Fedel, Ravan Hatta, Folk Instrument of Rajasthan, Sarangi, Ravanhatta, Folk

About Ravan Hatta Rawan Hattha a folk instrument of Rajasthan Said to be one of the oldest known string instruments, it is rare to find nowadays. The Rawanhatta consists of half a coconut shell resonator covered with membrane, bound to it with the help of cords, a two feet long bamboo stick fixed to the resonator with two main strings, one of horsetail and other of steel. In addition to these are sympathetic steel strings varying between three to Seventeen, passing over a bridge and then directly to the metal or wooden pegs fixed to the sides of the stick. It is played with a curved bow of synthetic or horse tail hair drawn across the strings with rhythmic jerks, the small brass bells attached to it providing the jingling stress on the beats. It is held by the left hand, the resonator resting on the left side of the chest. The dexterity lies in playing each successive note, which is clear, detached and synchronizing with singing, changing the rhythm and displacing the normal beats and accents, whenever it is required, depending upon the musical situation. It is used by religious singers called Bhopa to accompany the epic tales of Pabuji, a fourteenth century hero.