The craft of making the Amroha dholak, a traditional percussion instrument, is deeply rooted in the rich artisanal heritage of Amroha, a city in Uttar Pradesh. This small town is renowned for its skilled artisans who specialize in the production of dholaks and tablas. The most essential component of the dholak is natural wood, specifically sourced from mango and sheesham trees, which are integral to its construction. These trees provide the sturdy yet resonant wood needed to create the hollow body of the instrument, carefully carved into various sizes and shapes depending on the desired sound and tonal qualities.
Once the wooden blocks are expertly shaped, the surfaces are covered with animal skins, typically goatskin, which is crucial to producing the dholak’s signature sound. The dholak’s unique tonal versatility is achieved through the use of two different skins on either side of the instrument. The larger surface, covered with buffalo leather, produces deep, bass tones, while the smaller surface, made with goatskin, creates sharp, high-pitched notes. This combination allows the Amroha dholak to offer a mix of bass and treble, generating a captivating range of repetitive high and low pitches that make it a preferred instrument for folk music and traditional performances.
Amroha is known as a hub for the production of both dholaks and tablas, with skilled artisans dedicating their craft to the intricate art of percussion instrument making. The region’s expertise in this field has made Amroha dholaks highly sought after for their superior sound quality and craftsmanship. Each instrument is a testament to the age-old techniques passed down through generations, where natural materials and handcrafted precision come together to create instruments that are cherished in Indian musical traditions.
In recognition of its cultural significance and the traditional methods employed in its making, the Amroha dholak was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2023. This GI tag not only highlights the uniqueness of the dholak but also protects the artisanal legacy of Amroha, ensuring that future generations can continue to produce these remarkable instruments. The careful selection of materials, combined with the craftsmanship of local artisans, ensures that each Amroha dholak is unique, offering musicians the ability to produce dynamic rhythms and a distinct blend of tones that can elevate any musical performance.
