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The SwarShala Indian music software includes Dollu and over 100 other perfectly sampled virtual Indian instruments.
Dollu is an Indian membranophone, which is huge in size and heavy in weight, with a head made of either sheep or goat skins. It is loud, low-pitched, and not especially tonal. It fits firmly to a casing usually made of mango tree wood, and is conveyed through a belt or harness and hit with the hand or a short stick.
The origin of Dollu is traced in Hindu Mythology to the divine couple Shiva and Parvathi. The divine couple played games and laid a bet to pass the time. The bet was that whoever lost the bet was to leave Kailasa and settle namelessly on Earth (Bhu loka). Shiva lost the bet and moved into a cave, taking the form of a stone. Mayamurthi, Shiva's ardent loyalist, guarded the cave. Over time, Parvathi became tired of managing the universe alone and decided to send Vayu (the Wind God) in the search for Shiva, but it was in vain. Narada (divine saint) found the cave, killed Mayamurthi and asked 'Shiva' to get back to Kailasa. Shiva, reluctant to leave behind the dead body of his trusted and cherished guard, made a Dollu out of the dead body and conveyed it back to Kailasa. This is why the Dollu is a well-known instrument among Shaivites (devotees of Shiva).
Dollu is inextricably connected with the Dollu Kunitha or Dollu Dance. Dollu Kunitha is acted to satisfy the god of Beereshwara or Beeralingeswara, revered by the Kuruba Gowdas of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, additionally called Halumathasthas. In all sanctuaries where divinity Beereshwara is worshipped, it is a strict practice that the significant instrument Dollu be hung in the sanctuary premises through a thick string restricted to the snares fixed in the roof. Each time pooja is proposed to Beereshwara, according to the custom, there should be a quick beating of the Dollu as a going with the demonstration of love.
Dollu dance has acquired significance with time. No strict exhibition of a formal function or any town celebration can happen without this dance, particularly in North Karnataka. The Dollu dance turns into the actual revolve of action around which other significant things get developed. It requires strength, muscle power, and the soul of perseverance. The topics were strict and were known as the 'Halumatha Purana' or just the 'Kuruba Purana.' As of late, it has been utilized to bless different government plans and projects. It is utilized to invite the reaping season or to honor a wedding, the introduction of a youngster, or even internment or memorial service.