The Living Soundscapes of the Chhotanagpur: A Comprehensive Study of Indigenous Musical Instruments in Jharkhand

The traditional music of the Chhotanagpur area in the state of Jharkhand represents the confluence of culture, community and nature. This paper investigates the traditional tribal musical instruments of Santhal, Munda, Oraon and Ho communities and its cultural, social and religious aspects. The research specifically examines Banam which is one of the most significantly emotional and culturally connected musical instrument of Jharkhand from the context of its construction materials, ways of playing and usage during rituals, festivals, agriculture and other folk performance. This paper is also documented to provide a summary and classification of the diverse musical instruments whose melody and beats echo in the tribal lands of Jharkhand. The study follows an ethnographic and cultural methodology which includes field research, informal communication with artisans, interaction with musicians and investigation of native folk performances. It emphasizes on the use of available local natural materials in construction of instruments like bamboo, wood, leather and gourds which enhance the quality of acoustics of these instruments. It also points out on the degrading impacts on the tradition of tribal music through globalization, urbanization and lack of knowledge transmission to younger generations. Conclusively, musical instruments of Chhotanagpur are living emblems of tribal identity and cultural integrity which are needed to be preserved and documented so that the intangible cultural heritage of Jharkhand can be protected in future.