Ghumot
Kartavya Desk Staff
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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.