Jamukula Katha : A Popular & Well Known Story-Telling Art Form
Jamukula Katha : Jamuku Vadyam is a unique musical instrument that was traditionally used in the performance of Jamukula Katha, a storytelling art form in North Andhra, India. The instrument is made in the shape of a custard (dokku) and one side of it is covered with frog skin. In the middle of the skin, a small hole is made and a nerve is tied to the end of a thread and pushed through it, with a small piece of stick tied to that nerve. By pulling the string tight and loosening it with the stick, a distinctive sound is produced.
The Jamuku instrument can also be made using materials like rubber, stick, foil, bronze, or brass. In different parts of Srikakulam district, it may be known by various names such as Bonela Kunda or Budiki. The instrument is predominantly used for instrumental performances in the Jamukula Katha.
In North Andhra, members of the Harijan (Mala-Madiga) caste have been preserving this art form for generations, singing with knowledge of the traditional stories. However, in recent times, this art form has become scarce.
Jamukula Katha & Performance
The performance of Jamukula Katha does not require a stage. A small canopy with two lamps is sufficient in a village setting. There are typically three performers involved: the narrator, a comedian, and a commentator. The narrator, dressed in a black coat, white pancha (dhoti), and white turban, gracefully dances while performing. When female characters appear in the story, the narrator even acts as a woman.
The accompanying persons, known as Vantha Darulu, play two hymns in harmony during the performance. The narrator sings about twenty tunes in each story, with the Kathagamana (narrative) being recited between the songs. Each song has a different tune, creating a heartwarming combination of instrumental and vocal performances.
In the Jamukula Katha, the pilgrims themselves become characters in the story.
For example, if the narrator portrays Subhadra, the other two performers take on the roles of Arjuna and Manmathuda. Thus, a unique and captivating drama unfolds during the Jamukula Katha performance.
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