Source: DTE
Context: Goa’s traditional percussion instrument Ghumot is witnessing revival debates around heritage conservation and wildlife protection, after it was declared the State Heritage Instrument in 2019.
About Ghumot:
- What It Is?
- A traditional mud-based membranophone percussion instrument of Goa, crafted from clay with one side covered by animal skin.
- Origin: Migrated to Goa through tribal communities and early settlers and deeply embedded in oral histories.
- Types: Variants in size and form for children, women, amateurs, and professionals.
- Caste Associations: Historically crafted by tribal potters and played by both Hindu and Christian communities—showcasing Goa’s syncretic cultural ethos.
- How it is made?
- Clay Pot Shaping: Crafted from special refined clay; shaped as a pumpkin-like earthen pot in 3 parts and tapped to remove air bubbles.
- Firing: The pot is sun-dried and kiln-fired for durability and resonance.
- Membrane Preparation: Traditionally used monitor lizard skin (now banned) and replaced with goat, buffalo skin, or synthetic materials.
- Assembly & Tuning: Membrane is stretched, tied with coir rope, and tuned for the desired sound quality.
- Features:
- Construction: Handmade clay pot (ghumat), tuned skin membrane (earlier monitor lizard skin, now goat or synthetic).
- Sound: Produces sharp, earthy beats integral to Goan folk music.
- Techniques: Requires skilled tapping to achieve perfect resonance—knowledge of rhythm crucial.
- Legal Shift: Post-2019, usage of monitor lizard skin prohibited under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and artisans adapted to legal alternatives.
- Ghumot is neither a Hindustani classical nor a Carnatic classical music instrument in the strict sense.
- Importance of Ghumot in Music:
- Cultural Symbol: Central to Goa’s folk identity—played in Sao Joao festival, Ganesh Chaturthi, Shigmo, Mandos, and Catholic pre-wedding rituals.
- Secular Role: Used across religious, caste, and social groups—bridging communities through music.
- Revival Efforts: Artisans and cultural curators promote Ghumot with new designs, legal skins, and international showcases.
- Socio-economic Relevance: Revitalizing Ghumot-making can support local artisans and preserve Goa’s intangible heritage.
