---
url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-int/faq/instruments-artforms/which-head-of-the-pakhawaj-gets-the-dough'
title: 'Which head of the pakhawaj gets the dough?'
author:
  name: rajeevk
  url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-int/user/fce96177fd193d3a'
date: '2026-10-19T14:59:50+00:00'
updated: '2026-10-25T18:54:38+00:00'
type: website
summary: "The pakhawaj's left, bass head gets fresh wheat-flour dough before each performance; it lowers and deepens the bass."
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---
 

 FAQ · Instruments & artforms

# Which head of the pakhawaj gets the dough?

 Updated 25 October 2026

 

On a **[pakhawaj](/en-int/instrument/pakhawaj)**, the left, bass head gets the dough. Before each performance the player presses a paste of wheat flour (atta) and water onto its centre, which lowers and deepens the bass, and strips it off afterwards; applying it well is a skill in itself. The treble head carries its own paste instead: boiled rice with manganese dust or iron filings.



 

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## Related pages

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###  Instruments (1) 

- [   Pakhawaj The pakhawaj is a double-headed North Indian barrel drum, the primary percussion of dhrupad and dhamar. It is played horizontally, in deep bols, with fresh…     ](/en-int/instrument/pakhawaj)
 
  

 

 

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