Bastar Tribal Musical Instruments: Authentic Handmade Folk Instruments for Export ,Chhattisgarh, India

📖 1. Introduction

Bastar tribal musical instruments are an echo of India’s deep-rooted folk heritage, handcrafted by indigenous artisans of Chhattisgarh. These instruments — such as Mandar, Nagada, Tumba, and Bansuri — have found renewed interest globally for their authentic sound, cultural value, and sustainable craftsmanship.

As the demand for handmade tribal musical instruments rises in the export market, Bastar stands as a unique source for businesses seeking quality, heritage-rich products that resonate with world music, décor, and cultural tourism industries.

2. Step-by-Step Guide to Building an Export Business

1. Raw Material Source

All materials — wood, bamboo, gourd, leather, iron — are locally sourced from forests in Bastar and nearby tribal regions.

2. Machinery/Tools Used

No large machines. Artisans use traditional tools: carving knives, wooden hammers, hand-lathing, burning and dyeing techniques.

3. Production Method

• Instruments are crafted in rural clusters or artisan homes

• Each piece is shaped, dried, treated naturally, and acoustically tuned

• Designs follow traditional shapes used in ceremonies and dance

4. Workforce Needed

• Small cluster of 5–20 artisans per instrument type

• Skill passed from generation to generation

• NGO and SHG-led training programs can expand scale

5. Setup Cost Estimate

• cluster support setup

• artisan group for tools and branding

• Marketing & export compliance

6. Packaging & Branding

• Use eco-friendly boxes with tribal print branding

• Add tags showing artisan name, origin, material used

• Bubble wrap + corrugated boxes for drums and flutes

7. Logistics & Supply Chain

• Aggregation in Jagdalpur or Raipur

• Shipped via air cargo (for small orders) or sea freight

• Courier partners for international retail buyers

8. Marketing Strategy

• Focus on niche music stores, décor brands, and cultural event organizers

• Create catalog + videos for global platforms (Etsy, Alibaba, Indie retail)

• Target B2B importers via trade shows and artisan forums

🛠️ Complete Product Line – Instruments We Offer

Mandar (Mandhal):

A barrel-shaped, double-headed drum commonly used in tribal folk dances. Crafted from wood and leather, it produces deep, resonating beats that complement Bastar’s ceremonial and festive music. Also used in interior décor as a rustic piece.

Nagada:

These are large kettle drums often played in pairs during rituals and war dances. Traditionally made of iron or copper with leather skin, the Nagada has a thunderous sound that energizes group performances and public events.

Dhol:

A high-energy, upbeat drum used in tribal festivals, weddings, and street performances. Made from hollowed wood and stretched hide, this instrument sets the rhythm in every celebratory setting and is gaining traction in global ethnic music circles.

Tumba (Tumbi):

A stringed instrument with a single string stretched over a dried gourd body and bamboo neck. The Tumba creates rhythmic, percussive melodies and is often used in folk tunes and world music compositions.

Bansuri (Tribal Flute):

A hand-carved bamboo side-blown flute that produces calming and meditative sounds. It’s highly popular in yoga studios, healing spaces, and ambient music production. Bastar flutes are known for their earthy tone and traditional finish.

Moorchang:

Also known as the tribal jaw harp, this iron instrument is held between the teeth and plucked with the finger to create vibrating tones. It’s compact yet rich in sound, used in folk fusion and experimental rhythms.

Khanjari:

A small, handheld tambourine-like percussion instrument, often used by tribal women. Made from wood, hide, and metal jingles, the Khanjari is perfect for devotional songs and fast-paced folk rhythms.

Dhadki:

A compact hand drum with a sharp, fast tempo. This percussion piece accompanies folk singing and storytelling, crafted from wood and leather for vibrant acoustic output.

Chhalla (Anklet Bells):

Worn by dancers during performances, these brass or iron ankle bells add a jingling rhythm to tribal dances. They enhance visual and auditory appeal in folk stage shows.

Turhi:

A wind instrument made from bamboo or sometimes brass, shaped like a trumpet. The Turhi is blown during ceremonies and welcomes, producing a bold, ceremonial sound unique to tribal cultures.

Khartal:

Composed of either wooden slats or iron rods, this rhythmic clapper is used in devotional and folk musical settings. It is clicked in sync with songs and bhajans, creating lively beats.

Thap:

A flat frame drum played with open palms, commonly used by women during traditional gatherings and folk singing. Constructed with leather stretched across a frame, it has a soft yet distinct sound.

Ghumat:

This is a clay-based drum played in rituals and temple ceremonies. Made with natural clay and animal skin, the Ghumat is deeply rooted in spiritual and festive practices of Bastar.

📋 3. Benefits, Applications & Business Use Cases

✅ Benefits:

• 100% Handmade and Eco-Friendly

• Zero Machinery – Low Carbon Footprint

• Directly Empowers Tribal Communities

• Unique Cultural Aesthetic for Global Markets

🎵 Applications:

• World Music & Ethnic Sound Production

• Meditation & Yoga Studios

• Interior Décor for Resorts, Cafes, Offices

• Stage Performances and Cultural Tourism

📈 Business Potential:

• Niche B2B Music Supply

• Export to Cultural and Folk Museums

• Subscription Boxes with Handmade Folk Products

• Online Retail Stores for Handmade Instruments

❓ 4. FAQs

Q1. What are the main tribal musical instruments of Bastar?
The primary instruments include Mandar, Nagada, Tumba, Bansuri, Khanjari, and Moorchang etc..... — all handcrafted using local materials.

Q2. Are Bastar tribal instruments available for international shipping?
Yes, all instruments are export-ready with safe packaging and necessary documentation.

Q3. How do I start an export business for tribal musical products?
You can collaborate with tribal clusters or artisan groups, register your IEC code, and begin under MSME or handicraft exporter categories.

Q4. Are these musical instruments only for musicians?
No, they’re also used in décor, yoga spaces, exhibitions, and gift markets globally.

Q5. Can I customize the instruments for bulk orders?
Yes. Many artisans offer custom sizing, and packaging for B2B bulk orders.

🌍 5. Export & Global Market Potential

Bastar’s tribal musical instruments are increasingly appreciated across:

• 🇺🇸 United States (yoga, music, interior décor)

• 🇫🇷 France & 🇩🇪 Germany (folk music, cultural décor)

• 🇯🇵 Japan (Zen spaces, acoustic use)

• 🇬🇧 UK & 🇨🇦 Canada (retail décor, art galleries)

Support is available via:

• EPCH (Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts)

• TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Federation)

• MSME Schemes for artisan exporters

• Artisan GI certification from Chhattisgarh

📝 6. Licensing, Business Setup & Support

To start a tribal musical instrument export business:

• FSSAI/Factory License: Not required for non-edible goods

• IEC Code: Mandatory for exports

• MSME/Udyam Registration: To avail subsidies

• TRIFED Empanelment: For government sourcing

• Land or Cluster Support: Available in Bastar through DIC or state govt.

👉 We help connect you to verified artisans, assist with branding, and offer infra support if you want to set up a unit in Chhattisgarh.

🏁 7. Conclusion

Bastar’s tribal musical instruments offer soulful craftsmanship and strong export value. Whether you're a buyer, importer, or cultural entrepreneur, this is the right time to support authentic Indian folk arts while building a profitable business.
✅ Partner with artisan clusters
✅ Start your export journey today

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