Dhama
Dhama, also called jori, the Punjabi drum pair used in Sikh devotional music. Brass dhama with a sheesham dayan, made in our own workshop.
Choosing yours
A jori is a pair: a large brass bass drum, the dhama, alongside a wooden dayan. It is the traditional accompaniment to shabad kirtan and predates the tabla in that role.
Unlike tabla, the bass drum is played with the full hand rather than heel pressure, giving a heavier, less inflected bass.
The dayan is usually tuned to a specific note, commonly around A sharp or C, and other scales can be requested.
Care and climate
Skins respond to humidity within hours. Slacken the tuning for storage and keep the pair out of direct heat.
Questions we get asked
What is the difference between jori and tabla?
The jori bass drum is larger and played with the full hand rather than heel pressure, giving a heavier and less inflected bass. It is the older instrument in Sikh devotional music.
What scale is the dayan tuned to?
Commonly A sharp or C. Other scales can be requested when ordering.
Is it played like a tabla?
The dayan is similar, the bass drum is not. The technique on the dhama is distinct and worth learning from a teacher.