Get To Know The Dhol

Dhol is a folk instrument made of wood, brass, leather, cotton, parchment, and iron. It is found primarily in the Bengali states of West Bengal, Orissa, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and Assam. It has been largely used as an accompaniment in traditional and folk dance and music performances and in public announcers. The dhol is a barrel-shaped bifacial plywood drum made of wood. Both faces are covered by animal skin and laced by leather straps through leather hoops at both ends. The thumping beats of the dhol have successfully captivated the hearts of millions in India and continue to do so even in Western countries.

Manufacturing Of A Dhol

An important component of Dhol is the shell’s exterior. There are differences in size, shape, and wood used between different regions. It will usually be cylinder or barrel-shaped, and the most common woods used for making Dhol are mango wood and Sheesham. Using mango wood in the body of the instrument creates a lighter instrument. Most drum manufacturers use wood from a type of mesquite tree called Sheesham blue. The wood is hard and brittle, but it’s significantly better than the softer woods that otherwise go into drums. A variety of skins are used to make the dhol, including the most popular, goatskin. In recent years, however, synthetic materials have also gained popularity. The skin’s extra thickness and contact with the instrument provide the sound with a much deeper resonance. Companies like Gurusoundz offer quality-made dhols to players.

The Bhangra DholOf Punjab

Since its inception, the Bhangra Dhol, i.e., the Punjabi Dhol, has been a major component of local Punjabi culture. It has been embraced as a symbol of the Punjabi ethnicity by Punjabis worldwide, especially those who have emigrated outside of their origin. The Punjabi dhol is regarded as the most influential drum of Indian origin. It’s generally known as the Bhangra Dhol due to its big role in Bhangra folk music. Since the Bhangra style has gained popularity all over the world, the Punjabi dhol is the most popular example of this drum.