Musical Instruments
Carnatic Music instruments
Indian Music is considered one of the oldest and important systems of music in the world. Though, formally we relate its origin with Vedic period i.e. 4th Centuary B.C.; the evidences shows its existence much before that. Archaeological excavations give us the trail to believe different varieties of Musical Instruments used by Indians, which dates back to millions of years. An expedition throughout India will disclose hundreds of instruments, belonging to the stringed, wind and percussion groups, each with a distinct shape, quality of tone, and technique of play. Instruments made of wood, bamboo, metal, and mud all shows our ancestor’s inclination towards music and expertise in making distinct varieties of instruments and the techniques in playing. Musical Instruments were seen in the hands of the rich as well as the poor. While popular and costly instruments like Veena, Violin, Tanpura and Drums were seen in the mansions of affluent and royal palaces; simple & cheap instruments like Tuntina, Ektar, flutes and other simple drums are found in the huts of the poor.
PECULIARITY OF INDIAN MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
As Indian Music is blended with mythology and age-old treatises like Epics and Puranas, its instruments are also associated with Gods, Goddesses and other semi divine people of Indian ethos. While some instruments like Veena, Venu, Mridangam are associated with Goddess Saraswathi, Lord Krishna, and Nandi; some instruments like Mahati, Katchapi, Tumburu etc. are personified with their proponent. Musicians even worship these instruments in several occasions for the best music out of it. Indian Musical instruments have some distinguishing characteristics. Most of them have developed in such a way that it can play minute embellishments on each and every note. This trend might have continued only when Indian Music started giving more importance to Gamaka. It is for the same reason only the ancient instruments like Yazh and many verities of Harp fell out of use. Keyed instruments like Piano, Harmonium and Clarinet did not become popular in India due to the same reason. Indian music is based on melody in which the musical notes progress in one after one mode, with mild shakes on particular notes; which is not possible in the keyed instruments as they will produce musical notes or chords with fixed pitch and not capable of producing subtle gamaka and quarter tones which alone can bring out raga bhava in Indian concept.
As Indian Music is blended with mythology and age-old treatises like Epics and Puranas, its instruments are also associated with Gods, Goddesses and other semi divine people of Indian ethos. While some instruments like Veena, Venu, Mridangam are associated with Goddess Saraswathi, Lord Krishna, and Nandi; some instruments like Mahati, Katchapi, Tumburu etc. are personified with their proponent. Musicians even worship these instruments in several occasions for the best music out of it. Indian Musical instruments have some distinguishing characteristics. Most of them have developed in such a way that it can play minute embellishments on each and every note. This trend might have continued only when Indian Music started giving more importance to Gamaka. It is for the same reason only the ancient instruments like Yazh and many verities of Harp fell out of use. Keyed instruments like Piano, Harmonium and Clarinet did not become popular in India due to the same reason. Indian music is based on melody in which the musical notes progress in one after one mode, with mild shakes on particular notes; which is not possible in the keyed instruments as they will produce musical notes or chords with fixed pitch and not capable of producing subtle gamaka and quarter tones which alone can bring out raga bhava in Indian concept.
MATERIALS USED FOR MAKING MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Different kinds of materials are used in the manufacture of Instruments; like Wood, Animal skin, Metals, Clay etc. Jack wood, Black wood, Rose wood, Khadira wood, Himalayan pine, Tamukku are the trees supplying woods; in spite of Bamboo and other soft materials. Metals like gold, Silver, Bronze, Copper, and Iron from the metal Kingdom and skins of Sheep, Calf, Buffalo, and the hair from the tail of horse, and bones and teeth of certain animals like Elephant, are used in some instruments. In ancient times Mridangam was believed to have been made of clay as its name signifies; and earthen pot called Ghatam is used to be made of a special kind of Clay. On the right head of Mridangam, a black paste made of manganese dust, boiled rice and tamarind juice is applied; and on the left face, a paste made of Sooji and water is fixed at the time of performance and scraped off after it. Wax is used for fixing the frets in Veena. In the same way, the bowl of Tanpura, Veena and Sitar are made off a vegetable called bottle gourd, from which the flush is scooped out and seasoned to make it hard and resonant as well. The woods, bamboo, and reeds used in the manufacturing of musical instruments are treated to an elaborate process of seasoning. Trunk of a matured tree of more than fifty years is cut out and preserved for a long time to harden it under the sun light and soil before the body of the instrument is shaped out of it. When Veena, Gottu Vadyam and Tanpura are made, special care is taken to obtain wood from the same tree for different parts like bowl, stem, and head piece, to ensure the quality of sound and resonance. Instrument making is a very delicate and intricate art, as the craftsmen should have a sound knowledge of the kind and quality of the material to be used and principles of acoustics etc. Places famous for the instruments making are Tanjore, Trivandrum, Madurai, Chennai, Bangalore.
CLASSIFICATION
In general, musical instruments were classified into four heads from very ancient times, such as “ Tatam, Avanadham, Sushiram, and Ghanam ”. Musicologists like Bharata, Matanga, Narada, Saranga Deva and others upholds this classification through their illustrated works.
Tata Vaadya or Stringed instruments. (Chordophone)
Tata Vaadya or Stringed instruments are those in which sound is produced by setting strings into vibration. Music can be played in several ways in stringed variety of instruments. These may again be of various kinds according to the manner in which the vibrations are caused.
1. Plucked instruments, are those in which the strings are made to vibrate and produce sound, by plucking them with the fingers or with a plectrum. Examples of this type are- Veena, Gottuvadyam, Sitar, Sarod, Guitar, Tambura, Ektar and Dotar. These may also be called as Nakhaja.
2. The bowed varieties are those in which sound or vibrations are caused by the bow. Examples are Violin, Sarangi, and Dilruba. This may be said to be Dhanurja.
3. The plucked and bowed varieties may again be classified into those which have plain finger board. Here there are no frets to indicate the swarasthanas. Example- Violin, Gottuvaadyam etc. The second variety is with frets as in the Veena, Sitar, etc.
4. Stringed instruments may also be like the Tampura, Tuaturia, Ektar and Dotar, where the notes are played on open strings. Here the entire length of the string will vibrate and it will not be manipulated by the left hand fingers. These instruments are mainly used for providing the sruti accompaniment.
In general, musical instruments were classified into four heads from very ancient times, such as “ Tatam, Avanadham, Sushiram, and Ghanam ”. Musicologists like Bharata, Matanga, Narada, Saranga Deva and others upholds this classification through their illustrated works.
Tata Vaadya or Stringed instruments. (Chordophone)
Tata Vaadya or Stringed instruments are those in which sound is produced by setting strings into vibration. Music can be played in several ways in stringed variety of instruments. These may again be of various kinds according to the manner in which the vibrations are caused.
1. Plucked instruments, are those in which the strings are made to vibrate and produce sound, by plucking them with the fingers or with a plectrum. Examples of this type are- Veena, Gottuvadyam, Sitar, Sarod, Guitar, Tambura, Ektar and Dotar. These may also be called as Nakhaja.
2. The bowed varieties are those in which sound or vibrations are caused by the bow. Examples are Violin, Sarangi, and Dilruba. This may be said to be Dhanurja.
3. The plucked and bowed varieties may again be classified into those which have plain finger board. Here there are no frets to indicate the swarasthanas. Example- Violin, Gottuvaadyam etc. The second variety is with frets as in the Veena, Sitar, etc.
4. Stringed instruments may also be like the Tampura, Tuaturia, Ektar and Dotar, where the notes are played on open strings. Here the entire length of the string will vibrate and it will not be manipulated by the left hand fingers. These instruments are mainly used for providing the sruti accompaniment.
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Wind Instruments or Sushira Vaadya (Aerophone)
In Sushira Vaadya or wind instruments the sound is produced by the vibration of a column of air in a tube. The column of air is set to vibration by a blast of air directed into the tube. Wind instruments are of two varieties:
1. Those, wherein the wind is supplied by the breath of the performer as in the Flute, Nagaswaram, Kombu, Ekkalam, Conch, Magudi and many others.
2. Those, wherein the wind is supplied by some mechanical contrivance, commonly blown, as in the Harmonium and Piano.
The former is again classified into those where in the breath blown through mouth and blown through Nose.
In ancient period, the Music Instruments were considered as very celestial and any instrument touched by the mouth considered as polluted.
The mouth blown varieties are again of two kinds:
1) Those in which the air is blown in through the hole on the wall of the instruments, as in the Flute.
2) Those wherein the wind is blown in through vibrating reeds or mouth pieces, as in the Nagaswaram, Shehnai, Mukhaveena, Clarinet and Oboe. In some wind instruments, the sruti is fixed to the instrument itself. Example- the Magudi, where there are two tubes, one for producing the sruti and the other for producing the melody. These tubes are known as sruti nadi and swara nadi. These are known as compound wind instruments. The Nedunkuzhal also comes under this group.
In Sushira Vaadya or wind instruments the sound is produced by the vibration of a column of air in a tube. The column of air is set to vibration by a blast of air directed into the tube. Wind instruments are of two varieties:
1. Those, wherein the wind is supplied by the breath of the performer as in the Flute, Nagaswaram, Kombu, Ekkalam, Conch, Magudi and many others.
2. Those, wherein the wind is supplied by some mechanical contrivance, commonly blown, as in the Harmonium and Piano.
The former is again classified into those where in the breath blown through mouth and blown through Nose.
In ancient period, the Music Instruments were considered as very celestial and any instrument touched by the mouth considered as polluted.
The mouth blown varieties are again of two kinds:
1) Those in which the air is blown in through the hole on the wall of the instruments, as in the Flute.
2) Those wherein the wind is blown in through vibrating reeds or mouth pieces, as in the Nagaswaram, Shehnai, Mukhaveena, Clarinet and Oboe. In some wind instruments, the sruti is fixed to the instrument itself. Example- the Magudi, where there are two tubes, one for producing the sruti and the other for producing the melody. These tubes are known as sruti nadi and swara nadi. These are known as compound wind instruments. The Nedunkuzhal also comes under this group.
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Percussion Instruments or AvanadhaVaadya (Membranophone)
Avanadha Vaadya or Percussion instruments are those in which the sound is produced by the vibration of a stretched skin or by the vibration caused by striking two solid pieces of metal or wood together. Percussion instruments are generally used for regulating the speed of the music.
Based on the manner of playing, drums may be classified into:
1. Those played by two hands. Example - Mridangam.
2. Those wherein the heads are struck by two sticks, Example- Damaram, Nagara,
3. Those in which one face is played by the hand and the other by a stick. Example-- Thavil.
4. Those in which only one side of the instrument is played with hand or stick like in Khanjira,
Timila, Edaikka and Chenta.
Avanadha Vaadya or Percussion instruments are those in which the sound is produced by the vibration of a stretched skin or by the vibration caused by striking two solid pieces of metal or wood together. Percussion instruments are generally used for regulating the speed of the music.
Based on the manner of playing, drums may be classified into:
1. Those played by two hands. Example - Mridangam.
2. Those wherein the heads are struck by two sticks, Example- Damaram, Nagara,
3. Those in which one face is played by the hand and the other by a stick. Example-- Thavil.
4. Those in which only one side of the instrument is played with hand or stick like in Khanjira,
Timila, Edaikka and Chenta.
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Ghana Vaadyas (Idiophone)
Many kinds of cymbals made of metal or stone are also used for keeping time. Examples - Jalra, Talam, Brahmatala, Nattuva talam, ilattalam and others. Jalra is used in bhajans and kalakshepams. Brahmatalams, which are larger in size, are used during temple rituals. Nattuva talam is used by the dance masters and Ilatalam is a part of kathakali band. Gongs like Semakkalam are used during temple and funeral processions. Chipla or castanets belong to the kathakalakshepam. Earthen pots made off clay mixed with several metals are also used to keep the time. This typical instrument is called as Ghatam. Musician keeps this instrument in his lap and plays with his both hands. All these are Ghana vadyas and they also belong to the percussion group.
Many kinds of cymbals made of metal or stone are also used for keeping time. Examples - Jalra, Talam, Brahmatala, Nattuva talam, ilattalam and others. Jalra is used in bhajans and kalakshepams. Brahmatalams, which are larger in size, are used during temple rituals. Nattuva talam is used by the dance masters and Ilatalam is a part of kathakali band. Gongs like Semakkalam are used during temple and funeral processions. Chipla or castanets belong to the kathakalakshepam. Earthen pots made off clay mixed with several metals are also used to keep the time. This typical instrument is called as Ghatam. Musician keeps this instrument in his lap and plays with his both hands. All these are Ghana vadyas and they also belong to the percussion group.
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Melodious Idiophones
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SHRUTI VAADYAS - DRONES INSTRUMENTS
Drones are musical instruments which provide the sruti accompaniment for any performance - Vocal, Dance or Instrumental music concert. Drones give out the key tone or adhara shadja to the singer or player. It is an indispensable part of a concert. Drones give stability and richness to a performance and are of a great help in creating a musical atmosphere. It is said that great singers like “Maha Vaidyanatha Iyer” was in the habit of making his Tambura player, start playing the instrument on the stage, fifteen minutes before the actual beginning of the performance, so as to get the listeners attuned to the music which is to follow. The hall itself would be filled with the sruti and this would enable the artist to start his performance without taking much time to get into form.
Sruti vaadyas are always tuned to the pitch which is most suited to the singer’s voice. He is at liberty to choose that sruti which will enable him to sing in all the three sthayis without any effort. An instrumentalist, giving a solo performance, also has the freedom to tune his vadya to the pitch in which he will be able to play easily. An accompanist like Violinist or Mridangist has to tune his instrument to the pitch of the main artist. This is not the case in Western music, where music is composed for a particular pitch or key and all the performers have to conform to that pitch.
In an Indian concert, the drone is kept sounding from the beginning to the end of the performance. The non- stop sounding of the sruti does not create a feeling of monotony, but on the other hand, it enriches the music, and gives stability to the whole performance. In some instruments, the pitch of the instruments is not adjustable like Flute. Without the drone, the pitch is liable to go up or down slightly, whenever a new song or raga is started, since there is no standardizing medium. Hence it is imperative that a sruti vadya should be employed in musical performances of all kinds.
Drones are musical instruments which provide the sruti accompaniment for any performance - Vocal, Dance or Instrumental music concert. Drones give out the key tone or adhara shadja to the singer or player. It is an indispensable part of a concert. Drones give stability and richness to a performance and are of a great help in creating a musical atmosphere. It is said that great singers like “Maha Vaidyanatha Iyer” was in the habit of making his Tambura player, start playing the instrument on the stage, fifteen minutes before the actual beginning of the performance, so as to get the listeners attuned to the music which is to follow. The hall itself would be filled with the sruti and this would enable the artist to start his performance without taking much time to get into form.
Sruti vaadyas are always tuned to the pitch which is most suited to the singer’s voice. He is at liberty to choose that sruti which will enable him to sing in all the three sthayis without any effort. An instrumentalist, giving a solo performance, also has the freedom to tune his vadya to the pitch in which he will be able to play easily. An accompanist like Violinist or Mridangist has to tune his instrument to the pitch of the main artist. This is not the case in Western music, where music is composed for a particular pitch or key and all the performers have to conform to that pitch.
In an Indian concert, the drone is kept sounding from the beginning to the end of the performance. The non- stop sounding of the sruti does not create a feeling of monotony, but on the other hand, it enriches the music, and gives stability to the whole performance. In some instruments, the pitch of the instruments is not adjustable like Flute. Without the drone, the pitch is liable to go up or down slightly, whenever a new song or raga is started, since there is no standardizing medium. Hence it is imperative that a sruti vadya should be employed in musical performances of all kinds.
INSTRUMENTS
TAMBURA
Tambura is the classical drone Instrument of Indian Music. A musical programme will not be complete without the continual accompaniment of this instrument. South Indian Tambura is made completely of wood; while in the North Indian Tambura the bowl is made out of bottle gourd and this instrument can be decorated with ivory and other costly materials. Tambura, made out of a single block of wood gives finest tone; but due to the non availability of such kind of wood, different parts are made out of the same wood and joined together.
The different parts of Tambura are :-
1. Kudam (Belly) bridge, Naagapaasam, tuning beads and jeevali. : This is the delicate part of the Instrument. This portion of instrument is carved out of a big piece of wood, which scooped out and covered with a thin sheet of the same. This portion helps the instrument to resonate the sound made by plucking the strings; as it is hollow. Four strings are tied to “Naagapaasam” which is fixed below of this belly and pass over the Bridge which situate over this. Some thin threads are used to keep these strings vibrate without touching the metal part of the bridge, which gives good resonance to the instrument. This is called as “Jeeva” or “Javaari” in north.
2. Dandi and neck. : Dandi is separated from the bowl by means of a projecting ledge of wood. This
long portion is also scooped out and covered by a thin sheet of the same wood
3. Tuning pegs and strings. : The Neck resume as Tail piece on which the four tuning pegs are
attached in the holes meant for that and four strings are tied to these pegs and can be adjusted by,
tightening and loosening of these pegs, the other end of these strings are tied to Naagapaasam.
Normally the strings are tuned in the order of Madhya Panchamam - Two Taara Shadjam - Saarani,
Anusaarani and finally mandra Shadjam.
TAMBURA
Tambura is the classical drone Instrument of Indian Music. A musical programme will not be complete without the continual accompaniment of this instrument. South Indian Tambura is made completely of wood; while in the North Indian Tambura the bowl is made out of bottle gourd and this instrument can be decorated with ivory and other costly materials. Tambura, made out of a single block of wood gives finest tone; but due to the non availability of such kind of wood, different parts are made out of the same wood and joined together.
The different parts of Tambura are :-
1. Kudam (Belly) bridge, Naagapaasam, tuning beads and jeevali. : This is the delicate part of the Instrument. This portion of instrument is carved out of a big piece of wood, which scooped out and covered with a thin sheet of the same. This portion helps the instrument to resonate the sound made by plucking the strings; as it is hollow. Four strings are tied to “Naagapaasam” which is fixed below of this belly and pass over the Bridge which situate over this. Some thin threads are used to keep these strings vibrate without touching the metal part of the bridge, which gives good resonance to the instrument. This is called as “Jeeva” or “Javaari” in north.
2. Dandi and neck. : Dandi is separated from the bowl by means of a projecting ledge of wood. This
long portion is also scooped out and covered by a thin sheet of the same wood
3. Tuning pegs and strings. : The Neck resume as Tail piece on which the four tuning pegs are
attached in the holes meant for that and four strings are tied to these pegs and can be adjusted by,
tightening and loosening of these pegs, the other end of these strings are tied to Naagapaasam.
Normally the strings are tuned in the order of Madhya Panchamam - Two Taara Shadjam - Saarani,
Anusaarani and finally mandra Shadjam.
VIOLIN
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VEENA
1. Saraswati Veena :
Features a large resonator made of jackwood with frets for tuning and strings for plucking. Associated with Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. Widely used in Carnatic classical music. an embodiment of divine creativity.
2. Rudra Veena :
A long , tubular veena with two large resonators on either end. Symbolizes meditation and spirituality. Prominent in Dhrupad music. Associated with Lord Shiva, representing cosmic energy and destruction.
3. Vichitra Veena:
Similar to chitra veena but primarily used in Hindustani classical music. Produces a hauntingly beautiful sound. Accompanies Khayal and Thumri styles. Represents mysticism and introspection.
4. Mohana Veena:
A modified slide guitar veena, combining Indian and Western elements. Popularized by Pandit Vishva Mohan Bhatt. Used in Hindustani and Indian fusion genres. Known for its adaptability to various musical styles.
5. Chitra Veena:
A fretless veena played with a slide, producing a unique gliding sound. Known for its versatility in producing microtones. Played in Carnatic music, often for elaborate improvisations. Requires exceptional skill and is used in meditativa performances.
6. Tanjore Veena:
A varient of Saraswati veena , crafted in the Tanjore region with exquisite designs.Represents traditional craftsmanship. Preferred by Carnatic musicians for its superior sound quality.
7. Ekantha Veena:
Made from a single block of wood, known for its minimalistic construction. Symbolizes simplicity and purity in music. Played in folk and devotional contexts.
Features a large resonator made of jackwood with frets for tuning and strings for plucking. Associated with Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. Widely used in Carnatic classical music. an embodiment of divine creativity.
2. Rudra Veena :
A long , tubular veena with two large resonators on either end. Symbolizes meditation and spirituality. Prominent in Dhrupad music. Associated with Lord Shiva, representing cosmic energy and destruction.
3. Vichitra Veena:
Similar to chitra veena but primarily used in Hindustani classical music. Produces a hauntingly beautiful sound. Accompanies Khayal and Thumri styles. Represents mysticism and introspection.
4. Mohana Veena:
A modified slide guitar veena, combining Indian and Western elements. Popularized by Pandit Vishva Mohan Bhatt. Used in Hindustani and Indian fusion genres. Known for its adaptability to various musical styles.
5. Chitra Veena:
A fretless veena played with a slide, producing a unique gliding sound. Known for its versatility in producing microtones. Played in Carnatic music, often for elaborate improvisations. Requires exceptional skill and is used in meditativa performances.
6. Tanjore Veena:
A varient of Saraswati veena , crafted in the Tanjore region with exquisite designs.Represents traditional craftsmanship. Preferred by Carnatic musicians for its superior sound quality.
7. Ekantha Veena:
Made from a single block of wood, known for its minimalistic construction. Symbolizes simplicity and purity in music. Played in folk and devotional contexts.
MRIDANGAM
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FLUTE
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TABLA
