played (struck by hand) as drum at weddings, when chanting, in temples. Played by men. Caption from India exhibit (1975): "The 'dholak' found throughout India in folk ensembles, although it is played with special sophistication and skill in Rajasthan. The main body of the 'dholak' is hollowed out of a block of wood with parchment stretched over the openings. The heads are secured to the body by leather and hoops laced down with string. To achieve tonal variation, one piece of parchment is weighted with paste or iron filings. As a further aid to tuning, small metal rings are placed on the lacings and can be pulled up and down to change the tension on the heads. The 'dholak' is struck on both ends with both sides of the hand - fingers, knuckles and palms." Made by men.