BARIPADA:IT may not be far when the soulful music from tribal instruments, which were crafted by some dexterous hands with animal hides, is lost forever. With the enforcement of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, artisans are now finding it difficult to keep the art alive.
Such is the situation that instruments like Changu, Kaandra or Sukwa may soon become extinct. “Santhals and other tribes are finding it difficult to have their old instruments replaced ever since the Wildlife Prevention Act was enforced. For instance, ‘Changu’ was used by primitive tribes like Bathdi, Juanga and Khadias and was made from the hides of monkey and deer. But, both theses animals have been identified as endangered species. Thus, it is impossible to make this instrument,” general secretary of a Mayurbhanj-based NGO Society for Research and Development of Tribal Culture, G Soren said.
The Khadias, who live in dense forests, believe that tigers could be kept at bay by playing Changu at night, Soren added. “If Changu isn’t available in the future, the tribe’s cultural ethos will also disappear soon,” Soren insisted.The existence of Kaandra and Sukwa or bugle are also at stake. While Kaandra is made from the oval-shaped hard shell of the freshwater turtle, bugle is crafted with the horns of Indian bison or Gaur (also known as Gayala in Odia). “The tribals used to blow the bugle, whose sound travels miles to alert all the members of the community,” Soren said.
Hides were also used in the making of Dhumsa or Kettle drums. Another instrument, Khanjani, which was mainly used by the Vaishnabs, was made from the hide of the Great Bengal Monitor Lizard (known as Godhi in Odia). Godhi has been classified as a threatened species.
“The true essence of the tribal music will be lost if the hides are replaced by goat or cow skins. The instruments will also lose their purity, as believed by the tribals, and can’t be used at the place of worship,” Soren added.
In such a scenario, the tribal rights activist calls for the documentation of the sounds produced by the ancient tribal instruments. “A research must be conducted to find out a way as to how the hides can be replaced with the skins of other unprotected animals, without altering or adulterating the charm of the original music,” Soren said.
Not just Soren, other activists in the district also emphasised on preserving the tribal culture and tradition. “The tribal music has a unique character of its own. They are different from the ones used in modern times,” said Aditya Pattnayak, Director of Antodaya Chetana Mandal of Rangamatia.
“The ethnic musical instruments were once in high demand. But, they are losing their significance and popularity with the advent of modern-day instruments,” Bibhudatta Das, a culturist in Baripada town, said.
Even as the concern for preserve tribal culture continues, some of them were also worried over the fate of wild animals.