Metal Ghungru

Product Description

A metal ghungroo is a musical ankle-bell worn by dancers in traditional Indian classical dances, such as Kathak and Bharatanatyam, to accentuate footwork with a distinct jingling sound. Typically, multiple small bells are strung together on a thread or a pad, often made from brass, bronze, or silver for the casing and iron for the internal bead. The bells are tied around the ankles, with the number of bells varying depending on the dancer's age, ankle strength, and the specific dance style. Components and Materials Bells: The core component is the small, hollow metal bell that produces the characteristic sound. Casing: The outer shell of the bells can be made from various metals, including brass, bronze, and silver. Internal Bead: A small iron bead inside the bell is what strikes the inner surface, creating the ringing sound. String/Pad: The bells are attached to either a string or a cloth/velvet pad that is secured around the ankle. Purpose and Significance Rhythm and Sound: Ghungroos are primarily used to emphasize the intricate rhythms and percussion of Indian classical dance, making the footwork audible to the audience. Ornamentation: They serve as a decorative piece of jewelry that adds to the dancer's overall costume and presentation. Ceremonial Aspect: In some Indian dance traditions, ghungroos are given to dancers by their gurus after a special ceremony, symbolizing the beginning of their professional training. Variations in Use Dance Style: The specific ghungroo arrangement and the pad it's mounted on can vary. For example, ghungroos on a rope are often used in Kathak, while those mounted on colorful pads are common for Bharatanatyam. Number of Bells: The quantity of ghungroos worn by a dancer is not fixed; it depends on the dancer's training and strength, with beginners often starting with fewer bells and gradually increasing the number.