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Information on Indian Musical Instruments

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July 2021

The Rhythmic World Of Tabla

About The Instrument Tabla:

Tabla is an Indian classical instrument that comprises two individual drums that create the perfect melody when played in unison. The upper and lower part of the drum is held together by a string known as “Pushkar.” The name ‘table’ is derived from the Arabic word “tabl,” which means drum in the English language. Tabla is generally played for devotional songs, also known as “bhakti” songs, which are a well-known tradition of Hinduism, to praise God by singing “bhajans” and “kirtans.” Not just in India, tabla has gained its recognition throughout the world and even in the UK. There are many tabla shops in the UK, among which gurusoundz falls under the well-known tabla shop UK has. Several musicians have mastered the art of using the technique of palm and fingers to softly hit the wooden surface of this majestic instrument and create a melody that will have the power to move all the listeners.

The Admirable History Of Tabla:

Tabla is one of the oldest Hindustani classical instruments that has been in existence since ancient civilization. The sculptures in the Bhaja caves have evidence of a woman who seems to be playing this intriguing instrument. Moreover, many ancient temples in places like Bhuvaneshwar and Mukteswar have figures engraved on the walls, clearly showing the evidence of the particular figure using their palm to play the wooden, ‘hollow from the inside’ instrument.

The ancient Indian book of art – Natyasastra has the earliest textual evidence of tabla. This book has also explained how you can master this modest yet extraordinary instrument. Ajanta and Elora’s caves also have sculptures of a group of people playing the tabla. Tabla was also predominant during the Yadava times in the 13th century when musicians played the tabla in the courtroom. Tabla gained its first popularity and earned the audience’s attention when Muhammed Shah, the Mughal emperor, presented tabla in the courtroom.

Do you know who owns the credit for creating the tabla that is predominantly used in recent times? Pay your respect and thanks to musician Amir Khusro who was also a Turkish poet. He came up with the idea of a drum that a person can play in a sitting position from the top angle. He turned once simple drums into a versatile and more complex and unique instrument that could create multiple tunes and beat with this idea.

Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Tabla:

Did you know that tabla was the primary instrument for Afghani celebratory music? Tabla is also used to create magic in other regions also like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Are you intrigued to learn tabla and want to buy the best tabla for yourself? If the above-stated facts have sparked an interest in you to start playing this complex musical instrument, here are some things you should know and consider before buying a tabla for yourself:

  • The two separate drums are called Dayan and Bayan, respectively. Dayan is the one on the right side and is small compared to the left one, which is Bayan. Alternatively, Dayan creates high notes, and Bayan makes low bass sounds. So buy a tabla set according to your dominant hand.
  • Dayan is usually on the expensive side because it is made of wood rather than Bayan, made up of copper. If your budget is tighter, go for the aluminium ones.

Sitar-The Emerging Indian Musical Instrument In Western World

Sitar-Merging Traditional Music With Modern Sounds

The Sitar is an ancient instrument that has come a long way and changed significantly over the years. However, it still emits beautiful sounds after all these centuries of changing hands, from Iranians to Indians who dedicated their lives to perfecting this melodic sound. Many music artists use the sitar as a musical instrument. 

These include Gulam Reza and Ravi Shankar, who have dedicated their lives to polish this art, bringing new ragas into existence, which helped people worldwide get more interested in its versatility. The maestros of the modern-day have mastered playing this traditional instrument with such finesse, redefining its boundaries for themselves and others alike.

A Sneak-Peak Of The Indian Sitar

The Indian Sitar is a stringed instrument that had been around for generations, but it was not until the 1960s when its popularity spread to Western audiences. It has become an integral part of music culture in India and other parts of Asia. A modern sitar, irrespective of its size, has seven strings with a wide range that produce extraordinary music; the melodies sound sweet like honey. 

The powerful sounds and melodious tunes can bring one’s heart to melt in an instant! Sitars have been around for centuries but seem as if they could never go out of style or become commonplace due to their uniqueness. To rediscover your love for music and awaken your body’s natural rhythm, you must add this instrument to the collection today!

The Magical Music Of Sitar Awaits You

It is no secret that the Sitar, an instrument of south Asian origin that resembles a long piece of wood with strings attached to it, has been used in classical dance and music performances for centuries. It is a musical instrument that has been surprising and captivating every man who got the opportunity to hear its sweet sound. It helps artists develop bonds with music, unleash their rhythmic abilities, express themselves through it, and reflect what kind of musician they are.

Many foreign countries have entirely ignored the language barrier; they’re all exclaiming their love for this great instrument. Many Sitar shop UK like Gurusoundz offer artists an opportunity to search through different sitars to start their musical journey with this splendid instrument.

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