Gujarat: Music

In Panchmahals, central Gujarat’s tribal-dominated district, it is traditionally believed that someone suffering from stress and pressure could be cured quite simply: A traditional musical instrument, ‘ghanghali’, does the trick.

According to lore, the melody that flows from ‘ghanghali’ not just has destressing qualities but can also help cure mental illness. Sadly, this unique musical instrument is on the edge of extinction. Jayesh Barot, principal of the Satlasna Arts College and an expert of Adivasi affairs says: “Change is universal and tribals are no exception to this rule. But the gradual dominance of western musical instruments like banjo, casio, drums and bongo, have dealt a body blow to the rich heritage of traditional tribal music. Today’s young tribals have no expertise in making or playing once-popular instruments like motu dhol, nagaru, vans mandal, malunga, mohri pavo, ghangadi and surando.”

Since times immemorial, music has been integral to a tribal lifestyle in Gujarat which had seen the invention and innovation of many instruments like thali vaju, mandal, malunga and mohri pavo. The list is long but not many of these ancient instruments have weathered the dip in interest and absence of exponents. In fact, many of them have disappeared. So have the artists who practiced them. Music composer Nishit Mehta, struggling hard to save this heritage, says: “If tribal musical instruments are not documented, future generation will never be aware of them.”

Take for example Surando, a string musical instrument. Its last-known promoter Sonu Sawan passed away five years ago. Now his son Ushman Sawan is learning the art. Adds Mehta: “There are only three artists left who can still play thali-vaju and mohri pavo. We should preserve these instruments and the musical legacy.” According to Karansinh Jadeja, output head, Akashwani, Baroda, tribal music is emotionally involved with all occasions, from birth to death. “We should transfer this rich musical heritage to the youth. Also, young people need to come forward to save their heritage.” Some hopes have been rekindled.