In Jainism, the principle of ahimsa (non-violence) is of utmost importance and is applied to all aspects of life, including religious practices and rituals. Jain scriptures and traditions strongly discourage the use of any materials that involve harm to living beings, including animals. This extends to musical instruments.

In situations where alternative materials were not available, it is possible that, out of compulsion or lack of awareness, some communities may have used instruments such as the dholak made from animal skin. However, such practices would not align with the core Jain ethical principles. Jain acharyas and scholars have consistently guided followers to avoid the use of animal-derived products, especially in religious contexts.

Over time, with increased awareness and the availability of alternatives, Jain communities have consciously shifted toward the use of musical instruments made from synthetic or plant-based materials for temple and religious use. This change reflects the commitment of Jains to minimize himsa (violence) in all forms.

Summary: While it may have occurred in some instances in olden days due to lack of alternatives, using animal skin for dholak or any religious item is not in accordance with Jain principles. The emphasis in Jainism is always on finding and using non-violent, ahimsa-compliant alternatives wherever possible.