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As varied and as fantastic as Indian instruments
can get the Bhapang is made of the hollow shell
of the dry pumpkin called the Tumbi. The
interesting process that goes behind making the
instrument involves cutting the base of the
shell and mounting it with the dry goat-skin.
The Bhapang has a string fixed at the center of
the skin that is alternately tautly stretched
and relaxed by the player when playing the
instrument. The player runs his fingers on the
strings to produce pleasing sound variations.
This rare single-stringed percussion instrument
is used as an accompaniment for vocal
performances. The Bhat community of Rajasthan
plays it during Marwari folk song renditions,
while the Mev-Muslim Jogi community uses it as
an accompaniment to the Mevati style of singing.
During the folk tale and spiritual compositions
of the wandering saints, the instrument is
complemented with strains of the Jogia Sarangi. .. |