Jharkhand Musical Instruments

Sometimes, musical instruments originally made to keep wild animals away are also used for self-comfort, as if hugging themselves. When the sound of music is explained through ragas, it becomes clear that music and dance define life on every occasion.

Chhotanagpur and Santal Pargana zones are the major tribal zones of Jharkhand. The word 'Jharkhand' literally means 'forest area'—derived from 'Jhar' (forest) and 'Khand' (region or area). In fact, the name Jharkhand is very old, given to the region due to its dense forests and mountain ranges.

Since ancient times, various types of musical instruments have been used in the Jharkhand region. These instruments hold a special place in Jharkhand’s folk dances and songs. People from different tribes—such as the Santal, Munda, Kol, Oraon, Khadia, Kurmi, and Bhadraj—perform dances and songs on various occasions like festivals, weddings, and worship ceremonies. Music, dance, and instrumental performances are intrinsic to the lives of Jharkhand’s people, flowing naturally through their veins.

The main musical instruments of Jharkhand can be categorized as follows: 1. Percussion Instruments 2. Wind Instruments 3. String Instruments 4. Dense instrument