Dholki

The dholki is a small double-headed percussion instrument from the Indian subcontinent, closely related to the dhol and the dholak. It is used in a variety of folk, devotional, and festive music across regions such as Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and parts of Bangladesh and Pakistan. In many communities it accompanies vocalists and dancers during weddings, religious gatherings, and celebrations.

Construction and range: The drum typically features a wooden or sometimes resin shell with two drum heads of different sizes. The two heads produce contrasting pitches, with one side higher and the other lower. Modern versions may use synthetic skins and lightweight shells, but traditional models are wooden. The instrument is usually held horizontally on the lap or under the arm and tension is adjusted by traditional rope or modern mechanical tuning systems.

Playing technique: The dholki is played with the hands and fingers, often using a combination of open tones, bass strokes, slaps, and taps to create rhythmic patterns. The right hand commonly strikes the smaller, higher-pitched head, while the left hand plays the larger, lower-pitched head, though playing styles vary by region and repertoire. Rhythms range from brisk, danceable patterns to slower, more melodic accompaniments.

Cultural role and variants: In folk music scenes, the dholki serves as a primary rhythmic backbone for singing and dancing. It appears in wedding ensembles, bhajan and kirtan groups, garba ensembles, and other folk genres. In contemporary contexts, it is also used in fusion and world-music projects and by aspiring percussionists learning regional rhythms.