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Musical Instruments In India: Ancient Traditional Instruments To Modern Innovations

April 12, 2024 325 0

Introduction

Musical instruments in India span a vast array of forms, reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity. From ancient traditional instruments to modern innovations, they play a vital role in expressing emotions and preserving heritage.

 

Classification of Musical Instruments

  • Based on how sound is produced, musical instruments are categorized into four main groups according to the Natya Shastra
  • Tata Vadya Or Chordophones- Stringed Instruments
  • Sushira Vadya Or Aerophones- Wind Instruments
  • Avanaddha Vadya Or Membranophones – Percussion Instruments
  • Ghana Vadya Or Idiophones – Solid Instruments
  • Tata Vadya Or Chordophones- Stringed Instruments

    • An instrument in which a string or cord vibrates to produce sound is called a tata vadya. 
    • On the taut string, these vibrations are produced by bowing or plucking. 
    • The tata vadya are divided into two broad categories-
      • Plucked (Sitar, Veena and Tambura) 
      • Bowed (Sarangi, Esraj and Violin).
    • The Kamaicha is a bowed lute played by the Manganiars of West Rajasthan. 

 

  • 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. 
    • The wind instruments are roughly divided into two categories on the basis of how sound is produced.
      • Flutes: Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia is a famous flautist from India.
      • Reed instruments like Shehnai and Nadaswaram. Ustad Bismillah Khan was a famous Shehnai Player.

  • Avanaddha Vadya Or Membranophones – Percussion Instruments

    • In the Avanaddha Vadya category of instruments, sound is produced by striking the animal skin which has been stretched across an earthen or metal pot or a wooden barrel or frame. 
    • Seals excavated from Indus Civilization sites show figures of men playing the horizontal drums hung from the neck.
    • Drums have been divided into different categories on the basis of their shapes and structure as well as the position and placement for playing. 
      • These include Oordhwaka (Tabla and Chenda), Ankya (Mridangam, Pakhawaj), Alingya (Dufflies), and Damaru.

  • Ghana Vadya Or Idiophones – Solid Instruments

    • It is the genre of solid instruments that do not require any tuning. 
    • They are also called the Idiophone instruments. 
      • The most popular examples of Ghana Vadya are Manjira, Jaltarang, Kanch-Tarang, Jhanj, Khartal, etc.

 

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Conclusion

  • Indian musical instruments, with their intricate designs and unique sounds, are integral to the country’s musical traditions. 
    • They serve as vehicles for artistic expression, connecting generations and cultures, enriching the tapestry of India’s musical heritage.
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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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