Indian instruments history

The history of Indian musical instruments is a long and rich one, dating back over 5000 years. India has a vast and diverse cultural heritage, and its musical traditions are no exception. Indian musical instruments can be broadly categorized into two types - classical and folk instruments.

Indian music is a diverse and complex system of music that has a rich history and cultural significance. One of the defining features of Indian music is the use of a wide variety of musical instruments. These instruments range from percussion and stringed instruments to wind and brass instruments, and each one is uniquely suited to creating specific sounds and tones.

In this article, we will explore some of the most important Indian music instruments, their history, and their unique features.

Classical Indian instruments have a highly developed and sophisticated system of music, and are used mainly in classical Indian music. Some of the most important classical Indian instruments include the sitar, sarod, veena, tabla, mridangam, bansuri, shehnai, and santoor.

The sitar, for instance, is one of the most popular and recognizable of all classical Indian instruments. It is a stringed instrument that has been played for centuries, and is known for its unique sound and intricate melodies. The tabla, on the other hand, is a percussion instrument that consists of two small drums of different sizes. It is an essential component of classical Indian music and is used to create complex rhythms and beats. 

Sitar The sitar is a plucked stringed instrument that is widely used in Indian classical music. It has a long, hollow neck with 20 strings, seven of which are played as melody strings, and the rest are drone strings. The sitar is played by plucking the strings with a plectrum (mizrab) and the notes are produced by pressing the strings against the frets. The sitar has been popularized by artists like Ravi Shankar and is often used in fusion music and film soundtracks.

Folk instruments, on the other hand, are used mainly in regional folk music and are simpler in design and construction. Some of the most popular folk instruments in India include the dhol, dholak, nagada, dhak, and ektara.

Tabla

The tabla is one of the most important percussion instruments in Indian classical music. It consists of two drums, the smaller one called the dayan and the larger one called the bayan. The drums are made of wood and the heads are made of goat skin. The tabla is played with the fingers and palms of both hands, producing a wide range of sounds and rhythms. The tabla has been an integral part of Indian music for centuries, and it is often used in both classical and contemporary music.

Sarangi

The sarangi is a bowed stringed instrument that is commonly used in Indian classical music. It has a hollow wooden body with a skin-covered resonator and three main strings that are bowed with a horsehair bow. The sarangi produces a deep and resonant sound that is often used to accompany vocal performances. The sarangi is one of the most difficult Indian music instruments to play, as it requires precise control of the bowing and fingering techniques.

Bansuri 

The bansuri is a bamboo flute that is commonly used in Indian classical music. It has six or seven finger holes and is played by blowing across the open end of the instrument. The bansuri produces a sweet and mellow sound that is often used to evoke a meditative mood. It is popularized by artists like Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Ronu Majumdar.

Harmonium

The harmonium is a keyboard instrument that is commonly used in Indian classical music and devotional music. It has a set of bellows that are operated by pumping with one hand while the other hand plays the keys. The harmonium produces a rich and full sound that is often used to accompany vocal performances. It is used in many devotional and religious events in India.

Shehnai

The shehnai is a wind instrument that is commonly used in North Indian classical music. It has a double reed that is played by blowing into the instrument, and it produces a high-pitched and nasal sound. The shehnai is often used in weddings and other celebratory events, and it is particularly popular in North India.

Veena

The veena is a plucked stringed instrument that is commonly used in South Indian classical music. It has a long, hollow neck with frets, and a resonator made of gourd. The veena is played by plucking the strings with the fingers and is often used to accompany vocal performances. The veena has a rich history in Indian music and is one of the oldest Indian music instruments.

Dholak

The dholak is a percussion instrument that is often used in folk and devotional music. It consists of a two-headed drum with a wooden body. The dholak is played with the fingers and palms of both hands, producing a range of sounds from deep bass to sharp treble. The dholak is a versatile instrument and is often used in celebratory music.

Santoor

The santoor is a hammered dulcimer that is often used in classical Indian music. It has a trapezoid-shaped body made of wood and a set of metal strings that are struck with two small wooden hammers. The santoor produces a bright and lively sound that is often used in fast-paced and joyful music.

Over the centuries, Indian musical instruments have evolved and diversified, with new instruments being developed and older ones being modified. Today, Indian music continues to thrive, and Indian musical instruments continue to be an important part of its rich cultural heritage.