The
bells are the first of the autophonic instruments. The Ghanti or the
Ghanta are commonly used and the ghungroo (ankle bells) form an integral
part of the music.
The Bhopas of Bherunji wear large ghungroos
around their waists and sway their bodies to provide a rhythm. The war
dance of the Godwad area, the Ramjhol, is performed to the rhythm of the
large ankle bells. Then there are the manjeeras which are made of brass in
the shape of hemispherical metal cups struck against each other.
The
Jhanit and the Taala are different kinds of manjeeras. Another variety of
musical instruments is formed by a single metal plate, the thalli. This is
struck in various ways producing different kinds of tones and rhythems.
The Jhalar, also called the Ghanta and Thali or Tasli are commonly used.
In Jaisalmer district an interesting variant of the jatarang is used.
It is called the haltal and is a thali with water filed in it.
The jhalar is usally played with bells, blowing of conchshells and beating
of drums at aarti and on other religious occasions. The Jhol and the
Bankia are used at auspicious social occasions as an accompaniment to the
host of dances performed at such times.
he shree Mandal uses
scores of Jhalar like disc. Unfortunately it is rarely heard now. Rhythimc
music is also provided by the Khartals which are disc jinglers struck
against each other. Junglers are also used on the Chhinpia and the lejim.
The Raigidi or Khartal used by the Langas and Manganiyars is made of
simple wooden castanets, and two struck against each other from the basic
rhythim. The kathodis of Udaipur use scrappers.
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