Mandar Instrument
Why in News?
The traditional musical instrument Mandar of Jharkhand is in the news because the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai has officially granted it a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
About the Mandar Instrument
- Type of Instrument: It is an ancient, traditional double-headed percussion instrument (a type of drum).
- Cultural Roots: It is deeply integrated into the folk music, tribal life, and identity of both tribal (such as the Oraon community) and non-tribal communities across Jharkhand.
- Primary Craft Centre: The heart of traditional Mandar manufacturing is located in Jarjatta village, within the Raidih block of the Gumla district.
- Clay and Leather Construction: Unlike a traditional dhol or dholak, the hollow, cylindrical body of the Mandar is crafted from locally sourced red clay/soil that features a slight bulge in the middle.
- Unequal Drumheads: The two open sides of the clay body are covered in leather. The right opening is smaller and produces high tones, while the larger left opening produces a deep bass tone.
- Tensioning Cords: The leather faces are tightly secured and held in place using braided leather cords or strings.
- Kiran Coating: A unique, specialized tuning paste coating known as Kiran is applied to the smaller drumhead opening, giving the instrument its distinct resonant sound.
- Festivals and Celebrations: It is the primary instrument played during major local festivals, crop celebrations, and tribal folk dances, including Sarhul, Karma, Jhumar, and weddings.
- Performance Style: Musicians traditionally sling the instrument over their shoulder with a rope, moving and dancing rhythmically while beating the drum.
- Economic Protection: The newly acquired GI status protects local artisans from cheap imitations, preserves tribal heritage, and provides a legal platform to market Jharkhand's craftsmanship globally.
- Other GI Products from Jharkhand: The Mandar joins other prominent recognized products from the state, including Hazaribagh's Sohrai-Khovar painting (Jharkhand's first GI tag) and Koderma's Kesariya Kalakand.
