This video/film made under the series of special documentation and collection of Musical Instruments of the Himalaya Region# conducting by HHRDS, Sikkim and Himalaya World Museum# with support of Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India under the scheme for the preservation and development of cultural heritage of the Himalayas.
Tungbak is a three stringed musical instrument of the Lepchas which is played like a bass mandolin. Tungbak has a length of 36 inches, diametre of 11 inches, and height of 6 inches. The instrument is slightly oval downwards and is longitudinal as it moves up. It has four tuners on either side of the top surface. Tungbak is played by striking a wooden striker on the tuned strings which makes a rhythmic sound. The origin of the Tungbak is an oral tradition among the Lepchas. There lived a wood carver during the reign of King Rubay. The man carved wood for his living. One fine day, while he was working, he made a hollow longitudinal wooden structure.
Surprisingly, he found music coming out when the hollow wood is being stricken. Making a musical instrument was the first thought that came into his mind. He carved the wood hollow further and covered it with animal skin. He then tied three strings on it which could be tuned. After the instrument was made, he struck it with wooden striker and it produced marvelous music. This is how Tungbak came into existence. The instrument was played for entertainment at the King’s court.
Citation : Dr. Om Prakash Bharti
