ABSTRACT
Bajgi musicians frequently refer to the knowledge and history that surrounds the performance practice of the ∂hol as ‘Îhol Sågar’,2 literally ‘the ocean of drumming’. Many believe the Îhol Sågar to be a written source that contains the mystical and practical information on ‘all things’ dealing with the ∂hol’s correct use in ritual occasions. Its content is intimately linked to Bajgi notions of the nature of drumming knowledge and the power that this knowledge encompasses. As stated in various versions of the Îhol Sågar, Mahadeva (Shiva) played his drum and thereby intoned the primordial sound (nåda) to bring forth the universe. Today, every drummer’s performance potentially harnesses the creative power inherent in the ∂hol’s sound as a reflection of the world’s initial creation. Thus, Îhol Sågar is at once drum knowledge and history. It explains creation and, by association, authenticates the knowledge of drummers and emphasizes their role in society.
