Like other communities, Tharus learn to play musical instruments by trial and guidance from those who are good. They have no formal training given for playing musical instruments. Music is used as an accompaniment for songs and dances. They have several musical instruments that are used in their community. The musical instruments found are mainly percussion instruments that provide rhythm. A few of these musical instruments are made by the Tharu themselves, and others are borrowed from outside of their community, which have come into practice as a result of cultural contact. In Tharu musical instruments, traditional and local materials and technology have been used. The main musical instruments are Mandra, Jhal, Kastar, Ghughana, Dhol, Daff, Dhak, Basiya, Manjira, Chatkauli, Tamaura, Chiraiya Latthi, Dhaak, and Pilhru.
Tharus use string instruments, wind instruments, drums, and cymbals as their musical instruments.
Tamaura, the String instrument
The string musical instrument played by the Tharu is the Tamaura. It has a single string. This single-stringed instrument is made of a half-cut bowl-shaped dried gourd. Over this goat skin membrane is attached, and through the sides of the gourd a wooden stick is passed. At both ends of the stick, a thin wire is tied, and centre of the membrane, a small piece of wood is placed to raise the wire above the membrane so that it is easy to pluck the wire to create sound. A wooden knob is fitted at the upper end of the stick, which helps to tighten and produce the desired sound (tuning it). It is played with fingers while singing a psalm or hymn.
Basiya and Pilhru, the Wind instruments
The wind musical instrument is played by blowing mouth air. Basiya and Pilhru are wind musical instruments. Basiya (flute) is a musical instrument of the wind group. It is made from a two-inch bamboo cane. It is played by blowing into it and the fingers operating in successive beats on the holes. The flute is often used to play the tunes of the Sajana and Maina songs. The tune produced from this instrument is sweet, serene, and melodious. Tharu males often play the Basiya while grazing cattle or collecting firewood in the forest from March-April to May-June. Pilhru is a clay-made musical instrument played by boys. It is in the shape of a bird or a dog. It is played by blowing air from the hole made at the back.
Daff and Mandra, the Drums
Mandra is a traditional musical instrument, like a tambourine, which is played to accompany songs. It has a double leather membrane having a cylindrical frame. The diameter of this drum is about 12-13 inches, and the length is about 28-30 inches. After fixing the membrane to the drum, a thin leather cord is tied around one rim to another tightly. A kind of chemical called Khari is pasted on both ends. By adjusting the cord, the tone of the Mandra can be changed. It provides the appropriate beat and rhythm. Tharus use two types of Mandra; the large one is played in the festival of Dasya for the dance called Sakhya/Painya, and the small one is played for the Naachnachwa. The large Mandra produces a good booming sound. It is made from the skin stretched over the end of hollow wood.
Daff has a leather membrane attached only to the end of the wooden frame. The frame has a diameter of about 9 to 10 inches. This instrument is played by a single person who holds up the wooden frame in his left hand and strikes the leather membrane with his right hand to produce the beats. Chapni is used to produce sound. It is made of bamboo and cane (bet). It is two types; one is tied on the finger, which is used to strike, and another is like a small stick, based on the size of Daff long or short. It is played while singing the Dhumru or the Dhamaar song during the Maagh festival. Dhol is a drum used during singing and dancing sessions that are in progress. It is beaten with the stick on one side and with the palm and fist on the other side. It is played in the marriage procession. Dhak is a small drum played by a Dhakher with a Hegri while chanting a Mantar (chants).
Jhali, Manjira, Kastar, and Chatkauli, the Cymbals
Jhali, a kind of cymbal, is made from brass. It is a musical instrument in the form of a round metal plate. Two Jhalis, which are suspended with a thick tread, are hit against each other. The small cymbals are called Manjira, while the large ones are called Jhali. Manjiras are played by the women in the festival of Dasya while performing Sakhya/Painya dance, and Jhalis are played by the men while performing the Naachnachwa dance. These two musical instruments are accompanied by the beats of Mandra.
Chatkauli is made up of wood that looks like bats. Two bats are hit together, which produces a beating sound. Kastar is made up of wood and pieces of metal which is played in the Naachnachwa dance. Manjira, Jhal, Kastar, and Chatkauli are idiophonic instruments.
