Dholl —

1. Object Name

Dholl

2. Kodava Name

Dholl

3. English Name

Traditional Drum

4. Alternate Names

The instrument may also be referred to as a ceremonial drum in descriptions of traditional Kodava music.

5. Short Description

Dholl is a traditional drum used as part of the Valaga, the ceremonial musical ensemble of the Kodava community.

6. Full Description

Dholl is a traditional percussion instrument played during Valaga, where its deep and resonant beats form an important part of the musical accompaniment. The drum has a cylindrical wooden body with stretched drumheads at its ends and is traditionally carried using a strap placed over the shoulder.

Its strong rhythmic sound complements the other instruments of the Valaga ensemble and contributes to the distinctive atmosphere of Kodava ceremonial occasions.

7. Traditional Use

The Dholl was primarily used during Valaga, providing the rhythmic foundation for the ensemble during traditional ceremonies and processions.

8. Design & Form

The Dholl has a cylindrical or barrel-shaped body, with drumheads stretched across its ends. It is designed to be carried horizontally and played while suspended from the player’s shoulder.

9. Materials

Traditional Dholl commonly consists of:

• Wooden drum body
• Animal hide drumheads
• Natural-fibre or leather straps
• Wooden or other traditional fittings

10. Method of Making

The body was traditionally fashioned from a hollowed wooden section, shaped to create the required drum cavity. Animal hide was prepared and stretched over the ends to form the drumheads.

The tension of the drumheads was adjusted to produce the desired tone.

11. Variants / Types

Variations can occur in:

• Size of the drum
• Thickness and type of wood
• Type of hide used
• Method of securing and tensioning the drumheads
• Decorative treatment of the body

12. Cultural / Functional Significance

Dholl is an important component of Valaga music. Its powerful rhythm helps establish the tempo and provides the percussion foundation for the ceremonial ensemble.

13. Historical Context

The Dholl belongs to the traditional musical culture of Kodagu, where percussion instruments played an important role in ceremonial gatherings, processions and community traditions.

14. Traditional Location / Setting

The Dholl was traditionally played during Valaga, particularly at traditional Kodava ceremonies and community occasions where the musical ensemble accompanied the proceedings.

15. Craftsmanship / Special Features

The instrument combines woodworking, hide preparation and traditional drum-making skills. Achieving the correct tension of the drumheads was important for producing a strong and resonant sound.

Its shoulder strap allowed the drummer to carry and play the instrument while moving with the Valaga ensemble.

16. Reason for Decline

The traditional use of Dholl has declined as ceremonial practices have changed and modern musical instruments and amplified sound systems have become more common.

17. Revival & Continued Use

Traditional Valaga music continues to be valued as part of Kodava cultural heritage. Dholl remains relevant wherever traditional Valaga performances are preserved and presented during cultural and community events.

18. Preservation

Preservation of the Dholl should include:

• Photographing surviving instruments
• Recording dimensions and construction details
• Documenting the wood and hide traditionally used
• Recording traditional methods of drum-making
• Documenting how the drum is carried and played
• Recording Valaga performances featuring the Dholl
• Collecting oral histories from traditional musicians

19. Historical & Cultural Importance

The Dholl represents the strong rhythmic tradition at the heart of Valaga, one of the important forms of traditional Kodava ceremonial music. Its deep percussion provides energy and structure to the ensemble while accompanying community gatherings and traditional occasions.

As a physical object, the Dholl also preserves knowledge of traditional woodworking, hide preparation and musical craftsmanship. Its presence in the Modha Goode Virtual Museum helps preserve not only the instrument itself, but also the sounds, skills and ceremonial traditions associated with it.