• Ghungharu made of padded cushion, 40 bells

• Size: Length 19 inches

• Perform classical Indian dance

• Handmade by metal craftsmen from Patiala in Punjab in North India

• Ancient musical instrument

Ghungharus are globular bells each about 2 cm in diameter. Dancers string them on ropes or sew them onto cloth or leather strips and wear them around ankles. Larger ghungroos may be strung on a circle of wire and shaken as accompaniment to a song. They are often fixed to other instruments to add to the sound. The bells are decorative in themselves and the cords strung are often bright and finished with tassels.

There are two common forms of the ghungharu. The traditional form is merely a number of bells woven together on a string. However today it is common to find them stitched to a padded cushion. This may then be strapped to the feet of a dancer. Both forms are shown in the accompanying illustration.