Ghungroo

A ghungroo (also spelled ghunghroo or ghunghru) is a set of small metallic bells assembled into a musical anklet and traditionally worn by Indian classical dancers. The ornament is known by different regional names, including ghungur and ghungura in parts of northern and eastern India, and chilanka, salangai, sadangai, and gejje in southern India. Worn around the ankles, the bells produce rhythmic sounds that emphasize the dancer's footwork and form an important part of the musical and visual expression of classical Indian dance.

Name

The ankle bells are known by different names across the languages and regions of India. In Hindi, the term is ghuṅghrū (घुँघरू), while Urdu uses ghuṅgrū (گھنگرو) and Punjabi uses ghuṅgrū (ਘੁੰਗਰੂ). In Bengali, they are called ghuṅur (ঘুঙুর), while the Odia form is ghuṅgura (ଘୁଙ୍ଗୁର). Assamese uses ghugurā (ঘুগুৰা).

In southern India, regional terminology differs further. Malayalam uses cilaṅka (ചിലങ്ക), while Tamil uses calaṅkai (சலங்கை) and cataṅkai (சதங்கை). Other South Indian languages also have their own terms for related ankle ornaments, including gejje in Kannada and gejja in Telugu.

Use

The sound and pitch of ghungroos can vary according to factors such as the size and metallic composition of the bells. They are primarily used by dancers to emphasize rhythm and make intricate foot movements audible to the audience. In Indian classical dance, the bells complement the dancer's footwork and connect the movements of the feet with the rhythmic structure of the accompanying music.

Ghungroos are generally worn around the ankle, with the bells positioned above the foot and secured by a cord, strap, or similar fastening. A set may contain dozens or hundreds of individual bells. The number varies according to the dance tradition, performer, and level of training; Kathak dancers, for example, may use as many as 200 bells on each foot.

The use of ghungroos is widespread among Indian classical and traditional dance forms. They are particularly associated with Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Lavani, and Odissi, although their use and form vary between traditions.

Nepal

In Nepal, ankle bells are also used as rhythmic instruments by folk dancers. One such form is known as chap (चाँप), an ankle ornament made by attaching small bronze bells to a strip of cloth that is tied around the ankle. A chap may contain between nine and 27 bells, with different arrangements selected according to the requirements of a particular song or performance.

The individual bells used in these ankle ornaments are known as ghunguru (घुँघुरा). They are small, rounded metal bells that can be attached to cloth or threaded onto a cord. In descriptions of Nepali musical instruments, Chaanp is specifically identified as an ankle-bell instrument consisting of rows of ghunguru sewn onto a cloth band and worn by dancers.

Ghunghroo Vadan

Ghunghroo Vadan is a form of Indian classical percussion developed by Kathak dancer V. Anuradha Singh, in which ghungroo are treated as the primary musical instrument rather than solely as an accompaniment to dance. The performance is produced through controlled movements of the feet, using techniques involving the toes and heels to create different rhythmic patterns and sounds from the bells.

Singh developed the style through extensive study and practice of Kathak rhythm, incorporating techniques associated with several gharanas. Unlike a conventional Kathak performance, Ghunghroo Vadan can be presented as a standalone musical performance at festivals dedicated to classical music, including events where dance performances are not permitted.

The performance emphasizes foot percussion, rhythm, speed, and control, with the performer remaining in place while using the ghungroo to produce complex rhythmic sequences. Singh's performances have included extended presentations lasting more than an hour.