JHALA

sitar

Jhala is undoubtedly the most characteristic of the instrumental styles. Indian stringed instruments are noted by a few special purpose drone strings called chikari. These strings are never fretted, but are struck whenever the tonic needs to be emphasized (i.e., Sa and Pa). The jhala is a fast paced alternation of main melody string and chikari. This lends itself to interesting permutations of both rag and tal simultaneously. This exciting style has become an obligatory conclusion to any sitar or sarod recital.