Instruments at the Museum

Bhapang

This rhythm-creating instrument is made of the hollow shell of dry pumpkin called Tumbi. The base of the shell is cut and is mounted with dry skin of a goat. A string is fixed at the centre of the skin. The string is stretched and relaxed by the player while striking it with his fingers to produce pleasing sound variations. This instrument is used as an accompanying instrument in vocal performances, especially the Pandun-ke-kade ballad on the Pandavas. The tumba bhapang is also played by the NathYogis (snake charmers) along with the pungi.