DHOL AND TAIKO:

A TALE OF TWO
DRUMS
MUSIC CULTURE
The dhol is mostly connected with Bhangra music and Punjab dance. It also has connections
with Sufi devotional music and wedding celebrations throughout Bangladesh and the south
Asian subcontinent
Taiko -: The taiko can be found in several ways throughout East Asia. Taiko drums are
significant on several occasions, like -
● Japanese festivals
● religious ceremonies
● and theatrical performances (for example - Kabuki )
Age of the instruments -
Dhol - Through research, professionals suggest that Dhol's existence has been for over 2,000
years. Dhol's ancient background connects with ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian drum
traditions.
Taiko - We can date the taiko drums back to the 7th century AD, located in Japan, though
further research can prove they're from mainland Asia, dating back even earlier.

History and evolution -

Dhol - From studies and research, it is believed that it devolved from a similar double-headed
drum found in Mesopotamia and Central Asia. Throughout time, the dhol we know today
adopted differences based on regional location, such as in material size, and evolved to suit
Bhangra's energetic music.

Taiko - Rice cultivation rituals and Shinto ceremonies are connected to the Taiko’s evolution.
Before it was made out of hollowed logs, taiko construction evolved when metal hoops and
tensioning rods came, which helped control the sound and pitch.

Playing technique -
Dhol: The dhol is played with two curved sticks called dholki. The player strikes both
drumheads, which creates several rhythmic patterns and tonal variations based on the different
hand and stick positions.
Taiko: The Taiko is played with bachi, which are thick wooden sticks. The Players use several
different striking techniques on different parts of the drum to create a variety of soundscapes,
from deep, booming tones to sharp, high-pitched accents.

Materials -

Dhol: Wooden shells, goatskin heads, and cotton or nylon rope are used to make traditional or
old-time dhols. The modern homes we have today have synthetic materials, which helps with
durability.
Taiko: High-quality hardwood like Japanese oak or zelkova, with cowhide heads, are used to
make traditional or old-time taiko. The taiko drums we have today are mostly made out of
synthetic materials for heads and tensioning systems.

CITATION -
Taiko Center Co., Ltd. www.taiko-center.co.jp/english.

“Taiko | Japanese, Drums, Percussion.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 July 1998,

www.britannica.com/art/taiko-musical-instrument.

“History of Bhangra - Learn Bhangra.” Learn Bhangra, 24 Nov. 2023, learnbhangra.com/history.

Singh, Kulwinder. Punjabi Traditional Instruments. 17 Apr. 2022,

www.sikhheros.com/history-and-culture/punjabi-traditional-instruments.