---
title: "Pakhawaj: North Indian Barrel Drum | Model Diplomat"
description: "The pakhawaj is the two-headed barrel drum that accompanies Dhrupad, unlike the tabla's two separate drums. Learn its tuning, gharanas, and UPSC relevance."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/pakhawaj"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The pakhawaj is a two-headed barrel-shaped drum of North India, played horizontally with both hands, that provides rhythmic accompaniment to Dhrupad vocal and instrumental music.
- How does the pakhawaj differ from the tabla?
- What is the syahi on a pakhawaj?
- Which talas are associated with the pakhawaj?
- Why is the pakhawaj relevant for UPSC General Studies?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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The Sangeet Natak Akademi honoured pakhawaj exponent Pandit Bhawani Shankar with its award, recognising his role in sustaining the Dhrupad percussion tradition in concerts across India and Europe in the 2010s.

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