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Kathak Dance Ghungroo: The Soul of Rhythm

Kathak Dance Ghungroo

1. History of Ghungroo in Kathak Dance

The Sanskrit equivalent of ornament is bhooshana; the verb bhoosh means ‘to adorn, deck, or decorate with’. One of the primary items of ornament that classical Indian dancers wear on their feet for rhythmic accompaniment is a ghungroo, also called a noopura. Indian dance and theater have their own traditions and rituals surrounding the wearing of noopuras.

To fill a void is Nupur’s literal meaning. The Nupur has a vacuum inside of it that vibrates and makes noise like a spring outside. However, this emptiness appears to be filled when we hear the sound of Nupur.

Therefore, the meaning has two interpretations. Ghungroo, the word, signifies hollow. It is a metal spherical object that has an empty interior. When a metal bell-shaped object is fitted inside, the ghungroo moves inside and makes a sound.

Ghungroos, or Noopura, are one of the main pieces of jewellery tied to the feet of classical Indian dancers for the purpose of rhythmic accompaniment. The custom of wearing noopura has its own tradition and ritualistic nature in Indian dance and drama.

The Bharata mentions four types of noopura in the Naṭya Shastra: noopurah, kinkinikas-cha, ghantika-ratna-jalakam, and sa-gohoshe katake kataka (noopura, kinkinika, ratna jalaka, and saghosha kataka).

2. The Role of Ghungroo in Kathak

The ghungroo’s on rope are predominantly used in Kathak. Ghungroo pairs, which are mostly used for Odissi Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam, are constructed of brass and placed on colourful cloth, velvet fats, or cotton pads. The size of the ankle Bell of the Ghungroo can be selected based on the dancer’s age and ankle length.

The primary cause of the ghungroo’s important role is the dependence on rhythm and tale. In Indian classical dance, the dancer is able to synchronise the sound created by his stroke with the tabla’s words and others. By using these ghungroos, the dancer moves in accordance with the sound of the tabla and pakhwaj, and the sound of the ghungroo clearly accompanies these movements.

Ghungroo is a melody anklet made up of small metallic bells. Placing pressure on the median and lateral malleolus, they are on just about the ankle. The pitch of the noise made by the ghungroo’s is very significantly based on their size and metallic composition. They allow the audience to hear intricate footwork while emphasizing the rhythmic elements of dance.

Though almost all classical and semi-classical dance forms of India are inspired and influenced by the Natya Shastra and Sanskrit literature, each is distinct with its application of rhythm, language, lyrics, costume, and music because of its regional influences. Noopura, or ghunghroo, is one of the common elements that binds them all. It is also used in most folk dances of India as well. The dancer wears the ornament only when he or she is ready and about to enter the stage.

3. Choosing the Right Ghungroo for Kathak

In Abhinaya Darpana, Acharya Nandikeshwar stated that

Ghunghroo should be made of bronze or brass. They should be neither too big nor too small; their texture should be crescent; and they must be uniform. All ghungroos should have the same tonality; otherwise, ghungros with different sounds will sound chaotic and untuned. The number of ghungroos for each ankle should be between one hundred and two hundred and fifty. One must always tie their ghungroos in cloth rope

a. Material and size variations.

Brass Bells: Brass is the most widely used material for Ghungroo bells. When the dancer moves, the brass produces a rich, powerful sound.
Copper Bells: Compared to brass, copper provides a gentler sound when used to make certain ghungroos.

Iron Bells: Usually producing a harsher, metallic sound, iron ghungroo bells are less prevalent but are used occasionally.

Bells that have been plated in silver or gold are utilized for aesthetic reasons in expensive ghungroos and are frequently worn during exceptional performances.

Wooden or Beaded Straps: Usually, the bells are fastened to straps made of velvet, leather, or cotton. The straps of certain ghungroos are also embellished with embroidery or ornate beading.

These days, a string of ghunghroos can have anywhere from fifty to two hundred bells. Each leg has at least 100 bells that are fastened to a single, sturdy, long cotton string. As they grow older and develop their technical skills, a young Kathak dancer may begin with 50 bells and progressively add more. A dancer’s level of skill increases with the number of bells on their legs. He or she will be able to manage 200 bells on each leg by the time they have finished studying.

b. Tying the ghungroo correctly for performance.

According to the abhinaya darpan 100 Ghungroo should be tied on each leg of the dancer Ghungroo should be made of bronze and threaded in a blue thread and should produce the same sound Ghungroo should be of the same size and tired formally in the feet so that they do not open while dancing.

A Good Fit:
The ghungroo should fit tightly around the ankle without obstructing circulation or movement.
Throughout the performance, the bells should rest squarely on the ankle bones rather than slipping down the foot.

Style of Wrapping:
One Wrap Method: Secure the strap with a knot or hook after tying it around the ankle once.

Multiple Wraps Method: To ensure that the bells are uniformly spaced, wrap the long strap around the ankle several times before tying.

Hooking or Knotting:
Once wrapped, apply hooks if the ghungroo has them or tie a tight knot at the rear of the ankle.
A secure knot that is easy to undo after the performance is what you want.

4. The Sound of Ghungroo: A Symbol of Rhythm

The Importance of Rhythm

Tala, or rhythm, is the cornerstone of classical dance. The sound of the ghungroo complements the dancer’s footwork, which is timed to the beats of the song, resulting in a melodic combination of sound and movement.
Every step is in time with the beat thanks to the aural hint that the ghungroo bells deliver to the audience and the dancer.

Improving Accuracy: The accuracy of the dancer’s footwork is enhanced by the sound of ghungroo. The dance becomes a live percussion performance as each delicate motion or forceful stomp reverberates through the bells.
Ghungroo is frequently used by dancers to indicate intricate rhythmic patterns, such as tihai (repeated rhythmic phrase), which gives the performance more depth and complexity.

Power to Express: In dance, rhythm is more than just beat or tempo. It tells a tale and evokes emotion and intensity. With each note echoing as a metaphor of that feeling, the ghungroo becomes an instrument through which the dancer communicates joy, grace, or even drama.

Method of Use:

Speed of Movement: While slower motions produce distinct notes that let the listener concentrate on each rhythm, faster footwork naturally produces a continuous, quick sound from the ghungroo.

Stomping intensity: The ghungroo’s sound changes according to how hard the foot strikes the ground. Firm stomps make stronger, resonant rings, while gentle steps produce subtle chimes, emphasizing specific choreography areas.

Rhythmic Patterns: By tapping the heels, toes, or entire foot, dancers frequently produce complex rhythmic patterns. These patterns become audible indicators of the dance’s complexity when amplified by the ghungroo.

Balance of Foot and Hand Movement: In some dancing styles, the beat of the foot is complemented by hand movements, called mudras. The sound of the ghungroo draws attention to the overall synchronization of the dance and serves as an aural setting for the visual narrative.

5. The Spiritual Significance of Ghungroo

Before tying their ghungroos on their legs for the performance, Indian dancers typically venerate and revere them. The acquisition of new ghungroos for an arangetram or rangapravesha (debut) is a very momentous day in a dancer’s life.

It also entails a rite known as gejje pooje or salangai pooje, in which the guru, elders, and well-wishers gather on an auspicious day and present the ghungroos to the deity. The dancers offer the ghungroos to the guru and the goddess, then ask for their blessings before performing on stage.

6. Caring for Your Ghungroo

for your ghungroo, store them in a dry, cool place, preferably in a cloth or velvet pouch to prevent tarnishing and dust buildup. After each use, wipe the bells gently with a soft cloth to remove moisture and dirt, especially if the bells are brass or copper, as these metals can tarnish over time. For a deeper clean, occasionally polish the bells with a metal polish or a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda. Ensure the string or strap is intact and secure, replacing it if it shows signs of wear to avoid accidental breakage during performances.

7. Symbolism of Ghungroo in Dance and Culture

When a Kathak dancer performs, the ghungroo becomes an essential part of their body, as if it were an extension of their feet. It helps express the dancer’s emotions through intricate footwork and rhythmic patterns, making the performance more captivating for the audience. As the bell sound accompanies the dancer’s every movement, it creates an almost hypnotic effect that keeps the audience spellbound.

Ghungroo has cultural value and is also connected to spirituality. Hinduism holds that everything in the universe has a sound and that the ghungroo’s sound is a representation of the universe’s music. It is also thought to be a means of attracting good vibrations and repelling bad energy. In addition, the ghungroo’s color, pattern, and quantity of bells have cultural value and represent the dancer’s creative and aesthetic decisions.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What are ghungroos in Kathak dance?
Ghungroos are traditional anklet bells worn by Kathak dancers. They consist of small metallic bells strung together, typically on cotton or leather straps, and are tied around the ankles. The sound produced by the bells accentuates the dancer’s footwork, creating rhythm and enhancing the overall performance.
How many bells should I use for Kathak Ghungroos?
The number of bells varies based on the dancer’s experience level. Beginners typically use ghungroos with 25–50 bells per foot, while advanced dancers may wear 100 or more bells per foot. The number of bells affects the sound, with more bells producing a richer, fuller tone.
What materials are ghungroo bells made from?
Ghungroo bells are commonly made from brass, which produces a resonant and warm sound. Some ghungroos are also made from copper or iron, each with slightly different sound qualities. Brass is the preferred material for its clear, bright tone, making it ideal for Kathak performances.
How does the size of ghungroo bells affect the sound?
The size of the bells affects both the volume and tone of the ghungroo sound. Smaller bells (around 0.5 cm) produce a light, delicate sound, while larger bells (1-2 cm) generate a louder, deeper tone. Most dancers use medium-sized bells for a balanced sound that is neither too sharp nor too soft.
How should I take care of my ghungroos?
To maintain your ghungroos, store them in a dry place to prevent rusting, especially if they are made of brass or iron. Wipe the bells with a soft cloth after each use to remove sweat and moisture. Check the straps regularly for wear and tear and replace them when necessary.