Musical Instruments of the Zeliangrongs of Northeast India with Special Reference to Khong (Drum) and Its Significance

ABSTRACT

The article attempts to look into the khong, drum of Zeliangrong inhabitants of Northeast India and its significance. The Zeliangrong people use different kinds of musical instrument such as drum (Khong), gong (Senmu), cymbal (Senkhiang), horn of the mithun (Goichei), harp (Nrah), etc. They have cultural values. Of all the instruments, Khong is considered as the leading musical instrument. The songs and dance of festivals without beating a drum sound so dull and monotonous. It is made from a seasoned wood of Ngai tree. The animal skin is used to cover both the holes. The Zeliangrong people keep at least three to four drums in every village. According to tradition, the drum is made by members of Khangchu, boys’ dormitory. There are many types of drum, namely Maoginakhong, a small drum, which is mainly used by old men at the time of Nanu-ngai, ear piercing festival and Khongpui-Khongdai, big drum. Khongpui-khongdai is commonly used in different socio-cultural occasions of the people. The functions of a drum are manifold. In the past, drum was also used as medium for sending messages to the village community of different occasions like raid, appearance of tiger near the village etc. The peculiar types of drumbeating of the Zeliangrongs are Meikao Khonglon, Shenthao Khonglon, Goidou Khonglon, Jandan Khonglon, Tingthin Khonglon, Meithei Khonglon, Choumongding Khonglon etc. The data are based on available primary and secondary sources.

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