You have entered a world where the magic of India’s 500+ traditional musical instruments lives on forever. Back to roots is a culturally rich soundscape created by Coke Studio Bharat to showcase everything there is to know about these instruments and help you explore what Bharat is truly about.
A traditional hourglass shaped percussion drum from North Indian folk music, especially Rajasthan and Haryana, played in ritual and folk song ensembles to create deep rhythmic beats. It’s deep and punchy drum sounds were used to create dynamic rhythms in Coke Studio’s song Ishq Bawla that was released on 18 June 2025.
A bamboo clapper instrument from Assam, played by striking its split ends together to create sharp, rhythmic beats. It adds a bright, percussive layer to traditional folk music. Toka was used to add energy and drive to the rhythm of Coke Studio’s song Holo Lolo that was released on 26 March 2025.
A traditional paired percussion instrument from Kutch, Gujarat, made of metal or clay pots. Played by striking the pots together or with sticks, it creates lively, rhythmic beats that enhance a song’s folk rhythm and make it sound more organic and culturally rich as heard in Coke Studio’s song Meetha Khaara that was released on 9 September 2025.
A small one-string folk instrument from Punjab, played by pulling a string to create a rhythmic, twangy sound. It’s commonly used in lively dance forms like Bhangra and adds an energetic, playful vibe to folk music. The lively and raw texture in Coke Studio’s song Ishq Bawla came from the distinctive tone of this instrument.
A bamboo jaw harp central to Assamese folk, especially in Bihu celebrations, producing a buzzing melody. The percussive melody and folk flavour in Coke Studio’s song Holo Lolo came from this instrument.
Featured in Coke Studio’s song Meetha Khaara, Jodia Pava is a traditional folk instrument strongly associated with the Kutch region of Gujarat. It is a distinctive double flute wind instrument where two flutes are played simultaneously — one providing a continuous drone and the other carrying the melody.
A simple clay pot used as a musical instrument in Indian folk traditions, played by tapping and striking to create rhythmic beats. It’s warm and earthy beats gave a grounded feel to Coke Studio’s song Ishq Bawla.
A traditional bamboo flute from Assam and Northeast India, known for its airy, melodic voice in folk melodies. The Siphung lends lyrical textures that enriched Coke Studio’s song Holo Lolo with a serene folk infused vibe.
A traditional stringed percussion instrument from Kutch, Gujarat, made of wooden or metal components and played by striking or plucking to produce rhythmic and melodic tones. It is commonly used in folk music to accompany dances and songs, adding a lively, resonant texture. Coke Studio’s song Meetha Khaara had a richer, more immersive folk feel, thanks to this instrument.
