Dhol Sammi

This is the Punjabi variant of the widespread but originally Rajasthan tale, "Dhola-Maru." Scholars date the genesis of this tale to as early as 1000 C.E., based on such criteria as its language. It is likely to have emerged among bards in the oral tradition, which were the progenitors to today's dhadi-s and tumba-algoza singers, who still keep the tale in their repertoire.

The first written manuscripts by Jain scribes of the Rajput courts appear in 1561. The conflict of the story relates to the separation of Prince Dhola from the woman he was engaged to as a child, Princess Marvani (Who becomes known in Punjab as Sammi). Marvani/Sammi pines for her true husband, Dhola, who is far away in the Rajasthani desert. In Punjab they say that in her pains of seperation, Sammi danced and sang songs of Dhol.

The phenomenon of 'Dhol' as an epithet for the lover gone abroad may have its origin in this tale. The word "dhol/dhola" itself, in this context, is probably from the Sanskritic word 'dulha,' meaning bridegroom or husband. [The drum word 'dhol' is probably from the Persian 'duhul.']