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Timeless Tunes: A Journey Through India’s Musical Heritage
- Sejal Talwar
- Sep 14, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 15, 2024
Cultural heritage has given India a vast dimension, relating to various musical instruments. Each has its history, significance, and special sound. The history of musical instruments in India is a reflection of the country's rich cultural, spiritual, and artistic legacy, spanning thousands of years. Rooted in religious rituals, courtly performances, and folk traditions, Indian musical instruments evolved alongside the diverse cultural practices of the region, symbolizing a deep connection between music, spirituality, and daily life. This rich tapestry of sound continues to influence global music, demonstrating the timeless significance of India’s musical heritage.
Now, the question arises, how did these instruments emerge, and what significance do they hold in our lives?
The history of musical instruments in India spans several millennia, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.
The earliest evidence of music in India is found in cave paintings at Bhimbetka, which humans occupied around 10,000 years ago.
Then, the Indus Valley Civilization (circa 3000–1500 BCE), where archaeological findings, such as terracotta figurines and seals, depict people playing instruments like drums and flutes. These rudimentary instruments likely played a role in both daily life and ritualistic practices, reflecting the integration of music into early Indian society.
Excavations of the Harappan Civilization have uncovered evidence of musical activity and dance.
During the Vedic Period (1500–500 BCE), music became deeply entwined with religious ceremonies and rituals. The Vedas, the ancient sacred texts, make several references to musical instruments, such as the veena (a string instrument), dundubhi (a type of drum), and vamsha (a bamboo flute). These instruments were essential in chanting hymns and mantras, which were believed to have spiritual and cosmic significance.
By the Epic Period (500 BCE–500 CE), musical instruments gained further importance, as seen in references from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Instruments like the mridangam (a two-headed drum) and the shankha (conch) were integral to the cultural and spiritual life of ancient India, often used in royal courts and temple rituals. The sound of the conch, for instance, was believed to invoke divine energies and was commonly blown during battles and ceremonies.
Natyashastra is ancient encyclopedia of the arts, compiled by Bharat Muni between 200 B.C.- 200 A.D., classified musical instruments into four categories: tata (stringed instrument), sushira (wind instrument), avanaddha (percussion instrument), or ghana (solid instrument).
1. String Instruments (Tata Vadya)
Sitar
Considered one of the icons in Indian music, the emergence of the sitar dates back to the Mughal period during the 16th century. The great musician Amir Khusro is usually believed to have transformed the Persian lute into what is today called the sitar.Sitar is one of the important instruments in Hindustani classical music, which has a bewitching sound that has been well-acknowledged all over the world. Internationally the instrument received popularity in the 1960s when Ravi Shankar used it for various performances with Western artists like George Harrison of the Beatles group.
Veena
Veena is that stringed musical instrument of India, the mention of which dates back to ancient scriptures of Vedas and epics like Ramayana. Its history goes back more than 2,000 years.Veena has spiritual connotations in Indian culture, especially in Carnatic classical music. It is associated with Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, music, and arts.
Sarod
The sarod is relatively new to Indian classical music, and it is assumed that it evolved during the 19th century from the Afghan rabab. Not having frets, it has a deep, rumbling resonance.The sarod shares its importance in Hindustani classical music along with the sitar, heeding a great amount of emotive power and coming closest to imitating the sound of the human voice.
02. Wind Instruments (Sushira Vadya)
Bansuri
The flute, otherwise known as the bansuri, has a history of being associated with Indian music for thousands of years. The bansuri is usually associated with Lord Krishna since, according to Hindu mythology, He was a divine flutist. The bansuri finds its place in folk and classical music. Its melodious sound possesses a unique ability to evoke emotion and strike very profound within listeners.
Shehnai
The shehnai was classified under the double-reed wind instruments and had its origin in the Indian subcontinent. It probably originated from the pungi, a musical instrument played by snake charmers. The shehnai became important as an instrument for auspicious occasions, such as weddings and other festivals.The shehnai plays an important role in any Indian wedding celebration. One of the most famous Shehnai players who gave international recognition to the instrument is Ustad Bismillah Khan.
Nadaswaram
The nadaswaram is the world's loudest non-brass acoustic instrument. It is over 1,500 years old and is mainly performed in south Indian temples.With great dignity and force, the nadaswaram forms part of the major instruments played in Carnatic music and is widely used in religious functions, temple functions, and festivals.
3. Percussion Instruments (Avanaddha Vadya)
Tabla
Arguably, one of the more recognizable percussion instruments of Indian sub-continent, the Tabla is said to have evolved from the ancient Indian mridangam though some attribute its creation to 18th-century musician Amir Khusro.The tabla is a key factor in Hindustani classical music and many other folk and popular music genres. Its versatility along with rhythmic complexity makes it an enjoyable instrument to be heard.
Mridangam
The mridangam is one of the ancient percussion instruments in India, and its references go back to the Vedic period. It has been one of the earliest instruments to be used in South Indian classical music, especially in Carnatic tradition.Being the major rhythmic accompaniment in Carnatic music, the mridangam has great importance in solo and combined performances. Its deep, resonating sound gives a wonderful complement to the melodic instruments.
Dholak
The most common folk instrument for both the classical and semi-classical realms is called the dholak. Dholak is a barrel-shaped drum and naturally, it has its origins from the rural and folk masses even though, arguably, the most complete execution of this instrument is found in classical and semi-classical music.Few musical instruments could be tagged as synonymously attached to occasions of festivity and merriment as the dholak is. For religious rituals, a wedding, or folk dances like Bhangra, dholak leads the band.
4. Solid Intruments (Ghana vadya)
Manjira (Cymbals)
The Manjira has been in use since ancient times and is mentioned in various classical texts related to Indian music. Made of brass or bronze, this instrument has a significant place in Indian devotional music, particularly in temples.
In religious contexts, it is used in Aarti (rituals) to accompany chants and hymns. Manjira produces a bright, clear tone and is used to keep rhythm during bhajans, making it essential in both North and South Indian devotional practices.
(PC: IndiaMart)
Jaltarang (Water Bowls)
Jaltarang, one of the rare melodic Ghana instruments, has its origins in ancient India, mentioned in texts dating back to the medieval period. It consists of a set of bowls filled with varying amounts of water, which are struck with bamboo sticks to produce different notes.
The Jaltarang represents the creative use of natural elements in music, specifically water. Its soothing and melodic tones are often used in classical Indian performances, showcasing both rhythm and melody.
Kartal (Hand Clappers)
Kartal has been used in India for devotional and folk music for centuries. It is a simple percussion instrument made of wood or metal, often used in bhajans and kirtans (devotional singing).
Kartal is commonly associated with spiritual music and religious gatherings. Its rhythmic clapping sound enhances the energy and participation in group singing, especially during prayer sessions.
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