Significance
Jotha is a basin-shaped cymbal, a Bodo metal percussion instrument played in equal pairs to create a bell-like sound. It carries religious importance and is played during Kherai puja, Garja puja, Bwisagu and Domashi.
History & Cultural Context
The Jotha has tremendous importance in Bodo musical culture; celebration of festivals is considered incomplete without it. It is one of the traditional Bodo instruments — alongside Kham, Sifung, Serja and Gongona — that carry religious significance.
Process & Techniques
Each of the two equal parts is made slightly convex so that only the outer edges touch when struck, with a small domed opening in the middle. The pair is beaten together to produce a bell-like sound.
Traditional Knowledge
Both parts are identical in size and shape. The instrument’s parts carry Bodo names — Jotha thakhri (middle), Jotha bikhung (back), Dirung gudung (aperture for the rope), Dirung (rope), Jotha bikha (interior chest) and Dirung khoro (head of the rope).
GI Registration Details
GI Number
GI 617
Application No.
617
Class
Class 15
Filing Date
29 August 2022
Registration Date
March 2024
Registered Applicant
Bodo Musical Artisan's Association
Facilitated By
Bodo Culture and Heritage Preservation Board (BCHPB)
Geographic Origin
Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Assam
Verification Status: VERIFIED
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