Dholak

The dholak is a South Asian two-headed hand drum, widely used in folk and popular music of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and other countries in the region. It is typically made of wood, with animal skin (usually goat or sheep) stretched over both ends and secured with rope lacing or metal rings. The smaller head produces a higher-pitched sound, while the larger head produces a lower, bass-like sound.

The dholak is played by striking the heads with the hands. Some dholaks may be played with a stick on one end, particularly in folk traditions. The player can produce a variety of sounds by varying the striking technique, using different parts of the hand, and applying pressure to the skin.

The dholak is a versatile instrument used in a variety of musical genres, including bhangra, Bollywood soundtracks, qawwali, and various folk music forms. It is often used to provide rhythmic accompaniment for singing and dancing. Variations in size, construction, and playing style exist across different regions.