Bupang
A folk instrument from Rajasthan
The Bhapang is a plucked mono chord percussion instrument. One of the many instruments given the title as “talking drum”.
It is found in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Punjab where it is known by its regional names. Chongar in Maharashtra, Apang in Gujarat and Tumba in the Punjab. The Bhapang originally comes from the Mewati community in the Alwar district. When bhapang is played the musician grasps a wooden handle that is attached to a string. The same string is attached to the membrane. During performance the drum emits a oscillating tone that gives the instrument its particular voice. It is one of the instruments used to accompany vocals during the performances of Bhajans “spiritual devotional songs”. The construction of this instrument is quite simple it is made from a gourd where a hole is carved. A membrane of animal skin is attached with tacks to hold the instrument together. A string is attached from handle to membrane. Five small metal bells are attached to the handle. These instruments are made either plane or with ornamentation as viewed on my specimen.
