The 'bhungal', a long trumpet-like instrument used in Bhavai performances, is played in which state?

Explanation

The bhungal is a long, trumpet-like wind instrument made of brass or copper. It is played in Rajasthan, especially in connection with the Bhavai, a traditional form of folk theatre and dance, and it is used to announce the beginning of a performance and to gather an audience.

The bhungal has a long, narrow metal tube that widens at the end. It produces a loud, powerful sound that can be heard over a long distance, which is why it was used to announce the arrival of performers in a village and the start of a show. Instruments of this kind were also used in the past in battles, processions and royal ceremonies.

The Bhavai is a popular folk theatre and dance tradition of Rajasthan and Gujarat. As a dance in Rajasthan, the Bhavai is famous for its amazing feats of balance, in which women dancers balance a tall stack of earthen or brass pots (sometimes seven or more) on their heads while dancing. They often dance on the edge of a brass plate, on the rim of a glass, or on the edge of a sword. The dance requires great skill and control and is performed to the accompaniment of male singers and instruments. The Bhavai theatre of Gujarat, which presents short plays (veshas) with music and humour, is traditionally believed to have been started by Asait Thakar in the 14th century.

Other folk instruments of Rajasthan include the kamaicha and the sindhi sarangi (bowed string instruments), the ravanhatta (used by the Bhopa storytellers of Pabuji), the khartal (wooden clappers), the morchang (jaw harp), the algoza (double flute) and the been. Famous folk dances of Rajasthan include Ghoomar, Kalbelia, Chari, Terah Taali and Kachchhi Ghodi.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Kerala is known for wind instruments such as the kombu and the kuzhal, used in temple ensembles.
• ✗Assam is known for the pepa (buffalo-horn pipe) and the gogona.
• ✗Punjab is known for the tumbi and the algoza.