dhā: The Indian Percussions Project

dhā © The Indian Percussions Project

Drums play a multifaceted cultural role in India. An integral part of musical practice and tradition, percussion instruments in India have also occupied our imagination through ancient myths, rituals, memory, history and most importantly, rhythm.

Discover the rich cultural tapestry of Indian drums with dhā The Indian Percussions Project, an innovative initiative that brings the rhythmic heartbeat of India to the digital realm. The project delves into the multifaceted role of percussion instruments in India, showcasing their historical significance, intricate techniques, and dynamic influence on contemporary artistic expression. With roots in ancient myths, rituals, performance and history, dhā goes beyond preservation—it aims to fuel the dynamic evolution of Indian drums.

Team:

  • Akankshya Padhi; Multidisciplinary Artist; Delhi
  • Piyush Gupta: Music Producer; Delhi
  • Shashwat Singh Thakur; Writer/Director; Delhi                                    

The Minted NFTs: A selection

© The Indian Percussions Project

dhol x bāgha nācha visualiser

© The Indian Percussions Project

mardala visualiser

Conversation with the Artists

How do NFTs contribute to the support of cultural heritage?
dhā leverages NFTs and blockchain technology to establish a groundbreaking platform for the recognition and preservation of India's diverse percussion instruments. By minting NFTs representing India's drums, the project creates a digital footprint of the rich cultural heritage, ensuring its accessibility and longevity. NFTs become a conduit for the multiplicity and widespread creative expression embedded in the rhythms and techniques of Indian drums.

What makes this project unique and significant?
Unlike conventional cultural heritage projects, dhā stands out by not merely preserving the past but actively engaging with the living traditions of Indian percussion instruments. The project serves as a bridge between the historical significance of drums and their contemporary relevance, emphasizing the role of these instruments in shaping the creative process of artists today. dhā is not just an archive; it is a vibrant space that invites artists, including those beyond percussionists, to explore NFT technology through their existing practices. By doing so, it transforms into a dynamic, community-driven collaborative hub where the rich heritage of Indian percussion instruments is creatively interpreted and celebrated.

What are the future plans for this project?
The project envisions endless possibilities for expansion. With over 300 percussion instruments across India, each with its associated myths, techniques, rhythms, and sounds, dhā is poised for continuous exploration, documentation, and creation. The digital footprint created through NFTs opens doors for further engagement, inviting artists to contribute and expand the collection. dhā may evolve into a holistic community-driven platform, fostering collaboration among percussionists and artists with a shared passion for creatively interpreting and preserving the wealth of Indian percussion practices. The future involves not just archiving the past but actively contributing to the ongoing narrative of India's rhythmic heritage, ensuring its resonance for generations to come.

Top