ABSTRACT
Chapter 1 addresses the main research questions and explains the approach adopted by the author. It tells how he was introduced into the world of the pakhāvaj by the well-known musician and ascetic Svāmī Ram Kishore Das, who insisted on the high status of the pakhāvaj, identified with the ancient courtly drum mṛdaṅga, and its strong relationship with worship, kingship, literature, arts and yoga. The chapter points out the different levels of meaning and perspectives implied in the view presented by Ram Kishore Das and explains the multidimensional approach adopted by the author in order to find answers to the many questions arising from it. It clarifies the need of joining historical and ethnographic analysis and how the study of a contemporary tradition such as the Nathdwara school of pakhāvaj playing may be very helpful to an understanding of the evolution of the drum and the interrelation between courts and temples.
