Dhadd (Punjabi: ਢੱਡ), also spelled as Dhad or Dhadh is an hourglass-shaped traditional musical instrument native to Punjab that is mainly used by the Dhadi singers.[1][2][3][4] It is also used by other folk singers of the region.

Dhadd
ਢੱਡ
Dhadd
Other namesDhad, Dhadh
Classification Percussion instrument
Related instruments
udukai
Musicians
Amar Singh Shaunki
Builders
Mistry Chanan Ram Bilga
More articles or information
Dhadi (music), Music of Punjab, Babu Rajab Ali, Karnail Singh Paras

Design and playing

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The dhadd is made of wood with thin a waist[5] like an hourglass.[6] The skin on both sides is tightened with ropes[2] that help in holding the instrument firmly together.[5] Its design is very similar to other Indian drums: the simple Damru, the Udukai, and the sophisticated Idakka. The Damru has knotted cords to strike its ends, but the Dhadd lacks such cords. The Damru is played by shaking/rotating quickly so that the knotted cords strike its ends,[2][6] and is also played with a stick sometimes.[2] The Udukai and the Dhad have similar techniques of playing, but the social significance is different.

Playing
 
Dhadd being played by an artist in the center

The Dhadd is played by tapping/striking fingers on one of its ends.[2][5][7] The pitch of the drum is raised by tightening a small cloth band wrapped around the waist of the drum. Closed and open sounds can also be produced.

Social significance

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Dhadd is very closely associated with and mostly used by the Dhadi singers[1][4] who sing folk, religious and warriors' ballads and history using this along with Sarangi.[6][7]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Nabha, Kahan Singh. Gur Shabad Ratnakar Mahan Kosh. Amritsar: Bhai Chatar Singh, Jeewan Singh.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Dhad of Punjab". www.rajsamandplus.com. Retrieved 14 Mar 2012.[permanent dead link]
  3. ^ "DHADD". www.vikramasentamritsar.com. Archived from the original on 2012-05-21. Retrieved 10 Mar 2012.
  4. ^ a b "Dhadi and Dhadd Sarangi". www.punjabijanta.com. 30 Aug 2011. Retrieved 10 Mar 2012.
  5. ^ a b c "DHAD". www.canteach.ca. Retrieved 13 Mar 2012.
  6. ^ a b c "DHAD". www.chandrakantha.com. Archived from the original on 16 March 2012. Retrieved 13 Mar 2012.
  7. ^ a b "Dhadi tradition". Informative article. www.esikhs.com. Retrieved 13 Mar 2012.