essay on indian musical instruments

Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History Essays

Musical instruments of the indian subcontinent.

A Lady Playing the Tanpura

Tanjore Tāmbūra (male)

Taūs (mayuri)

Pandharpuri Tambura

Ghanti (bell)

Murari Adhikari

Allen Roda Independent Scholar

The music of the Indian subcontinent is usually divided into two major traditions of classical music: Hindustani music of North India and Karnatak music of South India, although many regions of India also have their own musical traditions that are independent of these.

Both Hindustani and Karnatak music use the system of ragas—sets of pitches and small motives for melody construction—and tala for rhythm. Ragas form a set of rules and patterns around which a musician can create his or her unique performance. Likewise, tala is a system of rhythmic structures based on the combination of stressed and unstressed beats. Within these rhythmic structures, musicians ( 1996.100.1 ) can create their own rhythmic patterns building off the compositional styles of others.

One of the main differences between North Indian and South Indian music is the increased influence of Persian music and musical instruments in the north. From the late twelfth century through the rise of British occupation , North India was under the control of a Muslim minority that was never able to extend its sphere of influence to South India. During this time, the music of North India began to acquire and adapt to the presence of Persian language, music, and musical instruments, such as the setar, from which the sitar got its name; the kamanche ( 1998.72 ) and santur, which became popular in Kashmir; and the rabab (alternately known as rebab and rubab), which preceded the sarod. New instruments were introduced, including the tabla and sitar ( 1999.399 ), which soon became the most famous Indian musical instruments worldwide. Legend has it that the tabla was formed by splitting a pakhavaj drum in half, with the larger side becoming the bayan and the smaller side the dahini. The barrel-shaped pakhavaj drum, which was the ancestor of both the tabla and the mrdangam, has been depicted in countless paintings and prints. New genres of music were formed as well, such as khyal and qawwali , that combine elements of both Hindu and Muslim musical practice.

Hindustani classical music is known largely for its instrumentalists, while Karnatak classical music is renowned for its virtuosic singing practices. Instruments most commonly used in Hindustani classical music are the sitar, sarod, tambura, sahnai, sarangi, and tabla; while instruments commonly used in Karnatak classical music include the vina, mrdangam, kanjira, and violin . The use of bamboo flutes, such as the murali, is common to both traditions as well as many other genres of Indian music. In fact, many of these instruments are often used in both North and South India, and there are many clear relationships between the instruments of both regions. Furthermore, often instruments that are slightly different in construction will be identified by the same name in both the south and the north, though they might be used differently.

Throughout its history, the peoples of India have developed numerous systems for classifying musical instruments, many of which were based on morphological characteristics. The ancient Hindu system divided instruments into four categories: stretched (strings; 2008.141.2a,b ), covered (drums; 89.4.165 ), hollow (wind; 1986.12 ), and solid (bells; 89.4.154 ). This system is widely known to be the inspiration for the Western system of instrument classification put forth by Mahillon in 1880, which renames these groups—chordophones, membranophones, aerophones, and idiophones—basing the distinction on the way in which sound is created and not exclusively on construction.

A note on spelling : All terms used for Indian musical instruments and musical concepts are common transliterations of the original terms. Subsequently, there are numerous possible methods of rendering the same term in English and inevitable discrepancies in spelling. The spellings adopted here are the ones used by The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (2001).

Kanjira (Khanjari) The kanjira is a frame drum of South India. It consists of a skin (usually iguana) stretched and pasted on a circular wooden frame. There are often three or four slots in the side of the frame, in which bell-metal jingle-disks are suspended from metal crossbars. The name kanjira is related to the khanjari and kanjani of North and East India and Nepal. The kanjira is tuned to various pitches by wetting the skin. It is held at the bottom of the frame by the left hand, which also varies the tension of the skin, and is beaten with the fingers of the right hand.

Kamanche The kamanche is one of the world’s earliest known bowed instruments. It has been altered and changed as it has traveled to other parts of the world ( 1998.72 ). Some argue that the kamanche is the predecessor of many other stringed instruments such as the rabab, the sarangi, and the Chinese erhu.

Mrdangam The mrdangam is an elongated barrel-shaped drum found predominantly in South India ( 1986.467.18 ). It is derived from the pakhavaj and is used as the primary rhythmic accompaniment in Karnatak music as well as in religious Kirtan music. In the east (Bengal, Odisha), this barrel-shaped drum is known as the khol.

Murali The murali is a transverse flute made of bamboo. It is used in a variety of musical genres and is often associated with the Hindu deity Krishna.

Pakhavaj The pakhavaj is a barrel-shaped drum with two heads, each of which contains tuning paste, or siyahi . The history of the pakhavaj is unknown, yet as the predecessor of both the Hindustani tabla drums and the mrdangam of Karnatak music, it served as the primary accompaniment for much of Indian classical music. It appears in the musical iconography of Hindu religious painting and in the artworks of the royal Muslim courts of the Mughal empire.

Rabab The rabab is a stringed instrument with a skin-covered resonator that can be bowed or plucked depending on performance tradition. It is found in various forms throughout North Africa, the Near East, South Asia, and Central Asia. Similar to the way the setar and the vina were adapted to eventually become what is known today as the sitar, the rabab was adapted to become the sarod. However, there are many musicians in India today who still play the rabab, and it is quite popular in several music genres.

Sahnai (Shenai) The sahnai is a double reed instrument of North India and Nepal. In South India, a double reed instrument called the nagasvaram is used. Both instruments have seven equidistant fingerholes and no thumbhole. Frequently, the instrument’s flared open end is made of metal while its body is made of wood or bamboo; however, they are not exclusively made in this fashion.

Sarangi A sarangi is a bowed stringed instrument with a skin-covered resonator ( 89.4.200 ). The typical sarangi is made by hand, usually from a single block of tun wood about 66 to 69 centimeters long ( 46.34.43 ). The three playing strings are made of goat gut, and the sympathetic strings (usually as many as thirty-six, though the number varies) of brass and/or steel. However, the design of sarangis varies from region to region ( 1982.143.2 ). For example, the Nepalese sarangi is generally much smaller than its Indian counterpart, and not all sarangis have sympathetic strings.

Sarod The sarod is a relatively new instrument to South Asia, having been around for less than 200 years. The sarod is a plucked stringed instrument with a skin-covered resonator and sympathetic strings. Like the sitar, it is primarily used in Hindustani music and is accompanied by the tabla.

Setar The word setar means “three strings.” Other instruments in this family include the two-stringed dutar and the single-stringed ektar. As Indian musicians adopted the setar, they added more and more strings. Early sitars, which evolved from the setar, have six strings, while more contemporary ones include six playing strings and thirteen sympathetic strings. A Persian setar in the Museum’s collection is a miniature that was made primarily for the purpose of decoration. Many such instruments exist in India.

Sitar The sitar is easily India’s most famous musical instrument overseas, having been popularized in the West by George Harrison of the Beatles, who studied with Ravi Shankar, one of the greatest sitarists of the twentieth century. The sitar has its roots in both the Persian setar as well as in the vina. Like many stringed instruments used in classical Indian music, the modern sitar ( 1999.399 ) has sympathetic strings that sound only when one of the primary strings is struck on the same note. These strings, which are never played by the performer, resound in sympathy with the playing strings, creating a polyphonic timber that many have come to associate with India through the popularity of this instrument. It is interesting to note, however, that the addition of the sympathetic strings is a relatively recent development in Indian music starting in the late nineteenth century ( 89.4.1586 ). The use of sympathetic strings is known to have existed in other parts of the world prior to their initial use in India.

Tabla The tabla is actually two drums played by the same performer. Both drums have compound skins onto which a tuning paste, or siyahi , is added to help generate the wide variety of tones these drums can produce. The bayan is the larger of the two drums and is generally made of metal or pottery. The siyahi on the bayan is off-center, which allows the performer to add variable pressure on the skin, changing the pitch of the instrument with the palm of his or her hand while striking it with the fingertips. The smaller drum is called the dahini, or sometimes referred to as the tabla. Dahini are usually made of heavy lathe-turned rosewood and provide much higher pitch sounds than does the bayan.

Tambura The tambura is a long, stringed instrument made of light hollow wood, with either a wooden or a gourd resonator. It is typically used in accompaniment with other instruments, providing a drone pitch. Some of the tamburas in the Museum’s collection are not full-sized instruments, but rather miniatures created for their aesthetic appearance. The artistic craftsmanship on the inlay in these objects is beautiful. India has a long history of creating musical instruments as decorative objects, and that tradition is represented in the Museum’s collection.

Vina Along with the pakhavaj, the vina is one of the most commonly depicted instruments in Indian iconography. The vina has taken many forms in both South and North India. In North India, it was called the bin or the rudravina, and was the predecessor of the sitar. It was often built of two large gourd resonators connected by a piece of bamboo, with frets held on with wax. Most of the vinas depicted in iconography are rudravinas. In the South, the vina—or saraswati vina—continues to be the most popular stringed instrument in classical music. In its basic shape, the vina is a hollow wooden stringed instrument with two gourd resonators (though there can often be more than two or sometimes only one gourd resonator). The gottuvadyam, or chitravina, is another important instrument in Karnatak music. Unlike the rudravina and the saraswati vina, the gottuvadyam has no frets and is played with a slide using a method similar to that of the Hawaiian slide guitar .

Roda, Allen. “Musical Instruments of the Indian Subcontinent.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History . New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/indi/hd_indi.htm (March 2009)

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Indian Musical Instruments

Last updated on November 8, 2023 by ClearIAS Team

Various Indian musical instruments, both classical and folk create complex and melodious compositions. These instruments are integral to the diverse musical genres of India, including classical music, folk music, devotional music, and popular music. Read here to learn more about the Indian Musical Instruments.

The rich and diverse musical traditions of India have indeed led to the creation of a wide variety of musical instruments.

The Indian Musical Journey is an extensive collection of over a hundred instruments, representing the creative diversity and cultural heritage of Indian music.

These instruments represent just a glimpse of the extensive and diverse musical heritage of India. They contribute to the beauty and complexity of Indian music, and each has its unique role in shaping the country’s musical landscape.

Table of Contents

The continuity of the musical traditions of India is established through a study of musical texts and numerous visual references one finds of musical instruments in painting and sculpture from prehistoric times to the present day.

The earliest evidence of music activity is found on the walls of cave paintings at Bhimbetka and in several parts of Madhya Pradesh, which were occupied by men approximately 10,000 years ago.
Much later, in the excavations of the Harappan Civilization, evidence is available of dance and music activity.
The Tamil word for instrument-Karuvi is found in Sangam literature of the 2nd to 6th century A.D., the literal meaning of which is “tool”.

Over 2000 years ago, Bharata, in the Natya Shastra, classified instruments as tata (stringed instrument), sushira (wind instrument), avanaddha (percussion instrument), or ghana (solid instrument). Every one of the myriad instruments invented since then fits into one of these four timeless categories.

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The Tata Vadya or Chordophones – Stringed instruments
The Sushira Vadya or Aerophones – Wind instruments
The Avanaddha Vadya or Membranophones – Percussion instruments
The Ghana Vadya or Idiophones are solid instruments that do not require tuning.

Also read: Classical dances of India ; Folk dances of India

The Tata Vadya or Chordophones (Stringed instruments)

The tata vadya is a category of instruments in which sound is produced by the vibration of a string or chord. These vibrations are caused by plucking or by bowing on the string that has been pulled taut. The length of the vibrating string or wire, and the degree to which it has been tightened, determines the pitch of the note and the duration of the sound to some extent.

Sitar: The sitar is one of the most iconic Indian instruments, known for its long neck, resonant gourd body, and sympathetic strings. It is widely used in classical music, particularly in the North Indian tradition.
Veena: The veena is an ancient and traditional string instrument. It comes in various forms, with the Saraswati veena and the Rudra veena being notable examples. The veena is used in Carnatic music, the classical music tradition of South India.
Sarod: The sarod is a fretless, plucked string instrument that is prominent in North Indian classical music. It has a metallic fingerboard, and its sound is characterized by its sharp, resonant tone.
Violin: The violin has been adapted into Indian classical music and is used extensively in Carnatic music. It is a Western instrument that has been integrated into Indian classical traditions.
Tanpura: The tanpura is a long-necked, plucked instrument that provides a continuous drone in Indian classical music. It helps musicians maintain pitch and rhythm.
Ektara: The ektara is a simple, one-stringed instrument with a resonator made from a gourd. It is widely used in folk music, especially in regions like Bengal.
Sarangi: The sarangi is a bowed string instrument that is used in various forms of Indian music, including classical and folk. It is known for its emotive and soulful sound.
Santoor: It is a 100-string instrument and is a traditional instrument of Jammu and Kashmir from ancient times. Sufiana kalam music is accompanied by Santoor.

The Sushira Vadya or Aerophones (Wind instruments)

In the Sushira Vadya group, sound is produced by blowing air into a hollow column. The pitch of the note is determined by controlling the air passage and the melody is played by using the fingers to open and close the instrument.

Flute: The bamboo flute, known as the bansuri, is a key wind instrument in both North and South Indian classical music. It is popular for its lyrical and melodic qualities.
Shehnai: The shehnai is a double-reeded wind instrument known for its use in classical and folk music, especially in North India. It is often played at weddings and auspicious occasions.
Harmonium: The harmonium is a keyboard instrument with a set of reeds. It is widely used in various forms of Indian music, including classical, devotional, and popular music.
Mukhavina: Also known as the “Taimila,” the Mukhavina is a brass wind instrument played in the traditional music of Karnataka, particularly in the region of Tulu Nadu. It has a distinct conical shape and is a key instrument in Yakshagana, a traditional theater art form.
Algoza: The algoza is a pair of wooden flutes bound together. It is commonly used by wandering minstrels, known as “Fakirs,” in the Rajasthan and Punjab regions. The player simultaneously blows into both flutes to create melodies.
Nadaswaram: The nadaswaram is a large, double-reeded wind instrument used in South Indian classical music, especially in the Carnatic tradition. It has a powerful and sonorous sound and is often played during temple festivals and weddings.

The Avanaddha Vadya or Membranophones (Percussion instruments)

In the Avanaddha Vadya category of instruments, the sound is produced by striking the animal skin which has been stretched across an earthen or metal pot or a wooden barrel or frame.

Tabla: The tabla is a pair of hand-played drums that are central to North Indian classical music. It consists of two drums, the smaller “dayan” and the larger “bayan.”
Dholak: The dholak is a double-headed drum, popular in both classical and folk music. It is played with the hands and is a versatile instrument.
Pakhawaj: The pakhawaj is a barrel-shaped drum used primarily in the dhrupad style of classical music. It is closely related to the mridangam.
Ghatam: The ghatam is a clay pot used as a percussion instrument in South Indian classical music. It produces a distinctive earthy sound.
Tabla Tarang: Tabla Tarang is a set of tuned tabla drums, each producing a different pitch. Musicians can create melodies by striking the different drums.
Mridangam: The mridangam is a double-headed drum from South India, primarily used in Carnatic music. It is played with the fingers and palms and has a unique tonal quality.

The Ghana Vadya or Idiophones

Idiophones are musical instruments that produce sound through the vibration of the instrument itself, without the need for strings, membranes, or reeds.

Manjira: Also known as cymbals or tala, Manjira is a pair of small, metallic hand cymbals used in classical music, folk music, and devotional songs. They are played by clashing them together to keep rhythm.
Ghungroo: Ghungroo is a set of small metallic bells strung together on a cord or pad. Dancers, especially in classical Indian dance forms like Kathak, attach ghungroos to their ankles to create rhythmic footwork sounds.
Khartal: Khartal is a wooden clapper instrument consisting of two rectangular blocks with jingles attached to them. It is commonly used in folk music, devotional music, and traditional storytelling.
Kanjira: The Kanjira is a small frame drum with metal discs on one side. It is widely used in Carnatic music, a classical music tradition of South India. The player holds the instrument in one hand and plays it with the other, creating a variety of rhythmic patterns.
Thattukazhi and Elathalam: These are small cymbals used in the traditional percussion ensemble in Kerala, particularly in the ritualistic performances of Theyyam and other art forms.
Chimpta: The Chimpta is an idiophone that consists of a metal strip with jingles attached. It is often used in Punjabi folk music and is played by striking the strip to create a jingling sound.
Ghungroo Tarang: This is a set of small ghungroos (bells) attached to a string or cord, similar to a string of pearls. Musicians use this instrument to create melodies and rhythms by plucking or striking the individual bells.
Thali: A thali is a metal plate that can be played by striking it with the fingers or other objects. It is often used as a simple percussion instrument during folk and devotional songs.
Bhapang: The Bhapang is a single-stringed instrument that produces sound by plucking the string and also by striking the resonating chamber with a stick.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of musical instruments in India. Each instrument contributes to the unique soundscape of Indian music, whether it’s classical, folk, devotional, or contemporary music.

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Musical Instruments from the Indian Subcontinent

From the ancient times, indian musicians have developed and performed with traditional and indigenous musical instruments that suited their style..

By National Council of Science Museums

National Science Centre, Delhi

A group of women in a garden, entertaining themselves with music and dancing (mid 18th century) Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art

Natya shastra by Bharata Muni

Old temple paintings and sculptures show that the ancient Indian musicians used almost the same kind of instruments prevalent these days. Natya Sastra by Bharat Muni (composed between 200 BC and 200 AD) clubbed music instruments into four groups: Avanddha vadya (membranophones or percussion instruments), ghana vadya (idiophones or solid instruments), sushira vadya (aerophone or wind instruments) and tata vadya (chordophone or stringed instruments). Till date this ancient grouping hasn't been bettered. Making of musical instruments requires great skill & practice in the manufacturing process including leather craft, metal craft and pottery, combined with some basic knowledge of music and acoustical principles.

By Paul Schutzer LIFE Photo Collection

Indian Classical Musical system has two traditions namely Hindustani and Karnatic. In addition there are folk traditions. In all these traditions, from the ancient times, Indian musicians have developed and performed with traditional and indigenous musical instruments that suited the style.

Folk Dancing (1939) by Gjon Mili LIFE Photo Collection

In addition, the instrument makers have chosen special materials that could make the instrumental music more melodious. Later on, many foreign traditions were added to it.

Avanddha Vadya (Percussion instruments)

Percussion instruments are a form of membranophones. A hollow vessel is covered with a membrane that generates beats when struck.

Percussion instruments can be classified by modes of playing: - played by hand like mridangam; - played using sticks like nagara; - played partly by hand and partly by stick like tavil; - self struck like damaru; - and where one side is struck and the other side stroked like perumal madu drum Indian musical instruments are known and used by musicians around the world. Here you see a Dholak.

A damaru, or damru, is a small two-headed pellet drum from India and Tibet, shaped like an hourglass. The strikers are typically beads fastened to the ends of leather cords around the waist of the damaru. As the player waves the drum using a twisting wrist motion, the strikers beat on the drumhead.

Nataraja (12th Century C.E.) Indian Museum, Kolkata

This Nataraja, an iconic figure in Indian art, is seen here in his venerated 'Tandava' dance stance. It is an expression of ecstasy, energy, harmony, divine rhythm, and cosmic balance.

Seen in his upper right hand is a damaru. The drum is representative of the power of creation.

The Mridangam is one of the most ancient drums in India. This drum must have been made of clay, or 'mrit'. The most intricate talas of the Indian music are played on this instrument.

Nagada are the kettle drums of the old naubat (traditinal ensemble of nine instruments). These drums are about 1-2 feet in diameter, and played with sticks. Today, this instrument is usually used to accompany the shehnai.

Musical Performance (Recto); Page of Calligraphy (Verso) (circa 1750) by Unknown Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Tata Vadyas (Stringed Instruments)

The string instruments are harps, lyres, zithers and lutes. In tata vadya, the sound is produced by inducing vibration of a taut string or chord by plucking or bowing. Length of the string and the tension in it determines the pitch of the note and duration of the sound.

Sarangi National Council of Science Museums

String instruments can be classified based on the mode of playing: - by friction with a bow like the violin, sarangi, dilruba, esraj, etc. (Ravanastram is one of the earliest bowed instrument); - by plucking the string like the saraswati veena, rudra veena - or by striking with a hammer or a pair of sticks like gettuvadyam, swaramandala. Here is a Sarangi.

Veena National Council of Science Museums

The Veena, or the Rudra Veena, of the North has two gourd resonators. The danda or fingerboard in the Rudra Veena has a number of frets which are fixed by wax. They cannot be moved.

Veena Veena by Rikhi Ram Originals National Council of Science Museums

Ragamala Painting (17th Century AD) Indian Museum, Kolkata

In Saraswati Veena, the main bowl or resonator and the neck are made out of one piece of wood. The fingerboard is also of wood but it is separately made and attached to the neck. When the whole instrument is carved out of one log of wood, it is called the Ekanda Veena.

Megha Mallar Raga, Folio from a Ragamala (Garland of Melodies) (circa 1725-1750) by Unknown Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Jantar is a variety of fretted veena. In structure, it is very close to the contemporary Rudra Veena and the Saraswati Veena. All these instruments have two resonators of gourd or wood. The resonator at the lower end of the Jantar is made of specially grown pumpkin.

The Mohan Veena is a modern rendition of the Veena.

It is generally agreed that the Sitar was developed in India about the end of the Mughal Empire in 1700s. It was probably an Indian adaptation of Persian lute. But Sitar might have been developed from Indian Tritantri Tanbura as well.

Nowadays, electric versions of traditional musical instruments are available. Here is an Electric Sitar called a Zitar.

Ektara only has one string.

Dotara has two strings.

Ragamala Painting (18th Century AD) Indian Museum, Kolkata

This painting depicts Raga Hindol (a characterisation of a musical rhythm) playing a stringed instrument.

Venugopal (12th Century C.E.) Indian Museum, Kolkata

Sushira Vadya (Wind Instruments)

Sushira Vadya are hollow instruments where wind is the producer of sound. These can be further classified by mode of playing: wind is supplied mechanically such as in organ or harmonium; and wind is supplied by the breath in clarinet nadaswaram, shehnai or flute (mouth blown).

For wind instruments, the sound is produced by blowing air into a hollow column. The pitch of the note is controlled using fingers to open and close the holes in the instrument. The Shehnai is a popular wind instrument in India.

It is especially used for ceremonious occasions such as marriage processions.

The simplest of these instruments, the flute, is made of bamboo or wood, and is preferred for the tonal quality. Held at a slightly inclined horizontal position, its holes are manipulated with skilful fingering to control the pitch and tonal quality. As seen here, the flute comes in a range of different sizes.

Here is a modern flute.

Companion Persuading Radha as Krishna Flutes, Folio from the "Lambagraon" Gita Govinda (Song of the Cowherd) (circa 1825) by Unknown Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Lord Krishna in Indian mythology, is iconically depicted as the flute player in paintings in numerous styles all over the country and from different periods of time.

Sapera been is used for snake charming!

Ragamala Painting Ragamala Painting (18th Century AD) Indian Museum, Kolkata

Snake charming is a popular art form in itself. The sound and the movements of the pungi attract the snakes. The musician has to stay focused and confident!

...and interact with the sounds at the Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai!

This online exhibition is created by National Science Centre, New Delhi, a unit of National Council of Science Museums, India. Some photographs of Indian Musical Instruments: courtesy Mr. Ajay Sharma, Rikhi Ram Originals, Connaught Place Other supporting images courtesy respective institutions.

Susruta Samhita: Ancient Indian Surgical Knowledge

National council of science museums, palazzo madama, the usable past: reflections on american history 2000–2017, the museum of fine arts, houston, a brief history of the peacock room, smithsonian's national museum of asian art, the life of buddha in indian art, indian museum, kolkata, reigning men: fashion in menswear, 1715 - 2015, los angeles county museum of art, before yesterday we could fly: an afrofuturist period room, the metropolitan museum of art, a musician, a maecenas, museu nacional da música, itr: ancient indian knowledge of perfumery, marco mengoni’s voice lights up the palace for a night, passion for perfection: the straus collection of renaissance art, arts of the indian subcontinent and the himalayas, indian buddhist art, celebrating asian american and pacific islander heritage, take a walk around national music museum.

Stringed Instruments in India: An Overview of Traditional Strings

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Stringed instruments have long been a cornerstone in the rich tapestry of Indian music, resonating through the ages with their distinctive sounds and styles.

My exploration begins with the traditional instruments like the veena and tanpura, whose origins are steeped in history and which continue to shape the sonic landscape of Indian classical music.

Each instrument carries its own story, its design intricately linked to the cultural and spiritual ethos of the region it emanates from.

Stringed Instruments in India: An Overview of Traditional Strings

India’s repertoire of stringed instruments is vast, reflecting the diversity of the country itself. From the rhythmically complex sitar to the soulful sarangi, these instruments not only provide the melodic backbone to performances but also hold a mirror to the regional craftsmanship and musical philosophies inherent to Indian culture.

The evolution of these instruments has been gradual and reverent, paying homage to tradition while embracing innovation.

Stringed instruments play a pivotal role in the history and expression of Indian music.
India boasts a diverse array of stringed instruments, each with regional and cultural significance.
The craftsmanship behind Indian stringed instruments showcases a blend of traditional methods and innovative adaptations.

History and evolution of stringed instruments in india.

In my exploration of India’s rich musical tapestry, I’ve found that the stringed instruments from this region hold a profound place in its cultural heritage, showcasing a fascinating journey from their ancient origins to contemporary innovations.

Ancient Roots and Vedic References

I’m particularly intrigued by the deep historical roots of Indian stringed instruments. The evidence of their existence goes back to the Vedic texts, among the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. The Rigveda mentions the veena , which I learned is one of the earliest known Indian string instruments . This instrument was initially used mainly for accompanying Vedic chants and rituals. Its design and structure have evolved over time, but it maintains its significance and revered status in Indian music.

Influence of Persian and Mughal Era

Moving forward in time, the Indian subcontinent witnessed significant cultural influences and exchanges during the Persian and the Mughal Empire’s rule, which greatly affected the development of musical instruments.

The introduction of the ravanahatha , considered an ancestor of the bowed instruments, is something I find particularly fascinating. Its name and design are thought to have origins in Sri Lanka (historically called Lanka), but it thrived in the northwestern regions of India.

Additionally, during the Mughal period, the sitar , another iconic Indian stringed instrument, began to incorporate Persian elements. It’s amazing to see how these cross-cultural exchanges enriched the craft of instrument-making and the techniques used by musicians.

Modern Adaptations and Innovations

In the contemporary scene, Indian stringed instruments have undergone substantial modifications. Builders and musicians continually update the instruments’ design for improved tonal quality and playability, which is a testament to the evolving nature of Indian craftsmanship.

I’ve seen modern sitars with advanced tuning mechanisms and the electrification of classical instruments like the veena , allowing for a broader range of sounds and integration with other music genres.

These adaptations have not only kept the instruments relevant but have also enabled them to reach new audiences globally.

Types of Stringed Instruments in Indian Music

Indian music is rich with a diverse array of stringed instruments, each uniquely contributing to the tapestry of sound I’ll explore here.

Plucked Instruments

Sitar: Commonly featured in Hindustani classical music, the sitar is identifiable by its long neck and pear-shaped gourd body. It usually has 18 to 21 strings, including sympathetic strings that resonate to produce a complex, reverberant sound.

Sarod: Similar to the sitar but with a more muted sound, the sarod is fretless and features a skin-covered resonator. This instrument typically has 17 to 25 strings, among which sympathetic strings add depth to its melancholic tones.

Veena: In Carnatic music, the veena holds a revered spot. It’s a large instrument with a resonating gourd and a long fretted neck. The veena is known for its deep, warm tones and is typically plucked with a plectrum.

Bowed Instruments

Sarangi: The sarangi is a highly expressive, bowed instrument with a short neck and three main strings. It’s often made from a single block of wood. The playing style closely mimics human vocal techniques.

Violin: Although not indigenous to India, the violin has been adapted into Indian classical music with significant stylistic changes in bowing and tuning. It’s used extensively across both Northern and Southern Indian music traditions.

Fretted and Non-Fretted Instruments

Fretted: I find that fretted instruments, like the sitar, have raised frets that allow for precise control of pitches. The use of these frets facilitates the distinctive slides and microtonal variations essential in Indian music.

Non-Fretted: In contrast, non-fretted instruments, such as the sarod, grant more freedom in gliding between notes, a technique vital for the fluid ornamentation characteristic of Indian musical expression.

Cultural Significance and Regional Variations

In my exploration of Indian stringed instruments, I’ve observed that their cultural significance is deeply rooted, and regional variations add a rich tapestry to the musical landscape of the country.

Northern and Southern Traditions

In North India, the Hindustani classical music tradition employs stringed instruments like the sitar and sarod. These instruments are fundamental to the musical ethos of regions such as Kashmir and Punjab. The use of rabab in Kashmir and tumbi in Punjab underscores the regional adaptations that characterize Hindustani music.

Conversely, South India is renowned for its Carnatic music tradition where the veena reigns supreme, encapsulating the essence of southern musicality.

Role in Classical and Folk Music

Stringed instruments are pivotal in both classical and folk music of India. Classical music —both Hindustani and Carnatic —reveres these instruments for their intricate melodic contributions. Specifically, Carnatic music showcases elaborate improvisations on the veena.

In the realm of folk music , the versatility of stringed instruments is evident. For instance, Rajasthan’s folk scene frequently features the ravanahatha and sarangi, emphasizing the unique sound of regional folk tunes.

Stringed Instruments in Dance and Theater

The integral role of stringed instruments extends into the performing arts such as dance and theater . Ancient texts like the Natya Shastra highlight the importance of musical instruments in stage performances.

Stringed instruments not only accompany dancers but also drive the narrative forward in dramatic pieces. They create the auditory atmosphere that’s essential for natya or dramatics. This is especially prevalent in classical dance forms where music and movement are inseparable.

Famous Musicians and Their Contribution

In this section, we’ll explore the impact of prominent figures who’ve played stringed instruments in India and how they’ve extended their influence globally.

Maestros of the Stringed Instruments

Indian classical music is graced by several maestros who have mastered stringed instruments.

One iconic figure is Pandit Ravi Shankar , a virtuoso of the sitar . My admiration for his work is immense; he has elevated the status of Indian classical music on a global scale. His collaborations with Western musicians like George Harrison of The Beatles have introduced sitar music to audiences all over the world.

Another legend in this domain is Bismillah Khan , whose name is synonymous with the shehnai, a traditional Indian wind instrument often grouped with stringed instruments due to its emphasis on melody. Khan Sahab performed at the first Republic Day celebration of India and his performances are still regarded as some of the most profound expressions of Indian classical music.

Global Influence of Indian Stringed Instruments

The impact of Indian stringed instruments crossed oceans, influencing international music scenes.

The Beatles included the sitar in songs like “Norwegian Wood,” an idea spearheaded by George Harrison after his tutelage under Ravi Shankar. This incorporation spearheaded a trend of including Indian instruments in Western pop and rock music, influencing bands like The Rolling Stones and The Doors .

Through such cross-cultural exchanges, Indian stringed instruments became a symbol of the psychedelic era, and Ravi Shankar’s performances at concerts like the Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock became emblematic of this profound global interaction.

My appreciation for these musicians and their craft goes deep, recognizing how they’ve woven the threads of Indian music into the tapestry of world culture.

Manufacturing and Craftsmanship

To truly appreciate Indian stringed instruments, it’s essential to understand the materials and methods that go into their construction. I’ll take you through the heart of what makes these instruments both durable and melodious.

Materials and Construction

When I think of stringed instruments from India, I’m reminded of the meticulous selection of materials. Tun wood is commonly preferred for its tonal quality and durability, making it a choice wood for the body of many instruments.

To create a hollow resonance chamber, craftspeople carefully carve and shape the wood. I’ve learnt that bamboo is often used for making the flutes and sometimes string instruments, renowned for its good quality and flexibility.

For the strings themselves, traditionally, gut was the primary material, but nowadays, metal strings are also quite popular due to their longevity and bright sound. Tuning pegs, often crafted from ebony or teak for their hardness and stability, ensure precise tuning stability.

Artistry and Techniques of Instrument Making

Indian instrument craftsmanship is an art that balances functionality with aesthetic beauty.

Artisans use a combination of hand tools and time-honored techniques to shape instruments, ensuring each piece resonates with the characteristic Indian sound.

The technique of stretching the strings across the hollow body is done with utmost precision to ensure proper tension. This tension is vital for creating the iconic resonating sound.

The mizraab, a plectrum used for playing the stringed instrument like the sitar, is skillfully fashioned from wire or plastic, designed for agility and comfort.

Throughout the process, I’ve observed a commitment to preserving the rich heritage behind the crafting methods while embracing new materials and advancements, showing a reverence for tradition alongside innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, I’ll address some common curiosities surrounding Indian stringed instruments, their unique characteristics, and their significant role in classical music.

What are the different types of stringed instruments commonly used in Indian classical music?

Indian classical music heavily incorporates stringed instruments such as the sitar, sarod, tanpura, and veena.

These instruments are integral for melody and accompaniment.

Can you list some Indian stringed instruments that resemble the violin?

In India, the sarangi and esraj bear a close resemblance to the violin.

They are played with a bow and have a similar heartfelt sound quality that resonates deeply in classical Indian compositions.

What is considered to be one of the oldest stringed instruments in India with historical significance?

The veena is often recognized as one of the oldest stringed instruments in India.

It has roots dating back to the Vedic period and holds a prestigious place in Indian culture due to its mythological and historical significance.

Which stringed instrument in the Indian tradition is known for being beginner-friendly?

The tanpura is known for being beginner-friendly due to its role as a drone instrument in Indian classical music.

It’s relatively easier to learn the basics of playing the tanpura as it doesn’t require intricate finger techniques.

What Indian stringed instrument shares similarities with the guitar?

The Indian slide instrument called the Mohan veena is quite similar to the guitar. It is actually a modified Hawaiian guitar and has been used by Grammy-winning musician Vishwa Mohan Bhatt.

Could you provide some interesting facts about the role of stringed instruments in Indian music performances?

Stringed instruments are the soul of Indian music performances. The sitar, for example, became internationally famous through the work of maestros like Pandit Ravi Shankar.

These instruments are not just for melody; they also emphasize the complex rhythmic cycles and nuanced microtones that are unique to Indian music.

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Musical Instruments – UPSC – Art and Culture Notes

Table of Contents

The crafting of music necessitates the use of musical instruments , which can be broadly categorized into four traditional groups based on their types. These instruments are crafted from diverse materials like wood , bamboo , metal , mud , and more. Each instrument within these categories boasts a unique style and technique of play.

The Origin and Evolution of Musical Instruments

Many of these instruments have their roots in deities .
For example, the veena and mridangam are linked to Goddess Saraswathi , Lord Krishna , and Nandi .
This association is a key reason why musicians revere musical instruments .
In the realm of Indian music , the emphasis is on melody and the sequential progression of musical notes .
As a result, instruments with keys , like the piano , harmonium , and clarinet , did not gain widespread popularity in India .

Materials Utilized in Crafting Musical Instruments

An extensive range of resources is employed in the fabrication of musical instruments, encompassing materials like wood , bamboo , animal skin , metals , and more.
Various metals, including gold , silver , bronze , copper , and iron , find application in the construction of instruments.
Animal skin derived from sources such as sheep , calves , buffalo , and even the hair from the tail of a horse , along with bones and teeth from certain animals like elephants , is utilized in the manufacturing process.
Additionally, the bowls of instruments such as the tanpura, veena, and sitar are crafted from the versatile bottle gourd vegetable .

Musical Instruments Classification

Musical instruments can be categorized into the following types:

Tata Vadaya (Stringed Musical Instruments)

These are chordophones or string instruments that produce optimal sound when manually modified. Tata instruments fall into three categories:

Bowed: Instruments that generate sound by drawing a bow across the strings. Examples include Sarangi, Esraj, and Violin.
Plectral: Instruments where the strings are plucked with fingers or a plectrum made of wire or horn. Sitar, Veena, and Tamboora are notable examples.
Struck: Instruments played by striking with a small hammer or a pair of sticks. Gotuvadyam and Swaramandal exemplify this category.

India boasts exceptional tata artists, with the Bhangash family recognized as pioneers of Sarod in the twentieth century. Various Gharanas, such as Jaipur, Varanasi, and Etawah (Imaad Khani) , are associated with Sitar playing . The Veena, an ancient and revered instrument dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, is also part of this musical instrument category.

Sushira Vadya (Wind Musical Instruments)

This category encompasses aerophones , incorporating all wind instruments . Commonly used instruments in this category include Bansuri (flute), Shehnai , Pungi , Ninkirns , and others.
The Shehnai , a double-reeded wind instrument with a widening tube towards the end, stands out as one of the most prevalent yet challenging instruments in this group.
It holds the distinction of being one of India’s oldest wind instruments.
The revered title of ‘ Shehnai King ‘ was rightfully bestowed upon the legendary Ustad Bismillah Khan , who elevated the Shehnai to new artistic heights through his soulful performances.
The flute , utilized since the Vedic period , is a ubiquitous instrument found in numerous households. Originally known as Nadi or Tunava , it gained revered status when the image of Lord Krishna playing the flute became an iconic representation in Hindu imagination.
The renowned Indian flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia has significantly contributed to the popularity and artistry of the flute.

Awanad/Avanadha Vadaya (Percussion Musical Instruments)

These instruments belong to the category of membranophone instruments as they feature an outer membrane that is struck to produce specific musical sounds.
Additionally, they are commonly referred to as percussion instruments because they require striking to generate musical tones.
Typically, these instruments have one or two faces covered with hide or skin.
The Bhumi Dundubhi , or earth drum, holds the distinction of being the most ancient in this class.
Musical instruments like Tabla , Drum , Dhol , Congo , Mridangam , and others fall under this category.
While the Tabla is commonly used to accompany most Hindustani classical vocals, the Mridangam finds its place in accompanying Carnatic music performances.

Ghana Vadya (Solid Musical Instruments)

Instruments in this category do not necessitate prior tuning before playing and primarily serve rhythmic functions. They encompass musical instruments commonly employed in folk, tribal music, and dance, with examples like the manjira . These are non-drum percussion instruments known for producing sound when scraped, struck, or shaken.

Musical instruments falling under this classification include Manjira , Jaltarang , Kanch-tarang , Ghungroo , Ghatam , and others. The Manjira has archaeological ties to Harappan civilizations through excavations, adding historical significance to this rhythmic instrument.

Musical Instruments - Manjira - Ghana Vadya

Other Folk Musical Instruments

Chordophones:.

Tumbi: Played during Bhangra in Punjab.
Ektara or Tun Tuna: A one-stringed instrument used by wandering monks.
Dotara: A two-stringed instrument utilized by Bauls.
Chikara: A bowed instrument found in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
Dilruba or Esraj: An accompanying instrument used in Punjab and during Rabindra sangeet in eastern India.

Other Folk Musical Instruments:

Onavillu: Made of bamboo and found in Kerala.
Sarinda: An important tribal instrument used by Santhals in Eastern India, as well as in Rajasthan and Assam; resembling the Sarangi.

Aerophones:

Pungi or Been: Made of dried bottle gourd and two bamboo sticks; commonly used by snake charmers.
Algoza: A double flute, popular as a folk instrument in North West India, especially Punjab.
Tangmuri: A folk instrument of the Khasi people in Meghalaya.
Titti: Resembling a bagpiper and made of goat skin; crafted in South India, especially Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.
Mashak: An important folk instrument in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand; also found in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
Gogona: Constructed from bamboo and used in the Bihu festival in Assam.

Membranophones:

Ghumot: Drum-like instrument played during the Ganesh festival in Goa.
Idakka: Similar to Damru and originates from Kerala.
Udukai: Hourglass-shaped instrument resembling Damru, hailing from Tamil Nadu.
Sambal: Drum-like instrument played with sticks in the Konkan region of Maharashtra.
Tamak: Important instrument of the Santhal tribe, a two-headed drum played with drum sticks.
Diggi: Folk drum originating from Ghariya village in Uttar Pradesh.

Idiophones:

Chimpta: Evolved from fire tongs, utilized in Punjab.
Gharha: Earthen pots employed in the folk music of Punjab.
Andelu: A pair of hollow metal rings used in Burra-Katha.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Musical Instruments

Instruments are classified into five categories based on how they produce sound: Idiophones, Membranophones, Chordophones, Aerophones, and Electrophones.
In India, musical instruments have traditionally been classified into four groups according to the Natya Shastra: Avanaddha Vadya (membranophones), Ghan Vadya (idiophones), Sushir Vadya (aerophones), and Tat Vadya (chordophones).
The piano is often referred to as the “King of Instruments” due to its remarkable tonal range and versatility.
Musical instruments are broadly categorized into three types: Stringed instruments, Percussion or membrane instruments, and Wind instruments.
The Veena is considered the oldest musical instrument in India. It symbolizes the Indian ethos and holds sociological and cultural significance.
The tabla is often considered the most challenging Indian musical instrument. It consists of a pair of small drums and mastering its intricate rhythms and techniques requires a high level of skill and practice.

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Indian folk musical instruments.

Author: Kothari, K. S.

Keywords: Musical instruments-India India-musical instruments

Publisher: Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi

Source: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts

Type: E-Book

Received From: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts

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Paragraph, Essay and Speech on “Indian Musical Instruments” Paragraph for Class 9, Class 10, Class 12 Class and Graduate Exams.

Indian Musical Instruments

The beginnings of musical instruments In India can be found in implements and functions of ordinary life. For instance, pots and other vessels were beaten upon as drums. Some of the instruments have often multiple functions the conch (sankh) was in ancient times blown to announce victory in a battle and it is used in religious functions even today. Indian musical instruments provide us historical information on the socio-religious traditions of a people, geographical distribution of the flora and fauna and soon. That only some communities use a kind of instrument indicates the social taboos prevalent in earlier times. The kind of material used to prepare an instrument in a particular region tells us about the flora and fauna of that place. Study of music and evolution of any musical theory or grammar would be impossible without these instruments. This is because vocal sounds cannot be measured directly; the various features of the instruments are necessary to study the various aspects of music. The growth or decline in the use of different instruments has a deep Impact on the development of music.

About 500 instruments, including those used in folk and classical music, are known to man. Classifications of musical instruments have been done in many ways. But the one prevalent worldwide today was formulated by Bharata (lived between 2nd B.C and 4th A.D) in Natyasastra

Drums, also avanaddha vadya (covered instruments) or membranophones are the hollow instruments have originated from cooking, storing pots. They are covered with skin and are almost always used as rhythmic accompaniments in music and dance. The most primitive drum was a pit covered with skin. Later drums were made of earth and wood. Drums are classified in many ways depending upon their shapes, structure, the positions in which they are placed while playing.

Frame (open) drums have a circular, wooden or metal frame covered with skin on one side. The most common class is the tribal folk daff (also dafli or dappu) which includes the ghera (Rajasthan), tappattai, tappate/ tappata in the south, the chengu (Orissa). Other frame drums include the simplest soorya pirai and the chandra pirai of the south; the khanjari (of the north) or kanjira (of the south).

Drums with two faces (like the gna of Laddakh) might have been wooden and cylindrical at the beginning. Cylindrical drums, generally called the dholak when small and the dhole when large (though these terms may refer to barrel-shaped drums as well), include the ancient bheri and the popular chenda of Kerala. Many bifacial drums are classed under ‘mridanga’”the mridangam of south India, the pakhavaj of Hindustani classical music, the pung (Manipur) the sri khole (West Bengal), the barrel-shaped tavil of south India. The barrel-shaped mridangam is the only drum used in Karnatak musical concerts (the suddha maddalam is played for dances such as Kathakali). Its left face”the toppi, a plain membrane”is simpler than the right valan talai and the faces are constructed differently. The right face has the soru, a black mixture, fixed to it permanently while the toppi has a paste of soft dough stuck to it just before the actual playing begins. The wooden pakhavaj, described in the Ain-i-Akbari, is a single, barrel-shaped drum with moveable cylindrical blocks for gross tuning. Its plaits are struck by the hammer to effect pitch modifications. The paste is applied to the pakhavaj in a manner resembling that of the application in the case of the mridangam. But the syahi is used instead of the soru. Its major gharanas are that of Nath Dwara and of Kudau Singh (19th century).

Two-faced drums include the wasted or hourglass drums (the damatu or budbudke or kudukuduppe). These include the nga chung of the Tibetan region, the tudi of the south, the highly-developed eddakka or idakka (Kerala).

There are the surahi-shaped drums (the Kashmiri tumbaknari, the jamukku of Tamil Nadu, the burra of Andhra) and the conical dundubhi which includes the dhumsa of the Santals, the nissan of Orissa, and the folk drum, nagara, of north India. The tabla” controversial in origin”has become very popular over the years and has taken over from the pakhavaj especially in khyal singing owing to its comparatively softer and sweeter sound. It is actually a pair of drums”the right tabla proper of wood where the paste is loaded in the centre and the left dagga or duggi (also, bayan). The tabla is associated with the Delhi gharana, the Ajrada gharana, and an eastern branch influenced by the pakhavaj.

Friction drums like the burburi of south India are rare in the country.

Wind Instruments also sushira vadya (hollow instruments) or aerophones, vibration of air columns produces sound in these musical instruments. They can be classed as instruments using no mechanical parts to produce or control the sound and those using vibrators (reeds).

To the first category belong the trumpets, earliest of which were animal horns, played by using the lips to regulate the air. While in the simple (primitive) trumpets, air is directly blown, there are others where a mouthpiece is used to aid the playing lips. There are side-blown trumpets and end-blown trumpets, like the horns and conches. The horns, ancient in origin, feature in folk/tribal music and include the singe of the Bhils, the kohuk of the Marias, the reli-ki of the north-east, the deer-horn singi of Uttar Pradesh, the south Indian C-shaped trumpet of brass/copper, kombu and the S-shaped kombu (like the banke, bankya, bargu, ran-singha, narsingha, turi. The Indian sankh or conch shell is a shell trumpet now used in folk music/dance and in worship. The primitive straight trumpets include tutari, bhongal of Maharashtra, kahal (Orissa), bhenr (UP), the thunchen of the northern Himalayas and the peninsular tiruchinnam. The flute is said to have been brought by the Aryans. It is generally made of bamboo. The most common is the horizontal flute which lends itself excellently to the pitch modifications of Indian music. The air is blown into a small hole near its blocked end. The end-blown flutes have plain ends (the fifli of the north-east, the narh of Rajasthan) or beak-like narrow openings (the bansuri and the algoza”actually a pair of beak flutes). The Indian flutes go by the name of murali, bansi, vamst, pillankuzhal”in Tamil Nadu, pillanagrovi”in Andhra, kolalu”in Karnataka”as well.

Wind instruments with vibrators (reeds) may be single-reed or two-reed instruments, or free-reed instruments. While in the first type the reed beats against the hole edges and only regulates the current of air, in the latter the reed, which does not touch the sides of the hole, produces the sound. Single-reed instruments include the been (Pungi), the tarpo (also, ghonga or dobru or khongada), the tatti or mashak (the Indian bagpipe), the Assamese pepa. The major double-reed pipes are the nagasvaram, an important instrument in Karnatak music, and the sophisticated shehnai, with which is associated the name of Bismillah Khan. Both the instruments have only recently become concert instruments. There is also the mukhaveena, the sundri, the naferi, the ottu. The main among the free-reed instruments”which are rare”is the harmonium. Notes are produced when air trapped by the bellows rushes out through a narrow opening on pressing the keys. There is also the khung (rusem) of east India.

Stringed Instruments – The numerous tala vadya or chordophones of various types, many of which can be traced to primitive cultures, can be classed into drones, rhythmic instruments which do not create melody; polychords wherein a string corresponds to every note in producing melody; monochords or fingerboard instruments”a single string can produce the whole melody though there may be many strings on an Instrument.

The common and simple drones are the tun tune (a folk instrument), the gopi yantra (of Bengal, Orissa), the jamadika (Andhra), the premtal, the buang played by the Oriya Santals. The well-developed drones include the single-stringed ek tar or eka nada, the tamboori, and the four-stringed tamboora or tanpoora. It is famous for its rich sound quality which depends upon the positioning of the jeevan or javari”the thread on the bridge under the strings. The polychords (also, veena”referred to in the Vedas and identified by some with the Dravidian yazh) are the most primitive stringed instruments and mainly comprise the harps and lyres”said to have never existed in India. The harps are referred to in the ancient books depicted in the ancient monuments and music of the earliest times depended upon them. Though generally arched with a resonator and an arm (danda), there are also the box-type (dulcimer type) harps which have no arm. Chief among them is the santoor, specific to Kashmir, which has a large number of strings played with thin sticks. There is also the small svaramandal.

The monochords or fingerboard instruments may be plucked or bowed. Plucked ones include zithers, in which the resonator is fixed below the fingerboard. Typically Indian, the zithers include fretless ones”the most primitive bamboo zither or gintang, the ancient alapini veena, the eka tantri or Brahma veena, the vichitra veena of Hindustani music”and fretted instruments, mainly the kinnari of the middle ages and its descendant, Rudraveena. Unlike the zithers, in the lutes the resonator extends to form the fingerboard. Of the short-necked lutes, chief is the sarod. It is a fretless, wooden lute with narrow bridge and strings, plucked with the triangular ‘java’. Ali Akbar Khan and Amjad Ali Khan feature among the eminent sarod players. There is also the kacchapi, rabab of the north-west, svarabat (svaragat) and sur singar. The long-necked lutes include the Sarasvati Veena, the chief among veenas, which holds a supreme status in Karnatak music. It is the only instrument on which all the three”svara, raga and tala – can be played. Like this veena, the sitar (from Persian seh-tar) holds an exalted place in Hindustani music. It is said to have been invented by Amir Khusrau (13th century). The wooden lute has live metal wires for playing ragas, a couple of drone strings, the chikari, and a set of thin wires, the tarab. The famous Ravi Shankar is associated with this instrument. A popular long-necked, fretless lute is the gottuvadyarn (Mahanataka veena), the only Karnatak music instrument to have the resonating strings”tarab. The bowed monochords have not achieved the status of the plucked ones in India. Those which are held with the fingerboard above and the resonator below include the sarinda, the kamaitcha and the sarangi. The sarangi’s uniqueness lies in the finger-technique used by the player”the ‘finger nails’ are used to stop the fingers! The bowed instruments held with the sound box above and the fingerboard below include all local forms of the violin”the Ravana hatta or Ravana hasta veena of Rajasthan and Gujarat, the kingri of the Pradhans in Andhra and Maharashtra, the kenra and the banam (Orissa), the pena (Manipur), the veena kunju of the Pulluvans (Kerala).

Solids – The ghana vadya or idiophones are often believed to be the earliest musical instruments known by man. They are mainly rhythm keepers as they are not developed enough to produce the definite pitches which are important for melody. Pots used as idiophones include the matki, noot, gagri and the ghatam, which is played In Karnatak music concerts. Made of special clay, it is capable of producing a variety of sounds. The jaltarang, a set of water-filled porcelain cups struck with bamboo sticks, is used in orchestras. Ankle bells”the ghungroo, the gejje; plates such as the north Indian thali, jagte (jagante) of Karnataka and Andhra, the semmankalam of Tamil Nadu, the chennala. (chenkala) of Kerala, the Rajasthani sree mandal (a number of plates); sticks like the dandiya (Gujarat), kolu, of south India; and varieties of slit drums”the Assamese songkong, the north-eastern tak dutrang, Katola of Madhya Pradesh”feature among idiophones.

The Indian Orchestra – Though the orchestra has never existed in India, instrumental groups such as the kutapa”explained by Bharata in Natyasastra, melam of south India (the nayyandi melam, for instance), the pancha vadya ensemble of Kerala have been there. In recent years, the music in Indian films has been orchestrated to a certain extent.

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Essay on Musical Instruments

Students are often asked to write an essay on Musical Instruments in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Musical Instruments

What are musical instruments.

Musical instruments are tools that make sounds. People play them to create music. Some are old, like drums and flutes, and some are new, like electronic keyboards. Instruments can be simple, like a shaker, or complex, like a piano.

Types of Instruments

There are many kinds of instruments. They are often grouped by how they make sound. String instruments use strings, wind instruments need air, and percussion instruments make noise when hit. Keyboard and electronic instruments are also popular.

Learning to Play

Playing an instrument takes practice. Many start learning at school or with a teacher. It’s fun and can be a hobby or a job. Playing music helps with learning and brings joy.

Instruments in Culture

Instruments are important in culture. They are used in celebrations, religious events, and for entertainment. Each country has unique instruments that make their music special. Instruments help keep traditions alive.

Musical instruments are a key part of human life. They bring people together and let them express feelings through music. Learning about instruments teaches us about history, culture, and art.

250 Words Essay on Musical Instruments

Musical instruments are tools that people use to create music. Just like a painter uses a brush to paint pictures, musicians use instruments to make sounds. There are many kinds of musical instruments, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small enough to fit in your pocket, like a harmonica, while others are so big they fill up a whole room, like a pipe organ.

Types of Musical Instruments

Instruments are often grouped by how they make sound. String instruments, like guitars and violins, have strings that you pluck or bow to make music. Wind instruments, such as flutes and trumpets, need air blown into them. Percussion instruments, like drums and tambourines, make sounds when you hit them. Finally, keyboard instruments, like pianos and electronic keyboards, have keys that you press to create notes.

Playing an instrument takes practice. At first, it might be tough to make a nice sound, but with time, you can learn to play songs. Some people take lessons with a teacher, while others teach themselves. Playing an instrument can be a fun hobby and a great way to express yourself.

Music Brings Us Together

Music is a language that everyone can understand, and instruments are the tools we use to speak that language. They help us to share our feelings, celebrate, and come together. Whether in a big concert or a small gathering at home, musical instruments add joy and excitement to our lives.

500 Words Essay on Musical Instruments

Musical instruments are tools that people use to make music. Just like a painter uses a brush to paint pictures, musicians use instruments to create sounds. There are many kinds of musical instruments, and each one can make different noises. Some are played by hitting them, like drums. Others are played by blowing air through them, like flutes. There are also instruments that make sound when you pull strings, like guitars.

Musical instruments can be grouped into families based on how they make sound. The main families are strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and keyboards. String instruments have strings that vibrate to make sound, like violins and cellos. Woodwind instruments, like clarinets and saxophones, make music when air is blown inside. Brass instruments, such as trumpets and trombones, also need air but they have a buzzing sound. Percussion instruments, like drums and cymbals, are hit to produce sound. Keyboards, like pianos and organs, have keys that you press to make music.

Learning to Play an Instrument

Playing an instrument can be fun, but it also takes practice. When you learn, you start with simple notes and rhythms. As you get better, you can play harder pieces of music. Many schools have music classes where students can learn to play. Some kids also take lessons outside of school from a music teacher. It’s important to practice regularly if you want to improve.

The History of Musical Instruments

Musical instruments have been around for a very long time. Thousands of years ago, people made instruments from natural materials like wood, bone, and stone. Over time, as people learned more about music and making things, instruments became more complex. For example, early flutes were just hollow tubes, but now they have keys and parts that make them easier to play and sound better.

Musical Instruments Around the World

Different places in the world have their own special instruments. In Africa, there are drums that are unique to their culture. In India, there is an instrument called the sitar that has a long neck and many strings. In Scotland, people play the bagpipes, which have bags full of air that push out through pipes. Every country has its own music that sounds different and uses different instruments.

The Role of Instruments in Music

Instruments add beauty and feeling to music. They can be loud or soft, high or low. When many instruments play together, like in an orchestra, they can make a big, rich sound. Each instrument has its own part, but when they all play together, it’s like they’re having a conversation in the language of music.

Musical instruments are a big part of what makes music so wonderful. They come in all shapes and sizes and can make all kinds of sounds. Learning to play an instrument is a skill that can bring a lot of joy. Whether it’s the beating of a drum or the melody from a violin, instruments help us tell stories and express feelings through music.

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Indian Music, Essay Example

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Sarod is a string musical instrument that is common with the Indian Classical music. In Pakistan, northern India and Bangladesh, the instrument played along with sitar is the most prominent and popular instrument for performing the Hindustani classical music. The instrument is identical for its deep, introspective sound that is weighty. This sound contrast the sweet and overtone-rich texture produced by the sitar which has sympathetic strings common for reverberant quality.

The instrument is also able to produce continuous slides along the notes making it produce the unique Indian sound that is the glissandi. The other unique characteristic of sarod is that its unique is that it is smaller than sitar and sits comfortably on the player’s lap. It also has leaner and cleaner sound making it produce a sympathetic sound made from its resonant sympathetic strings.

The close connections between India and Afghanistan can eloquently be spoken by this instrument that speaks more about the Persian world. Its sound as it has come to be commonly known in the modern day India is distinctively an Indian character and has been closely linked to the sinewy, muscular style. Some of people believe that the instrument descended from the Afghan rubab. The name Sarod in its closest translation refers to a beautiful sound or melody. There is also a wide spread speculation that sarod may have originated from the oud though sarod maestro has been favored as having the ancestors who invented sarod.

This is attribution among the many contesting and conflicting histories of sarod is where Ali Khan’s ancestors, like Mohammad Hashmi came from. It is believed that rabab was translated to the current day sarod one of Khan’s ancestors Gwalior who become a prominent court musician. Ali Khan according to history was motivated to create his Sarod Ghar in Gwalior after visiting Beethoven’s house a man who was famous for playing sarod.

Like many of the classical status instruments, sarod is quite limited and played using the soft tips of the player’s finger imitating the duller. The strings must be pressed hard against the fingerboard making it a very demanding instrument to play. There are however to approaches to playing sarod. One involves using the fingernails to stop the strings while the other is the use of both the nails and the fingertip to stop the strings. This possible by pressing the strings against the fingerboards that are largely depend on the musicians’ preference. There those who prefer using the index, middle and ring fingers while other prefer the use of third finger for slides and hammers.

Indian classical music also commonly known as the Hindustani classical music or the North Indian is found in most part of the northern Indian subcontinent. This is famous tradition in Indian that originated from Vedic ritual chants and has been widely common in Pakistan and the modern day North India. Amjad Ali Khan is one of the Indian classical musicians of his time who played sarod. Born in 1945 to a family of musicians, Khan as performed internationally since the late 1960s.This has worn him the one of the India’s second highest honor for civilian, the Padma Vibhushan which he earned in 2001.

During his early life, Khan is believed to have invented the sarod which he played throughout his youthful musical life. Having received his education through homeschooling, he learned music from his father who taught him music and studied music intensively under a strict musical father who moved most of the time. While in the USA, Khan performed in the 1960s through to the 2000s most of which he performed with his farther and other sons who were also musicians.

Throughout his career, Khan has experimented a lot with the modification of sarod. One memorable performance is the 2001 Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra where he performed. He subsequently played the instrument in the University of New Mexico where he was a visiting professor where he performed on Carrie Newcomer’s album has was famously debut Everything is Everywhere in the company of his sons. While performing, Amjad Ali Khan has been widely characterized with deep human spirit and a warm feeling and a seen of caring. This is according to His Holiness the Dalai Lama has uniquely made Khan the greatest master of the Sarod and composer in the 20 th century.

On the raga and tala performed in this music according to Hindustani traditions is according raga classification is Rageshri, based on that it’s referred to as Khamaj. On its samay category, it’s played in the late evening. Its Swaras used include Komal Nishad, it’s however slightly used of Shuddha Nishad while Pancham is not used. Some of the noticeable notes include the shuddha. Gharana, raga, ghazal, Khayal and dhrupad are among the key things that represent the Hindustani art music which in the real sense give a clear picture of the classical Indian music today.

Through these, Indian music has grown through the complex interactions of different cultures and peoples through several years. This has offered clue on how on how styles and historical eras that explain the musical scales and scales are preserved. Just like most Indian music, Ali khan Sarod is based on the raga that is melody and its rhythmic cycles commonly known as the tala. Some of the other major forms that are associated with Hindustani classical music is the Khyal, ghazal and thumri which follow strict classical rules. Ghazal for instance originated from the Persian form of poetry and has rose to become the most famous Urdu poetry popularizing the by classical poets like Mir Taqi and other Northern India literacy elite. The music which is mostly vocal has multiple variations across most countries like Afghanistan and turkey. Ghazal also exist in various variations which include but not limited to folk, pop and semi-classical forms making it the most common form of poetry in the Indian-sub continent. Thumri on the other hand is an Indian semi-classical whose main specialty is based on a construction that is subtle, knotty and fast.

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7 Indian Musicians You Have...

7 Indian Musicians You Have To Know

Indian music takes many forms: classical, folk, and pop music. India has been blessed with a number of gifted musicians, who have mesmerized listeners from around the globe with their art. Let’s take a look at seven Indian musicians you should add to your playlist.

Ustad bismillah khan (1913 – 2006).

A spectacular shehnai player, Khan was a musician who was able to grasp the essence of Indian culture through his art. His name will forever be associated with shehnai , the instrument which he made popular through his music. Ustad Bismillah Khan is an iconic figure for Indian music, and has played in national events such as the first Independence Day, as well as the first Republic day of the country. He has been bestowed with honorable awards like the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, to name a few.

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Pandit Ravi Shankar (1920-2012)

Hariprasad Chaurasia (1938 – present)

A legendary Indian flautist and counted among the greatest masters of the north Indian bamboo flute, Hariprasad Chaurasia is a Padma Shree and a Padma Vibushan recipient. Unlike many Indian musicians who were born in muscial families, Hariprasad Chaurasia was the son of a wrestler. He had to rebel against his father and he secretly began learning classical vocal music at the age of 15 from his neighbor. Upon meeting the famous flautist Pandit Bholanath Prasanna of Varanasi, he was deeply influenced by his music and began learning to play the flute under his guidance.

Pandit Shivkumar Sharma (1938 – present)

A renowned santoor player, Sharma is single handedly responsible for making the instrument a popular in classical music. Recipient of the Padma Shree and Padma Vibhushan awards, he has also won accolades around the world. He is one of those rare musicians who have also been able to make a mark in the world of popular film music. His compositions for blockbusters such as Silsila and Chandni are a manifestation of his musical brilliance.

R.D. Burman (1939 – 2004)

Popularly known as ‘Panchamda’, he was the man who introduced Western tunes in the Hindi film industry. His musical ideas were innovative and fresh to Indian ears. Heavily inspired by Western music, especially Arabian and Persian music, he experimented with several genres to create fusional music and some boundar-breaking songs.

Jagjit Singh (1941 – 2011)

This renowned Indian singer, writer and musician was famously dubbed as the ‘Gazal King’. He achieved incredible success with his soulful and mesmerizing voice in several genres of music; ranging from romantic melodies, to sad compositions, and devotional hymns. He was married to another leading singer, Chitra , and the duo created musical magic together. Sadly, his personal life was deeply troubled by the death of his only son, after which his wife gave up music. However, Jagjit Singh continued to sing and enthralled audiences by communicating with the deepest human emotions through his art.

AR Rahman (1967 – present)

A living legend, his music has the potential to touch the deeper places in the human heart. He has revolutionized Indian film music over the past two decades. From Roja to Rockstar , his musical genius has charmed audiences, making him one of the world’s all-time best-selling recording artists. He has won two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA award, four National awards, fifteen Filmfare awards and thirteen Filmfare Award (South).

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भारतीय वाद्य यंत्रों की जानकारी Indian musical instruments in Hindi

इस लेख में हम आपको भारतीय वाद्य यंत्रों की जानकारी Indian musical instruments in Hindi के बारे में विस्तार से जानकारी देंगे।

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भारतीय वाद्य यंत्रों की जानकारी Indian musical instruments

भारतीय वाद्य यंत्रों की सूची indian musical instruments list .

वीणा का प्रयोग शास्त्रीय संगीत में किया जाता है। यह सबसे प्राचीन वाद्य यंत्र माना जाता है। वैदिक साहित्य में वीणा का उल्लेख कई जगह मिला है। सरस्वती और नारद मुनि के हाथ में वीणा वाद्य यंत्र सदैव रहता था। यह माना जाता है कि अमीर खुसरो ने सितार की रचना वीणा और बैंजो को मिलाकर की थी। इस वाद्य यंत्र में 4 तार होते हैं। रूद्र वीणा और विचित्र वीणा वीणा के ही दूसरे रूप हैं।

यह एक लोकप्रिय वाद्ययंत्र माना जाता है। सितार को भारत का राष्ट्रीय वाद्य यंत्र भी कहते हैं। इस वाद्ययंत्र के द्वारा मन की भावनाओं को व्यक्त किया जाता है। हिंदू और मुसलमानों के वाद्य यंत्रों को मिलाकर सितार की रचना की गई है।

इसमें 1 से 5 तार हो सकते हैं। एक तार वाले सितार को “एकतारा”, दो तार वाले सितार को “दोतारा” इसी तरह 4 वाले सितार को “चहरतारा” और 5 तार वाले सितार को पचतारा कहते हैं।

तबला एक लोकप्रिय वाद्ययंत्र है। भारत में यह बहुत मशहूर है। यह वाद्य यंत्र दो भागों में होता है दाहिना तबला जिसे दाहिने हाथ से बजाते हैं और बाया तबला जिसे बाएं हाथ से बजाते हैं। तबले का आविष्कार 13वीं शताब्दी में महान भारतीय कवि और संगीतज्ञ अमीर खुसरो ने पखावज के दो टुकड़े करके किया था।

तबला शीशम की लकड़ी से बनाया जाता है। इसे बजाने के लिए हथेली और उंगलियों का प्रयोग किया जाता है। उस्ताद अल्लाह रखा खान, अहमद जान थिरकवा, उस्ताद जाकिर हुसैन , किशन महाराज प्रसिद्ध तबला वादक हैं।

ढोलक का नाम तो आपने सुना होगा। यह वाद्ययंत्र भारत के घर घर में है। शुभ अवसरों पर ढोलक बजाई जाती है। किसी परिवार में जब कोई बच्चा जन्म लेता है तो खुशहाली मनाने के लिए ढोलक बजाई जाती है।

होली शादी जैसे अवसरों पर ढोलक का प्रयोग खूब होता है। शीशम सागौन आम जैसी लकड़ियों को अंदर से खोखला करके दोनों किनारों पर चमड़ा चढ़ा देते है। यह दोनों हाथों से बजाई जाती है।

मशकबीन (बैगपाइप) का इस्तेमाल पाश्चात्य देशों में अधिक किया जाता है। इसकी धुन बहुत ही मधुर होती है। गणतंत्र दिवस समारोह में देश के जवान बैगपाइप को बजाकर मार्च करते है। सभी लोगों को इस वाद्य यंत्र की धुन पसंद आती है। इसकी धुन को सुनकर शाही एहसास होता है।

प्राचीन काल के राजा महाराजा अपने समारोह में इसका इस्तेमाल करते थे। इस वाद्ययंत्र का वजन 4 किलोग्राम के आस पास होता है। इसे बचाने के लिए बहुत शक्ति लगती है, इसलिए बजाने वाले व्यक्ति को पौष्टिक आहार खाना पड़ता है जिससे उसकी ताकत बनी रहे।

हमारे देश में बांसुरी एक लोकप्रिय वाद्य यंत्र है। मेलो बाजारों में भी कई बांसुरी बेचने वाले दिख जाते हैं। हिंदू धर्म में श्री कृष्ण भगवान भी बांसुरी बजाकर गोपियों को रिझाते थे। इसकी धुन अत्यंत मधुर होती है। यह बांस से बनाया जाता है।

बांसुरी में कुल 7 छेद बनाये जाते हैं। यह वाद्य यंत्र श्री कृष्ण भगवान का प्रिय वाद्य यंत्र था। इसे मुरली के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। हरिप्रसाद चौरसिया विश्व के प्रसिद्ध बांसुरी वादक हैं।

यह वाद्य यंत्र भी आजकल काफी मशहूर हो गया है। गिटार का विकास सितार से हुआ है। यह हल्की लकड़ी का बना होता है। इसमें 6 तार होते हैं। उंगलियों से तारों को छेड़कर धुन निकाली जाती है। इसका प्रयोग एकल गायन के लिए किया जाता है। आजकल इलेक्ट्रॉनिक गिटार थी काफी लोकप्रिय हो गया है।

इस वाद्य यंत्र को बेला भी कहते हैं। विश्व भर में यह वाद्य यंत्र काफी प्रसिद्ध है। वायलिन का आविष्कार इटली में किया गया था।

पियानो भी एक लोकप्रिय वाद्ययंत्र है। इसका आविष्कार 10 वीं शताब्दी में हुआ था। इसे महावाद्य भी कहते हैं। पियानो में कुल 88 स्वर होते हैं जो अष्टको में विभक्त होते हैं। 49 वा स्वर पिच ऐ कहलाता है जिसकी आवृति 440 प्रति सेकंड होती है। पियानो का प्रत्येक स्वर निश्चित होता है। प्रत्येक स्वर मूल स्वर और सन्नादी स्वरों के मेल से बनता है।

यह तांबे का बना वाद्य यंत्र है। इसे मुंह से बजाया जाता है। इसमें बहुत सी चाभियाँ लगी होती हैं जिसे बजाते वक्त दबाने से स्वर में भिन्नता आती है। सेक्सोफोन का आविष्कार बेल्जियन अडोल्फ़ सैक्स ने 1840 में किया था।

28 जून 1846 को उन्होंने इसका पेटेंट करवाया था। इस वाद्ययंत्र का इस्तेमाल शास्त्रीय संगीत में किया जाता है। सेना के समारोहों, मार्चिंग बैंड और विजय संगीत में भी सेक्सोफोन का इस्तेमाल किया जाता है।

इसका प्रयोग शास्त्रीय संगीत में अधिक किया जाता है। यह गायकी प्रधान वाद्य यंत्र है। इसे गाने के साथ बजाया जाता है। सारंगी का अर्थ है 100 रंगों वाला। इसका आविष्कार 18 वीं शताब्दी में किया गया था। राग ध्रुपद जैसे कठिन राग को सारंगी के साथ गाने पर बहुत सुंदर स्वर निकलता है।

सारंगी के स्वर को शांति का स्वर माना जाता है। इस वाद्य यंत्र को बजाना बहुत ही कठिन है। मुस्लिम शासन काल में सारंगी का इस्तेमाल दरबार के कार्यक्रमो में किया जाता था।

शहनाई भारत का एक प्रसिद्ध वाद्य यंत्र है। इसका इस्तेमाल शादी विवाह के शुभ अवसर पर किया जाता है। इसका इस्तेमाल शास्त्रीय संगीत में अधिक किया जाता है। शहनाई के अंदर से पाइप होती है जिसका एक सिरा पतला और दूसरा सिरा चौड़ा होता है। उस्ताद बिस्मिल्लाह खां विश्व के सर्वश्रेष्ठ शहनाई वादक हैं।

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The International Journal of Indian Psychȯlogy

Musical Preferences and Personalities: An In-Depth Analysis of Pop Enthusiasts with A Specific Emphasis on Guitar as the Main Instrument

| Published: May 12, 2024

This study delves into the intricate relationship between personality traits, musical preferences (specifically pop genre), instrument preference (with a spotlight on the guitar), and genre choice among 100 individuals aged 18-35. Utilizing a structured questionnaire format including the BFI 2 (Big Five Inventory) questionnaire and targeted queries, the research unveiled compelling insights. Notably, a robust positive correlation emerged between openness and instrument preference, suggesting that individuals with higher openness scores tend to gravitate towards specific musical instruments, particularly guitars. Conversely, a significant inverse relationship was noted between conscientiousness and instrument preference, indicating that those favouring certain instruments often exhibit lower levels of conscientiousness. Moreover, associations were identified between conscientiousness and genre choice, as well as between genre preference and extraversion, illuminating the multifaceted nature of the link between musical inclinations and personality traits within the young adult demographic. These findings underscore the pivotal role of personality dimensions in shaping individuals’ musical choices and preferences.

Personality traits , Musical preferences , Instrument preference , Genre choice , Young adults , BFI 2 (Big Five Inventory) questionnaire

This is an Open Access Research distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any Medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Received: March 19, 2024; Revision Received: May 08, 2024; Accepted: May 12, 2024

Md. Amaan Wasim @ [email protected]

Article Overview

Published in Volume 12, Issue 2, April-June, 2024

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Musical Instruments of the Indian Subcontinent
Musical Instruments of the Indian Subcontinent
Musical Instruments Of India With Pictures And Description Pdf
Indian Musical Instruments
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Introduction to Indian Musical Instruments
Musical instruments names, Indian musical instruments names, సంగీత వాయిద్యాలు పేర్లు
Beethoven : String Quartet No. 2 in G major, op. 18-2, I. Allegro

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Musical Instruments of the Indian Subcontinent
The artistic craftsmanship on the inlay in these objects is beautiful. India has a long history of creating musical instruments as decorative objects, and that tradition is represented in the Museum's collection. Vina Along with the pakhavaj, the vina is one of the most commonly depicted instruments in Indian iconography.
Indian Music Instruments
Sitar is of the most popular music instruments of North India. The Sitar has a long neck with twenty metal frets and six to seven main cords. Below the frets of Sitar are thirteen sympathetic strings which are tuned to the notes of the Raga. A gourd, which acts as a resonator for the strings is at the lower end of the neck of the Sitar.
Musical Instruments of India
The extent and diversity of such instruments is vast and we will keep on adding to this section. Natya Shastra by Bharat Muni (composed between 200 BC and 200 AD) clubbed musical instruments into four groups: Avanaddha Vadya (membranophones or percussion instruments), Ghan Vadya (idiophones or solid instruments), Sushir Vadya (aerophones or ...
17 Traditional Indian Musical Instruments You Should Know
1. Sitar. The Sitar is probably the most famous traditional Indian stringed instrument in the West. This is thanks to famous sitar players like Ravi Shankar and Anoushka Shankar as well as bands like The Doors, the Rolling Stones, and The Beatles, who all used it in some of their music in the 1950s and 1960s.
Indian Musical Instruments
Read here to learn more about the Indian Musical Instruments. The rich and diverse musical traditions of India have indeed led to the creation of a wide variety of musical instruments. The Indian Musical Journey is an extensive collection of over a hundred instruments, representing the creative diversity and cultural heritage of Indian music.
Musical Instruments from the Indian Subcontinent
The most intricate talas of the Indian music are played on this instrument. Kettle drum, Central Africa, 1800/1862, From the collection of: Palazzo Madama. Nagada are the kettle drums of the old naubat (traditinal ensemble of nine instruments). These drums are about 1-2 feet in diameter, and played with sticks.
Stringed Instruments in India: An Overview of Traditional Strings
In North India, the Hindustani classical music tradition employs stringed instruments like the sitar and sarod. These instruments are fundamental to the musical ethos of regions such as Kashmir and Punjab. The use of rabab in Kashmir and tumbi in Punjab underscores the regional adaptations that characterize Hindustani music.
Harmonium
Harmonium is a portable wooden box approximately two feet long and ten inches high, the back of which is called bellows. Bellows have an outer cover of wood. It has around 10 holes which allow the air to pass through the bellows. The top portion is similar to a keyboard with 12 keys in all the three octaves: mandra, madhya and tara.
Musical Instruments
They encompass musical instruments commonly employed in folk, tribal music, and dance, with examples like the manjira. These are non-drum percussion instruments known for producing sound when scraped, struck, or shaken. Musical instruments falling under this classification include Manjira, Jaltarang, Kanch-tarang, Ghungroo, Ghatam, and others.
List of Indian musical instruments
A medieval instrument, labeled nagaveena (snake veena), is a type of musical scraper. Chigggjha - fire tong with brass jingles. Chengila - metal disc. Eltathalam. Gegvrer - brass vessel. Ghaynti - Northern Indian bell. Ghatam and Matkam (Earthenware pot drum)
Veena
The veena, also spelled vina (Sanskrit: वीणा IAST: vīṇā), is any of various chordophone instruments from the Indian subcontinent. Ancient musical instruments evolved into many variations, such as lutes, zithers and arched harps. The many regional designs have different names such as the Rudra veena, the Saraswati veena, the Vichitra veena and others.
Indian Folk Musical Instruments
Author: Kothari, K. S. Keywords: Musical instruments-India. India-musical instruments. Publisher: Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi. Source: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. Type: E-Book. Received From: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. Dublin Core View. Parts of PDF & Flipbook.
Essay On Indian Music
Essay On Indian Music. 765 Words4 Pages. The basic element of music is sound. Sound is a form of Nada. Musical sound or nada has ever existed in the cosmos since eternity. In the form of nada Almighty makes us experience His omniscience, omnippresence, Omnipotence and infinity. That is why nada or the musical sound is called nada Brahma on the ...
Paragraph, Essay and Speech on "Indian Musical Instruments" Paragraph
Wind Instruments also sushira vadya (hollow instruments) or aerophones, vibration of air columns produces sound in these musical instruments. They can be classed as instruments using no mechanical parts to produce or control the sound and those using vibrators (reeds).
Essay on Indian Music
1105 Words. 5 Pages. Open Document. Indian Music. The music of India is one of the oldest unspoken musical traditions in the world. The basis of for Indian music is "sangeet.". Sangeet is a combination of three art forms: vocal music, instrumental music (Indian music). Indian music is base upon seven modes (scales).
Essay on Musical Instruments
Musical instruments are tools that people use to make music. Just like a painter uses a brush to paint pictures, musicians use instruments to create sounds. There are many kinds of musical instruments, and each one can make different noises. Some are played by hitting them, like drums. Others are played by blowing air through them, like flutes.
PDF The Influence of Indian Music on Western Art Music : An Analysis
This essay explores these influences in depth. Art Music and Harmony "Art Music" used in a generalized context mostly refers to Western Classical music and . the traditions that derived from it. In particular, Art Music refers to the entire theoretical and structural body of music derived from the canonical precepts laid down by Western Baroque
Indian Music, Essay Example
Some of the noticeable notes include the shuddha. Gharana, raga, ghazal, Khayal and dhrupad are among the key things that represent the Hindustani art music which in the real sense give a clear picture of the classical Indian music today. Through these, Indian music has grown through the complex interactions of different cultures and peoples ...
531 words essay on the importance of Indian Music
Dance combines in itself action, song, mime and rhythm. A classical dance, like Indian classical music is dominated by the tala concept. Hence, the importance of music in dancing is great. Indian music is based on melody. It is built on raga and tala concepts. In spirit it is individualistic.
7 Indian Musicians You Have To Know
Jagjit Singh (1941 - 2011) This renowned Indian singer, writer and musician was famously dubbed as the 'Gazal King'. He achieved incredible success with his soulful and mesmerizing voice in several genres of music; ranging from romantic melodies, to sad compositions, and devotional hymns. He was married to another leading singer, Chitra ...
Musical Instruments of India
A number of musical instruments used in classical music are believed to have been derived from Arabic musical instruments: the lute was derived from the al'ud, the rebec (ancestor of violin) from the rebab, the guitar from qitara, naker from naqareh, adufe from al-duff, alboka from al-buq, anafil from al-nafir, exabeba from al-shabbaba (flute), atabal (bass drum) from al-tabl, atambal from al ...
भारतीय वाद्य यंत्रों की जानकारी Indian musical instruments in Hindi
इस लेख में हम आपको भारतीय वाद्य यंत्रों की जानकारी Indian musical instruments in Hindi के बारे में विस्तार से जानकारी देंगे। साथ ही भारतीय वाद्य यंत्रों की सूची
Musical Preferences and Personalities: An In-Depth Analysis of Pop
The International Journal of Indian Psychȯlogy(ISSN 2348-5396) is an interdisciplinary, peer-reviewed, academic journal that examines the intersection of Psychology, Social sciences, Education, and Home science with IJIP. IJIP is an international electronic journal published in quarterly. All peer-reviewed articles must meet rigorous standards and can represent a broad range of substantive ...

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Table of Contents

Ancient Roots and Vedic References

Influence of Persian and Mughal Era

Modern Adaptations and Innovations

Types of Stringed Instruments in Indian Music

Plucked Instruments

Bowed Instruments

Fretted and Non-Fretted Instruments

Cultural Significance and Regional Variations

Northern and Southern Traditions

Role in Classical and Folk Music

Stringed Instruments in Dance and Theater

Famous Musicians and Their Contribution

Maestros of the Stringed Instruments

Global Influence of Indian Stringed Instruments

Manufacturing and Craftsmanship

Materials and Construction

Artistry and Techniques of Instrument Making

Frequently Asked Questions

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