E-book “Vadyamanthan” on Maharashtra’s Traditional Musical Instruments Released by Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar

The book, authored by Vibhishan Chavare, Director of the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, presents illustrated information on 110 instruments from Maharashtra

Mumbai, Oct 2025 : Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar released the e-book “Vadyamanthan”, an illustrated compendium featuring detailed information on 110 traditional musical instruments of Maharashtra. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Shelar said that the book would offer the public a unique insight into Maharashtra’s rich tradition of musical instruments and help preserve this invaluable aspect of its cultural heritage.

The event, organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, included an exhibition and live presentation of 75 traditional instruments from across the state, held at the P. L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy premises in Mumbai. During the programme, the e-book “Vadyamanthan”, authored by Vibhishan Chavare, Director of the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, was officially launched.

The e-book provides an illustrated overview of 110 instruments, detailing their categories, construction, occasions of use, and cultural significance. It highlights a wide range of folk instruments such as Timki, Tingri, Dera, Herobai Kingri, Dakalwar Kingri, Bugle, Bher, Killetonda, Tarpa, Pagai, Ghatoli, Ghangli, Chonga, Mandal, Mandari, Piri, Dhak, Dhahaka, Surasota, Gadli, Shing Pepa, Turamba, Dhummas, Dawar, Pawari, Dimdi, Gudgudi, Ghumat, Kartal, Tappa, Chitkuri, Ghati, Khaital, Rela, Tingri, Tibuli, Dona, Gholkathi, Tatkali, Madal, Gubu Gubu Dhol, Khalubaja, Kahale, and Tumbadi, among others.

It also includes instruments like Sambal, Shehnai, Chaughada, Sundari, various types of drums, Bhonga, Pipani, Foot Pump Organ (Paypeti), Pakhawaj, Halgi Tasha, Chondke, Dhingi, Sarangi, Tuntune, and Tur, showcasing the vast diversity of Maharashtra’s musical tradition.

Minister Shelar remarked that Maharashtra’s art and culture are truly distinctive, and many such cultural elements deserve renewed public attention. He expressed confidence that the e-book “Vadyamanthan” would prove highly useful for students, researchers, artists, and music enthusiasts. He also emphasized the government’s continued commitment to documenting and preserving Maharashtra’s rare and diverse cultural heritage.

The event was graced by Minister of State for Finance and Planning Adv. Ashish Jaiswal, Secretary of the Department of Cultural Affairs Dr. Kiran Kulkarni, Chief Postmaster General Amitabh Singh, Director of the Directorate of Cultural Affairs Vibhishan Chavare, Director of the Archaeology Department Dr. Tejas Garge, Director of P. L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy Meenal Joglekar, Joint Director Shriram Pandey, Tejaswini Acharekar, and several other dignitaries.