1. Short Notices of Hindu Musical Instruments Sourindro Mohun Tagore

SHORT NOTICES OF

HINDU MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.

A

AGADHAPALA, an ancient instrument of percussion. ALABU SARANGI, a drawing-room stringed instrument played with a bow ; is called by some Europeans the Indian Violin. The surface of this instrument is like that of the violin, with a gourd hollow under it. It is known to be a very old instrument. ALAPINI VINA, a drawing-room stringed instrument played with a Mizrab (plectrum), ; an ancient instrument. ALGOZA, a drawing-room wind-instru-

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ment of the flute species; a kind of Indian flute. It is used in drawing- rooms, on account of its sweet sound ; sometimes also, in out-door music. AMRITA, a very ancient stringed instru- ment, played with a bow. In appear- ance, resembles the Rabana, a stringed instrument. (See RABANA). ANANDALAHARI, a pastoral instrument, played with a wooden jawa (plec- trum) ; is used mostly by the singing beggars.

B

BALLAKI VINA, a stringed instrument of the ancient Hindus. It is mentioned in the "Amarakosha." BANG, a musical instrument, used by the children.

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BANSHI, a well-known and most ancient wind-instrument of the Hindus. It has various forms and names, such as the Murali, Sarala Banshi, &c. BANYA, a modern drawing-room percus- sion instrument, played with the hands. It is copied from the Mridanga, an an- cient instrument of percussion. It is played with songs and dances. BARATAKA, a shell species wind-instru- ment ; is a large-sized coneh, made of the cowri and used in religious ser- vices. BENU, a drawing-room wind-inst ument of the flute species, made of bam- bu pipe. The length of this instru- ment is about four feet six inches. It is known to be a classical instrument and is much used in the Orissa districts.

BHABATA VINA, a modern drawing-room stringed instument, formed out of the Rudra and Kachhapi Vina. It is played with a Mizrab (steel plectrum). BIJAYA, an ancient wind instrument of the flute species. BIPANCHI VINA, a drawing-room stringed instrument, played with a Mizrab, (steel plectrum) ; is almost the same as the Kinnari Vina. The hollow of this in- strument is made of a peculiar kind of gourd, known in Bengal as the Tit Lauo.

C

CHARCHARI, an ont-door percussion instru- ment, played with small sticks, and used in religious services. CHABKI, an instrument made of wood; used by the children.

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CHIKARA, a pastoral stringed instrument. played with the bow. The strings of it are all made of horse-hair. It is generally used by the Durwans, Syces, &e., &e. CHITRA VINA, an ancient drawing-room stringed instrument. It is me.tioned in "Sangeeta-Darpana." CHOWTABA, a pastoral stringed instru- ment, mounted with four strings.

D

DAGAR or DAGARA, an out-door instrument of per- cussion, played with a stick. It is of a recent invention ; used in the Nahabat."

• Nahabat is that Indian brass band which is played on festive occasions and marriage

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DAK, a small pastoral instrument of per- cussion. DAMAMA, an instrument of percussion, played with a stick; used in the Nahabat. DAMARU, a pastoral instrument of per- cussion ; a very ancient instrument ; said to have been the favorite of the Hindu God Shiva. Now it is generally used by the snake-charmers and mon- key-players. DAMPHA, an instrument of percussion, used by the Byragees, Nagas, &c., of religious places such as Mathura,

processions. The musicians are generally made to sit on some high spots, i e., over gates or triumphal arches, &c. This band had its origin in the Mahomcdan period.

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Brindabana, &c. It is meant to accom- pany the "Bhajan" or prayer-songs. DARA, an instrument of percussion similar to the tambourine; used in out-door music. DENGARI, another name for the Dindima. DHAK, an out-door instrument of percus- sion similar to the drum; formerly known as the Dhakka, and used in wars. Now, in religious festivals, such as in Charaka Parbana, Durga Puja, &c. The right side of this instrument is played with two sticks. The left side is left out altogether. DHOL, an instrument of perenssion, used by the Oorias ; rescmbles much the Dhak. DHOLA, an Out-door instrument of percus- sion ; is suspended on the neck of the

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player while played, and is used on festive occasions. Also accompanies the Kobi songs, &e. The left side of this instrument is played with a stick. DHOLAKA, a drawing-room instrument of percussion, played with the hands; is especially adapted to be played in native Jattras, Panchalis, Half-Akthra- yees, &c. Sometimes accompanies Khiyal songs. DHOLAKI, a small Dholaka. DINDIMA or DINDIMI, a pastoral instrument of pereus- sion ; resembles a small Khanjani. DOFFDE, an instrument of percussion, similar somewhat to the Dampha. An instrument like this is very rarely seen at present. DUGDUGA or

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DUGDUGI, a vlgar name of the Damaru. DUNDUBHI, a well-known ancient instru- ment of percussion, formerly used both in wars and religious services. It is said to have been also used by the Hin- du gods. The name of this instrument is mentioned in the Ramayana, Maha- bharata and other Purana". Now it is called the Nagara.

E

ESRAR. a drawing-room stringed instru- ment, played with the bow ; a modern instrument formed out of the Setar and Sarangi. Now it is generally used to accompany the female voice and to play light songs and airs. EKTARA, a pastoral stringed instrument,

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played with the tips of the fingers ; used exclusively by the Byragees and Bauls, i. e. religious mendicants, for accompanying pastoral songs. This instrument is mounted with one string.

GHAGARA, a set of jingles worn by the children ; made of metals. GHANTA, a bell, used at the time of wor- ship. GHANTIKA, a small bell, used at the time of worship and also tied up in the necks of the cow, goat, &c. See KHUD- RA GHANTA. GHARGHARA, an ancient stringed instru- ment. GHARGHARI or

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GHARGHARIKA, (See GHAGARA.) GHARGHARI, or GHARGHARIKA, a musical instrument of the ancient Hindus. GHARI, the Indian Gong, of very great vibrations, played with a wooden ham- mer or stick. The people of the North- Western Provinces call it the Thala. ( See THALA. ) GHUNGHURA, a set of jingles or little bells worn on the ankles by dancers to keep time. GHUNTI or GHUNTIKA. (See GHUNGHURA) GHUTRU, a pastoral instrument of percus- sion ; is shaped like a pitcher and used by the Telugues, &c. GOMUKHA, a wind instrument of the shell species ; a kind of conch, some-

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what resembling the mouth of the cow, whence it derives its name. Also it is a very ancient war-instrument of the Hindus, being mentioned in the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

GOPI-JANTRA, a pastoral stringed instru- ment, played with the tips of the fingers, used exclusively by the Byra- gees and Bauls, i. e. religious mendi- cants, for accompanying pastoral songs.

GO-SHRINGA, a very ancient wind instru- ment of the horn species, made of cow-horn. In ancient days, it was used in wars as well as in religi- ous services. It is mentioned in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, &c.

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H

HUBRUK, HURRUKA Or HURRUKKA, a pastoral instrument of per- cussion ; is a large-sized Damaru, used by the Kaharas and other lower tribes. It is accompanied by the Karatala.

J

JAGAJHAMPA, an out-door instrument of percussion ; is suspended on the neck of the player, while played (with two sticks) ; formerly used in wars, now on festive occasions. JAYA, an ancient wind instrument of the flute species. JAYADHAKKA, the largest and most anci- ent Indian drum; formerly used in

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wars, now on Durga Puja, Charraka Parbana, and other festive occasions. JAYAGHANTA, the ancient and largest bell ; formerly used in wars, now in religi- ous services, being suspended in the temples of the Hindu gods. JAYASHRINGA, the largest trumpet of the Hindus, formerly used in wars, now in religious services, &c. Its other name is Rana-shringa. JALA-BHANDHA Or BHURBHURI, an instru- ment used by the children. It is made of earth. JHALABI, a pastoral instrument of per- cussion ; is also called Hurruk or Jhar- jhari. JHALLAKA, a species of metallic instru- ment of percussion; resembles the Kansya or Kansara.

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JHALLARI Or JHALLI. (See JHALARI.) JHANJ Or JHANJA, a metallic instrument of percus- sion, played with a stick and used in religious services. It is also called Jhanjhara. JHANJHARA, (See JHANJ Or JHANJA.) JHANJHARI, a small Jhanjhara. JHANJ KHANJANI, a pastoral instrument of percussion, covered with skin ; is sup- plied with two small cymbals which make a jingling sound, when it is struck upon. JHARIDHAP, a pulsatile instrument, co- vered with skin ; is played with the Dagara with a stick. It is used in the Nahabat. JHARJHARA, a pulsatile instrument cover-

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ed with skin ; is also called Karra or Karrar. It is a pastoral instrument of ancient invention. JHARJHARI, a small Jharjhara. It is also a species of the Indian Cymbals. JHILLI, an ancient percussion instrnment made of metal, used in religious ser- vices. JHUMJHUMI or JHUNJHUNI, an instrument made of wood or metal, used by the children.

K

KACHHAPI VINA, a drawing-room stringed instrument, played with a mizrab (steel plectrum), known at present as the Kachua Setar. It owes its name to the shape of the gourd which is flat like the

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back of a tortoise (Kachhapa). It is a classical instrument. KALAMA, an out-door wind-instrnment of the reed species: so called, because of its likeness to the pen (Kalama). KANOON, (See KATTYAYANA VINA.) KANSARA, a drawing-room percussion in- strument made of metal, played with a stick, used in temples and other religious places at the time of worship. KANIS, an out-door percussion instru- ment, played with a stick. It keeps time with the Dhola. KANSYA. (See KANSARA.) KARANA, a large trumpet of a very shrill sound ; made of brass. Its length is 15 feet. (See SIRINGA.) KARATALA or

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KARATALI, Cymbals accompanying the Khola; used in religious services, &e. KARNA, (See KARANA.) KARRA or KARRARA. (See JHARJHARA.) KARRULI, an ancient instrument of per- cussion. KATTYAYANA VINA, a drawing-room string- ed instrument, played with two small sticks; now called the Kanoon. For- merly it was called by the Hindus the Shata-tantri Vina or the hundred-wired Vina, on account of the large number of wires, that are in this instrument. The sage Kattyayayana is said to have invented it. KHAMAKA, a pastoral instrument of per- cussion of recent invention, covered with skin.

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KHANJANI, also a pastoral instrument of percussion, covered with skin'; played and sung to by the religious mendi- cants, &c. KHARATALA or KHARATALI, cymbals used in the Nahabat. KHATTALA or KHATTALI, the castanets of the Hindus. When played by expert hands, pro- duces marvellous effect. KnOL, a pastoral instrument of percus- sion covered with skin, chiefly used to accompany the "Kirtana" and other religious songs. KHORADAK (1) KHORADAK (2), instruments of percus- sion covered with skin, used in the Nahabat. Both played at once with the fingers and palms of the hands.

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٠٠ن That played with the right hand gives the high sound, that, with the left, pro- duces the low sound. These instruments are played with the Rawoshunchowki. KHUDRA GHANTA, a small bell, used in worship and other occasions. KHUDRA GHANTIKA. (See GHUNGHURA). KHUDRA KATTYAYANA VINA, the Kat- tyayana Vina of a smaller size, played with two sticks. KINNARI VINA, a drawing room stringed instrument played with a mizrab (steel plectrum) ; is a modified form of the Kachhapi Vina, and said to have been used hy the softer sex in ancient times. The hollow is made of an egg.

L

LAYA BANSI, a drawing-room wind-instru-

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ment of the flute species ; is like the Sarala Bansi, and has to be held straight before the mouth. But it has to be blown from one of the ends of the lips.

M

MADALA. (See MARDDALA). MADDU, an ancient instrument of percus- sion. It is mentioned in the "Amara- koshą." MADHUKARI, a wind-instrument of the ancient Hindus. MAHA KACHHAPI VINA, a very large-sized Kachhapi Vina. MAHA MANDIRA, a drawing room percus- sion instrument, made of metal; is a bigger-sized Mandira. (See MANDIRA.)

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MAHA MRIDANGA, a drawing-room per- cussion instrument, covered with skin and played with the hands; is a large-sized Mridanga. (See MRIDANGA.) MAHA NAGARA. (See NAHABAT.) MAHANANDA, an ancient wind-instru- ment of the flute species. MAIATI VINA, a drawing-room instrument played with Mizrabs ; said tohave been invented by the Sage Narada. It is the best and most difficult of all Hindu mnsical instruments. It is also gene- rally called "Vin" by the people of Hindustan,-a corruption of the word "Vina". MANDIRA, a drawing-room percussion instrumont, made of metal; is used to measure out the time in musical per- formances. The sound of this instru.

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ment is produced by two cups made of bell-metal striking against each other. MANJIRA, another name of Mandira. MAREDDALA, a pastoral instrument of percussion covered with skin ; is com- monly known as the Madala. It is chiefly used by the aboriginal hilly tribes, such as the Bheehls, Koles, Santals, &c. of Beerbhoom, Rajmahal, Manbhoom, Chotta Nagpore, Midna- pore, Seuri and other hilly placc . It is a classical instrument-evidently a corruption of the Mridanga. MINA SARANGI, a drawing-room stringed instrument played with the bow ; is a form of the Esrar ; with the excep- tion of the surface of the finger- board, the whole thing is made of ope

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entire piece of gourd. Its name is derived from the figure of a tish (Mina) attached to the end of the hollow. MOCHANGA, a drawing-room stringed ins- trument played with the tip of a finger ; a very ancient and curious instrument. It has to be held with the teeth, by means of the left hand, and the wire has to be sounded by the fore- finger of the right hand. It gives only a few notes. MOSHUCK. (See NAGABADDHA.) MRIDANGA, a drawing-room instrument of percussion covered with skin and played with the hands ; is a very anci- ent instrument said to have been in- vented by the Hindn god Brahma. It is intended to accompany solemn music and hymns. It is also used in

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Imperial Durbars with high class songs, such as the Dhrupada, &c. It is sometimes played with the Mahati Vina, Rudra Vina, &c. MURAJA, another kind of Mridanga. It is also said to be an ancient instru- ment. MURALI, a drawing-room wind-instru- ment of the flute species; is the "In- dian flute"; said to have been in- vented by the Hindu God Krishna, who is noted to have been fond of it.

N

NADESHVARA VINA, a drawing-room stringed instrument played with the bow; a very modern instrument

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formed out of the Violin and the Kach- hapi Vina. NAFARI, a species of Indian trumpet. NAGABADDHA, a pastoral wind-instrument with double tubes ; known as such in sanskrit ; its modern name is "Mosh- uck". It somewhat resembles the Scoteh Bagpipe. NAGAPHANI, an out-door wind instument made of copper ; used by the people of Nepal. It somewhat resembles the "French Horn". NAGARA Or NAGRA, an out-door pereus- sion instrument covered with skin and played with two sticks, formerly used in wars, now on festive occasions. It is known to the ancients as the Dundhuvi. NAHABAT, an out-door percussion ins-

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trument covered with skin and played with two sticks ; is the largest Indian kettle drum. It is kuown to the ancients as the Maha Nagara. NANDA, a wind-instrument of the ancient Hindus, of the flute species. The length of this instrument is 11 feet.

NAPOORA, a metallie instrument of per- cusion, used like the Ghunghura for dancing purposes.

NARASHINGA OF NARASHRINGA, an ont-door wind-instru- ment of the horn species, entirely made of copper; used by the Nepalese. NISANA, an instrument of percussion of the ancient Iindus. NOTBAT, the largest Indian kettle drum; is called in Sanskrit the Maha Nagra.

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NUY, an out-door wind-instrument, used in the Nahabat &c. NYASATARANGA, a peculiar instrument. This instrument, though of a classie origin, has created no little wonder amongest the Indian publie. It looks like a wind-instrument, but is never blown. It has to be placed on the throat, upon the vocal chords, and being breathed upon strongly, will produce a clear reedy note. It can be made to hum out Alapas or airs or songs as may be desired. It is believed that an instrument of this description is scarcely to be met in any other part of the Globe. It can also be made to produce sound when placed upon the cheeks and the nostrils. Its ancient name is Upanga.

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P

PAKHOWAJ, the Persian name of the Mri- danga. PANABA, a very classical drawing-room instrument of pereussion covered with skin and played with the hands ; a small drum or tabor. PARIBADINI VINA, a drawing-room string- ed instrument of the ancient Hindus, mounted with seven strings. It is mentioned in the "Amarakosha." PATPATI, a musical instrument for the children, covered with skin. PINAKA, a one-stringed instrument played with the tips of the fingers ; said to be the father of all stringed instru- ments. It is known to have been in-

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vented by the Hindu God Shiva. PINAKI VINA. (See PINAKA). PUGI, a pastoral wind instrument former- ly used, on religious occasions but now by the snake-charmers. It is said to have been blown in ancient times by the nostrils; but now by the mouth; the ancient name of this instrument is Nasa-jantra.

R

RABAB. (See RUDRA VINA.) RABANA, a very ancient stringed instru- ment of the Hindus, played with the bow. It is said to have been played like the Rabanastra or Rabanastram. RABANASTRA or RABANASTRAM, a most ancient stringed instrument of the Hindus, played with

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the bow. It is saic to have been made by Rabana, the kiag of Ceylon. RABANI, a pulsatile instrument covered with skin, nsd by the Singhalese; generally by the women of that nation. RAMA SHINGA Or RAMA SHRINGA,the largest trumpet of the Hindus. RANA SHINGA Or RANA SHRINGA, an ont-door instrument of the horn species, fomerly used -******. in military bands. Now used in religious processions. ROWSHUNCHOURI, a well known out-door wind instrument of the reed species. ROWSHUNCHOUKI SARNA. (See ROWSHAN- CHOURI). RUANA, the corrupted name of the Rabana.

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RUDRA VINA, a drawing-room stringed instrument, played with a wooden jawa (plectrum). It is known at present as the Rabab. Much used in Persia, Afghanisthan and the North- Western Provinces of India. Known as "Rubeb" in Arabia. RUNJA, an ancient instrument of per- cussion of the Hindus.

S

SANJOGI, a drawing-room stringed ins- trument played with the bow; a modined form of the Sarangi. It is a modern invention. SAPTA GHANTIKA, seven little bells placed in a row and used to keep time in the orchestra. A very modern instument.

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SARABA, a pastoral pulsatile instrument covered with skin ; an earthen vessel; nsed by the children. SARALA BANSI, the Indian flageolet. It has to be held straight before the mouth when played. SARANGI, a drawing-room stringed instru- ment played with the bow. It is a very sweet-toned ancient instrument, inten- ded to accompany the female voice. It is generally used in the perfor- mances of the Hindustani Nateh-girls. SARINDA, a pastoral stringed instrument played with the bow ; is a rude form of the Sarangi, It is known to be an ancient instrument. Now generally used by the Durwan class. &c. SARNA, an out-door wind instrument common in India and Persia.,

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SARODE, the Mahomedan name of the Sharadiya Vina. SATTALI, another species of the castanets of the Hindus. SETAR, a modern and well known draw- ing-room stringed instrument, played with a mizrab (steel plectrum). (See TRITANTRI VINA). 8HANAYE, an out-door wind instrument of the reed species, used in the Naha- bat and Rowshunchouki performances. It also accompanies the Dhola of the Bengalis and Oorias. It looks very much like the Hautboy. It was a fa- vorite instrument of the Emperor Akbar Shah. SHANKHA, a very ancient wind instrument of the shell species, formerly used in wars and on religious and festive

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occasions, now only on the latter. This instrument might be, not inap- propriately, called the father of wind- instruments. In days of yore, there were shankhas of various descriptions, such as the Panchajanya, used by Krishna, Decadatta, by Arjuna, Poun- dra by Bhima, &e. It is also used in the Buddha Temples. It is called by the Europeans the "Conch trum- pet". SHARADIYA VINA, a drawing-room stringed instrument, played with a wooden Jawa (plecturm), known at present as the Sarode. Is mostly nsed in the Upper Provinces. It was formerly used as an out-door instrument, in royal processions. SHOWKTIKA VINA, a drawing-room strin-

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ged instrument played with a mizrab (steel pectrum). The hollow of this instrument is made of mother-o'-pearl. In every other respect, it is just like the Kachhapi. SHBINGA, an ancient out-door wind-ins- trument of the horn species; is com- monly known as the Indian horn, It was the favorite instrument of the Hindu God Shiva. SHRUTI VINA, a drawing-room stringed instrument played with a mizrab (steel plectrum). It is an ancient instru- ment of the Setar description. It shows the 22 shrutis or enharmonic intervals, which exist in an octave. SHUKTI PATTA, a kind of musical instru- ment of the ancient Hindus. SUR-BAHAR, a drawing-room stringed

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instrument played with a mizrab (steel plectrum) ; is a large-sized Kachhapi Vina, invented about 50 years ago, by Golam Mahomed Khan of Luck- now. It is espeehdly adayted for playing Alapus of Ragas and Raginis. SURMANDALA, a kind of Indian dulcimer. SURSANGA, a drawing-room stringed ins- trument played with the bow. In fact it is nothing but the Esrar without the side-wires. It is said to have been first made by Sebaram Dass of Bisnupur. SURSEETA, a stringed intrument of the Hindus. SUR-SHRINGARA, a drawing room stringed instrument played with an Iron Jawa (pleetrum). Is a composition of the Mahati, Kachhapi and Rudra Vinas. A-3

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It is invented by the celebrated Vina- player Piyar Khan. SUR VINA, a drawing-room stringed ins- trument played with the bow ; is some- what like the Rudra Vina in appear- ance. It is a clessical instrument. SWARA-MANDALA. (See SUR-MANDALA.) SWARA-SHRINGARA. (See SUR-SHRINGARA.) SWARA VINA. (See SUR VINA.)

T

TABLA, a drawing-room pulsatile instru- ment covered with skin and played with the right hand. It accompanies Tuppa and other light songs with the Banya. It is also played with dancers, the Sarangi, Esrar, &c. It is some- times called the Dahina.

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TARA-TANTRI, an ancient stringed instru- ment of the Hindus. It is mentioned in the Sangita Darpana. TAMBURA, TANPURA. (See TUMBURC VINA.) TASA, an ont-door pulsatile instrument covered with skin and played with two sticks, formerly used in wars. Now it is used on festive occasions. TAus or MAYURI, a drawing-room string- ed instrument played with the bow. Is a form of the Esrar. It derives its name from the figure of a peacock (mayura) attached to the end of the hollow. TIKARA, a pulsatile instrmmemt used in the Nahabat : is played simultane- ously with the Damama, each with a stick. TIKTIRI. (See TUBRI.)

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TRITANTRI VINA, an ancient drawing- room instrument played with a miz- rab (steel plectrum). Now it goes by the general name "Setar" (or "three wires") given to it by Amir Khusroo in the 13th century. The hollow of this instrument is sometimes made of wood. In other respeets. it is jnst like the Kachhapi. Originally it had three wires only. TUBRI, a pastoral wind instrument with double tnhes, nsed by the snake- charmers. It is called Tiktiri in Sans- krit. TOMBURU VINA, a very ancient drawing- room stringed instrument played with the tips of the fingers ; better known as the Tambura or Tanpura. The in- vention of this instrument is attribut-

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ed to the celestial musician Tumburn. It is used in both yocal and instrn- mental performances, and, by continu- ing the sound is intended to prevent any disagreeable pauses in them. TUNTUNI, an ancient pastoral stringed instrument mounted with one string only. (See Ekatara or Ekatantrika.) TURI, an out-door wind intrument of the horn species, nsed formerly on occa- sions of wars. Now used in the reli- gious services, also sometimes in the Nahabat. It is generally known as the Indian Trumpet.

V

VINA,a very ancient and well-know .. draw- ing-room stringed instrument of the

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Hindus ; has various forms, snch as the Mahati, Ranjani, Bipanchi, Kachhapi, Bharata, Rudra, Sharadiya, Tritantri, Kinnari, Showktika, Shruti, Prasarani, Kattyayana, Tumburu Vina, &e., &c., &c.

YASHAHPATAHA, a pulsatile instriment covered with skin, used in ancient days by the Hindus in wars. It is said to have been played with very much joy by the victorious party just after a battle was gaiced. YORAGHAYI, an out-door pereussion ins- trument covered with skin ; a double instrument. The whole thing is a smalf Dhola placed upon a bigger one.

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The right side of this instrmment is played with a stick and the left with the hand.

THE END.