Ahimsa mrdungas

[Yajnavalkya dasa 0]

I want to purchase a mrdunga, but I noticed that all (except the Balarama Mrdunga) use leather.

 

And the Balarama mrdunga, as far as I can tell, is almost out of production, save for a small 20 inch version.

 

So where do the leather in mrdungas come from? If the mrdunga is made in India, can I assume the leather was from a cow that died naturally or accidentally?

 

Any and all advice and opinions, insights, revelations and reveries in the matter are welcomed!

 

If anyone knows of a source for the larger Balarama mrdungas, that would be appreciated.

 

Or, if anyone here has an older, larger Balarama mrdunga, and want to sell it, I am interested.

 

Thank you!

[Jahnava Nitai Das 2]

 

If the mrdunga is made in India, can I assume the leather was from a cow that died naturally or accidentally?

 

Unfortunately it is likely the cows were killed for the leather. From what I heard they kill calves as the leather is more suitable for making drums. There was a letter going around a couple years ago explaining where the mridanga leather comes from.

[Yajnavalkya dasa 0]

Thank you for the information! It is abominable that calves are killed for this purpose. It looks like I'll have to get the Balarama mrdunga.