Ravan Hatha
Musical Instrument
History
The Ravan Hatha, a bowed string instrument, is believed to have originated in Sri Lanka during the Hela civilization and is attributed to Ravan, the Asura king of the Ramayana. Revered by Ravan as a musical offering to Shiva, the instrument is said to have travelled to North India with Hanuman after the war. Over time, princes in Rajasthan and Gujarat learned to play it, and the Nath Bavas continue to preserve its musical and cultural legacy.
Raw Materials and Tools
Raw Materials: Bamboo shoots, wood, coconut shells, metal pipes, goat hide, metal wire, horsehair, powder, decorative materials.
Tools: Drilling tools, cutting tools, stretching tools.
Process
To construct the Ravan Hatha, bamboo, wood, coconut shells, and metal pipes are combined to form the stem and resonating bowl. Holes are drilled into the stem to fix fine-tuning knobs, while goat hide is stretched over the coconut shell to create the sound chamber. Metal wires and horsehair are used for the strings, with Bejara powder applied to reduce friction. The tension of the strings is adjusted to achieve different notes and tonal variations. Decorative details such as beads and ghunghroos complete the instrument, blending functional craftsmanship with intricate design.
Design and Color
The Ravan Hatha is deeply embedded in the ritual performance traditions of Rajasthan. The Bhopas narrate the tales of Pabuji, a revered tribal hero, using Phad paintings on a long scroll—often around nine metres—painted in vivid reds, blues, and other saturated hues. Accompanied by the soulful, continuous drone and melody of the Ravan Hatha, the balladeer weaves enchanting stories, guiding the audience like a Pied Piper for humans, where sound, colour, and narrative merge into a single performative experience.
Product Range
The Ravan Hatha, an ancient bowed string instrument, is traditionally crafted with bamboo, coconut shells, goat hide, and horsehair. It typically features steel and horsehair strings, played with a bow. Once used primarily by Bhopas to narrate epic tales of Pabuji, it is now available in various forms—from traditional performance instruments to contemporary interpretations for concerts, teaching, and cultural demonstrations.