Krsna Kirtana Songs est.
2001 www.kksongs.org
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Pakhawaj
The pakhawaj (paksa + vadya = “side +
instrument”) is an ancient drum that contains two heads on the side. Some
musicologists believe that it is the predecessor of the tabla.
The construction is a barrel drum made of wood containing two goat skin heads.
The smaller head (dayan) has
a head resembling a larger tabla head. The bigger
bass side (bayan) is a goat skin head that requires a
temporary application of dough when played. The temporary dough application
will allow the player to add enough dough to complement the dayan, in addition to give a powerful bass effect.
Traditionally, the two heads are fastened with raw hide, like the tabla. In the picture shown above, it is fastened with nuts
and bolts.
Pakhawaj is primarily used
for dhrupad, dhamar, and rarely kheyal.
UPDATED: March 12, 2012