Pakhawaj
(hindustani, percussion instrument)
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Pakhawaj is an ancient barrel shaped drum with two playing heads. It is
essentially a north Indian version of the
Mridangam.
It was once common
throughout north India but in the last few generations tabla has usurped
its position of importance. It has a right head which is identical to
tabla except somewhat larger. The left head is similar to the tabla bayan
except that there is a temporary application of flour and water instead of
the black permanent spot. It is laced with rawhide and has tuning blocks placed
between the straps and shell. This instrument was very much tied to
dhrupad, consequently as dhrupad has declined, the pakhawaj has also
fallen out of use. Today this instrument is rare and used only in Dhrupad
concerts and percussion ensembles.
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Pt Bhavani Shankar - Teen Taal