other fourteen are made of steel. It is a key presence in Rajasthani folk music, and is heard in Jaisalmer and Barmer. Sakar Khan, who received Padma Shri for his work with kamayacha, and Dapu Khan are some of its most well-known players.