The Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the varsity organised a round table talk, Ghumat Stories, as part of the SEED Grant proceedings awarded to Dr Sebanti Chatterjee, Assistant Professor at the department. The session explored the cultural and social significance of the ghumat, a traditional percussion instrument made of clay and crafted using the hide of the monitor lizard.
The event featured a diverse panel, including musician Mr Omar, documentary filmmaker Ms Nalini, musician Ms Sonia, researcher Ms Divya, ghumat player Mr Felipe, and dancer Ms Placania, alongside Dr Bikku, Head of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Dr Nishanth K S, other faculty members and students.
Ms Nalini’s documentary delved into the ghumat’s historical and cultural relevance. Musicians Mr Omar and Ms Sonia elaborated on the social and lyrical aspects of ghumat and folk dances such as Mannddô, that shed light on its connection to folk traditions.
Artists Felipe and Placania captivated the audience with live demonstrations. Felipe showcased how ghumat is played, while Placania performed the traditional folk dance associated with the instrument, while adorning the saree worn in a style particular to the dance.
Researcher Ms Divya provided insights into various folk song traditions linked to ghumat, including Mannddô. She classified these traditions within both the Mangalorean and Goan contexts, discussing how the ghumat functions as a “talking drum” in these folk traditions. Ms Divya further elaborated on the diverse tempos and occasions where ghumat-accompanied folk songs are performed.
Ms Divya also shed light on the craftsmanship of ghumat, explaining how Goan tribes such as the Kunbis, Karbis, and Siddhis procure, cure, and treat the hide of monitor lizard for the instrument’s making. She explained the transition of using goat skin in present times due to the prohibition of hunting the monitor lizards. Her discourse further highlighted the cultural and social significance of ghumat in folk communities today.
The session offered the attendees an understanding of the ghumat’s enduring legacy, and the tradition that will keep it alive in the contemporary cultural landscape.
