The Dhol is a double-sided folk percussion instrument possibly dating back to the 15th century that is played as an accompaniment to folk music forms all over India. The word Dhol is a generic of sorts, as it is used differently in different regions. The Bangla Dhol accompanies the folk music and many  rural festivities of West Bengal, Bangladesh and North East India. 

  

A 20 to 22 inch long barrel shaped piece of wood forms the drum shell with a three foot circumference round the middle. Goat hide or parchment is wrapped over two bamboo rings and used to cover the openings which are about 12 to 14 inches wide. These are held together by rope or leather lacing which is passed through metal rings. The left opening is covered with a thicker hide with a resinous patch in the centre. The right opening has a thinner softer membrane covering it. The left side of the Dhol thus  produces a much deeper sound.  The pitch of the drum can be changed by adjusting the lacing, either to tighten or slacken the membrane on each side. 

 

The dhol is played on the left side with the palm and fingers and on the right,  with a short thick wooden stick (kathi), shaped liked a snake-head, earning it the moniker, Kathi Dhol. To produce a sharper sound the dhuli or dhol player covers his middle and index finger tips with metal rings.

The dhuli hangs the dhol around his neck with the help of a strap at waist height enabling him to walk around and play at the same time. The skill of the dhuli is visible when he draws out low mellow sounds with as much ease as the loud and expressive beats.