Bugdu, variable tension chordophone. Local name 'tumba'. The hourglass-shaped wooden shell is varnished a red colour, and has a single goatskin head nailed to one end. A nylon string is attached at one end to the membrane, and at the other to a handle (killi) of shisham wood (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.), decorated with tassels. It is plucked with a large wooden plectrum (killi). Made in Chatha Sekhwan, Sangrur District.
The bugdu is held under the player's left arm. Grasping the plectrum, the right hand creates rhythms as the player plucks the single string. The left hand holds the handle, stretching and relaxing the string very rapidly, to provide quick changes to the pitches of the notes. While this type of instrument is used in other areas of India it is rarely seen in Punjab. This example was played with the ensemble of instruments accompanying the songs and dances of the Malwai giddah dance troupe, the Punjabi Lok Kala Akademi of Sangrur.
