Plucked Drum (Ananda Lahari)
Code : P14154

Folk Foundations: Deeply rooted in the ancient folk traditions of the Brahmaputra Valley.
Minstrel Tradition: Historically the primary companion for the Bagegi (wandering singers) and Sufi-folk performers. It was used to provide a rhythmic drone while narrating philosophical or spiritual stories.
Regional Hubs: Handcrafted primarily in Lower Assam (Goalpara and Dhubri districts) and rural pockets of Kamrup. 

Hybrid Instrument: It is a rare combination of a plucked string and a drum. The sound is produced by plucking a string that is attached to a drumhead.
Modulated Pitch: Unlike most drums, the player can change the pitch while playing by increasing or decreasing the tension on the string, creating a wavering or vibrato effect.
Rhythmic Drone: It provides both a steady beat and a melodic drone simultaneously, making it a one-man band instrument. 

Goalpariya Lokageet: A signature instrument for Goalpariya folk songs, providing the iconic rhythmic bounce associated with the regions music.
Sufi & Zikir: Used in various rural spiritual gatherings to create a trance-like atmosphere.
Artisanal Craft: Each piece is unique, as they are often custom-made by local craftsmen using specific woods found in the Assamese forests.

The Body (Khola): A small, barrel-shaped resonator carved from Jackfruit or Mango wood. One end is open, and the other is covered with skin.
The Membrane: A high-quality Goat skin is stretched over the bottom of the resonator.
The String: Traditionally made of gut or thick silk, though modern versions may use high-gauge nylon. One end is attached to the centre of the drumhead.
The Handle/Peg: The other end of the string is attached to a small wooden handle or a tuning peg that the player holds in their hand. 

Variable Tension: Tuning is dynamic. The player pulls on the string to tighten it (raising the pitch) or relaxes it (lowering the pitch) during the performance.
The Gub-Gub Sound: The name Gubgubi comes from the onomatopoeic sound it makes. The resonance of the wooden body amplifies the twang of the plucked string.
Resonant Chamber: The hollowed-out wooden barrel is shaped specifically to sustain the vibration of the string. 

Natural Polishing: The wooden body is often darkened using a mixture of soot and mustard oil, giving it a rustic, antique look.
Carvings: Some professional-grade instruments feature simple rings or geometric patterns carved into the wood.
Tassels: Often decorated with small colourful thread tassels near the handle or the base of the drum. 

Technique: The player holds the drum body under one arm (tucked against the ribs) and the string handle in that same hand. The other hand plucks the string with a plectrum or finger.
Coordination: Requires immense coordination to manage the tension with the arm/wrist while maintaining a fast plucking rhythm with the fingers.
Vibrato: By quickly shaking the hand holding the handle, the player creates the waves of sound that give the instrument its name.

String Care: The string is under constant tension; it must be checked for fraying. Traditional gut strings are occasionally rubbed with a bit of oil to keep them flexible.
Skin Protection: Since the string pulls directly on the drumhead, the point of attachment is often reinforced with a small leather patch to prevent tearing.
Wood Health: To prevent the barrel from cracking, it is kept away from direct sunlight and treated with organic oils to maintain moisture.