Doba (instrument)

Last updated
Doba
ddbaa.jpg
Percussion instrument
Classification Membranophone
DevelopedAssam, India
Related instruments
Khol, Nagara
Doba played in a Namghar

Doba is a large traditional drum or nagara-like religious instrument used in Namghars and Satras in Assam. It belongs to the Membranophone class, with a shell made of clay, wood or metal, and covered with animal skin. [1]

Contents

The instrument is usually played using two wooden sticks, although in some contexts it can also be struck by hand. Its use varies in significance: many Namghars play the Doba twice daily — morning and evening — to mark the time of communal prayer. [2] It is also used to announce meetings, or other events in villages, or to warn of emergencies.

The doba is considered one of the main instruments of the membranophone in traditional Assamese Vaishnavite performances such as the Ankia Naat and Bhaona. [3] It's deep, resonant melody is believed to be powerful enough to scare away evil spirits in some older traditions. [4]

In terms of size, the box is quite large: it is typically about one meter high, and has a mouth diameter of about 1.2 meters. [5] In practice, it is often placed on a frame or stand with a slight inclination to facilitate playing.

Construction

Depending on regional variations and available materials, the box shell can be made of clay, wood or metal. [4] The drumhead is covered with stretched and dried animal skin, which produces the rich, deep sound characteristic of the instrument.

Technique of playing

Doba is usually played using two wooden sticks, but in certain ritual contexts, it is also beaten by hand. Its size and shape facilitates playing with the drum tilted at a slight angle. Its sound provides a key rhythmic basis in devotional music and complements other musical instruments such as khol or nagara. [6]

Cultural significance

The doba plays an important role in the religious and communal life of Assamese Vaishnavism (especially the Shankari tradition of Ekasarana Dharma). [7] In Namghar, its sound helps to mark daily rituals and the time of prayer. During festivals such as Doul Utsav, it is played along with other traditional instruments such as khol, tal, and nagara. [8] Daba is one of the main instruments along with nagara and bhortal in the context of performing arts like nagaranam. [9]

References

  1. ↑ BCF India. “Membranophone – Musical Roots of Assam.” https://bcf-india.org/membranophone-musical-roots-of-assam/
  2. ↑ Naamghar.org. “2019 Q4 Newsletter.” https://naamghar.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019_Q4_Newsletter.pdf
  3. ↑ Sentinel Assam. “Musical Instruments of Ankiya Bhaona.” https://www.sentinelassam.com/more-news/life/musical-instruments-of-ankiya-bhaona
  4. 1 2 BCF India. “Membranophone – Musical Roots of Assam.”
  5. ↑ RJ Wave Journal. “Study on Traditional Assamese Instruments.” https://rjwave.org/jaafr/papers/JAAFR2507005.pdf
  6. ↑ RJ Wave Journal. “Study on Traditional Assamese Instruments.”
  7. ↑ Naamghar.org. “2019 Q4 Newsletter.”
  8. ↑ Sentinel Assam. “Batadrava Than’s Doul Utsav and the Vaisnavite Heritage of Assam.” https://www.sentinelassam.com/more-news/editorial/batadrava-thans-doul-utsav-and-the-vaisnavite-heritage-of-assam
  9. ↑ Mahanta, Urmi Priti. “A Study of Hiya Nam.” IJHSSS. https://www.ijhsss.com/files/17.-Urmi-Priti-Mahanta.pdf
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