India is known for its rich and diverse culture, including its music. Indian music reflects the nation’s vast and diverse geography, history, and population, ranging from the ancient melodies of Carnatic and Hindustani classical music to the folk songs of the countryside. And the various instruments that make up Indian music are at its core.
Characteristics of Indian Music
- One of the most striking things about Indian music is its use of melody. It is a way of connecting with the holy and divine powers.
- Another distinctive feature of Indian music is its use of microtones, allowing Indian musicians to create a much more comprehensive range of sounds.
- Indian music is also characterized by its use of improvisation. Indian musicians are creative and known for adding their personal touch to the music.
These characteristics are created by Indian musicians with the help of instruments. Every instrument produces a unique and distinguished sound that depends on its usage.
Instruments in India
The four main categories of Indian musical instruments are:
- Avanaddha Vadya (membranophones and percussion instruments)
- Ghana Vadya (idiophones and solid instruments)
- Sushir Vadya (aerophones or wind instruments)
- Tat Vadya (chordophones or string instruments)
The Most Popular Indian Instruments are:
- Sitar – a stringed instrument with a long, fretted neck played with a pick.
- Sarod – a stringed instrument that is played with a pick. It has a more mellow sound than a sitar.
- Veena – a stringed instrument with a long neck and a pear-shaped body.
- Tambura – a four-stringed instrument used as an instrument accompaniment in Indian classical music.
- Sarangi – a stringed instrument that is played with a bow.
- Shehnai – a wind instrument that is played with a double reed.
- Flute – a woodwind instrument played by blowing across a hole in the side.
- Tabla – a pair of hand drums that are played with the hands.
- Mridangam– a barrel-shaped drum that is played with the hands.
- Harmonium – a keyboard instrument that is played by pumping bellows.
Without these instruments, it’s impossible to produce music for any purpose. And it requires skills and art to play these instruments. These instruments shape Indian music, which helps one to visualize life and to re-live precious memories.
India’s Musical Legacy: Instrument Makers
- Nand Kishore Sharma – a master sitar maker from Varanasi. His sitars are prized by musicians all over the world.
- Anant Lal – a master tabla maker from Lucknow. His tablas are famous for their melodies, structure, and fineness.
- Sunder Lal – a master flute maker from Jaipur. His flutes are known for their beautiful tone and craftsmanship.
- Ram Narayan – a master shehnai maker from Banaras. His shehnais are used by some of the most famous shehnai players in the world and are known for their finishing.
- Ram Sahai – a master harmonium maker from Ambala. His harmoniums are used by musicians all over India.
Consider for a minute the decades of tradition and skill that went into making an Indian musical instrument the next time you hear one play. The musical instruments serve as a reminder of India’s vibrant culture and connection to its illustrious musical history.
