Indian Native Instruments You’ve Probably Never Heard Of


India’s musical heritage is as diverse as its culture, encompassing a vast array of instruments that have been integral to its traditions for centuries. While instruments like the sitar and tabla are globally recognized, many others remain lesser-known yet are equally captivating.

Here, we explore some of these unique Indian native instruments that deserve your attention.

1. Ravanahatha: The Ancient Bowed Instrument

Originating from the Hela people of Sri Lanka during King Ravana’s reign, the Ravanahatha is an ancient bowed instrument considered a precursor to the modern violin. It features a resonator crafted from a gourd or coconut shell, a bamboo neck, and strings made from horsehair. Historically, it has been used in parts of India and Sri Lanka.

2. Swarabat: The Carnatic Bass Lute

The Swarabat is a rare plucked string instrument prominent in Carnatic music. Resembling the veena, it has a wooden body with a skin-covered resonator and silk strings plucked with a horn plectrum. Its deep, bass-rich tones were once favored in royal courts across South India.

3. Yazh: The Ancient Tamil Harp

The Yazh is an ancient stringed instrument from Tamil Nadu. Shaped like a boat with a curved neck, it resembles a harp and is considered an ancestor of the modern veena. The instrument’s strings were traditionally made from gut, and it was used to accompany poetic recitations and songs.

4. Kinnari: The Mythical String Instrument

Named after the celestial musicians in Hindu mythology, the Kinnari is an ancient stringed instrument mentioned in Sanskrit literature. It features a long neck with a varying number of strings and is played by plucking. The instrument’s design and construction have evolved over time, and it holds a significant place in the history of Indian music.

5. Dilruba: The Melodious Bowed Instrument

The Dilruba, approximately 200 years old, is a bowed string instrument used in North Indian classical and religious music. It combines elements of the sitar and sarangi, featuring a long neck with frets and a skin-covered body. Played with a bow, the dilruba produces a hauntingly beautiful sound and holds particular significance in Sikh devotional music.

6. Surbahar: The Bass Sitar

Known as the bass version of the sitar, the Surbahar offers a deeper tonal range and is used in Hindustani classical music for playing the more serious and expansive ragas. It features a larger body and longer neck than the sitar, with a similar design including sympathetic strings and movable frets. The surbahar allows for prolonged sustain and slower tempos, making it ideal for the alap section of a raga.

7. Taus: The Peacock-Shaped Bowed Instrument

The Taus is a unique bowed instrument shaped like a peacock, which is what its name means in Persian. It was created by Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, and is used in Sikh devotional music. The instrument has a body that resembles a peacock with an elongated neck and is played with a bow, producing a deep and resonant sound.

8. Pakhawaj: The Ancient Barrel Drum

The Pakhawaj is a traditional barrel-shaped drum used in Hindustani classical music, especially in dhrupad performances. It is considered an ancestor of the tabla and is played horizontally with both hands. The drum has a rich, deep sound and is made from a hollowed-out piece of wood with animal skin heads on both sides.

9. Ektara: The One-Stringed Wonder

The Ektara is a simple, one-stringed instrument commonly used in folk music across India. It consists of a resonator made from a gourd or wood and a bamboo neck. The string is plucked to produce a rhythmic drone, often accompanying devotional songs and folk performances.

10. Gopichand: The Bengal Drone Instrument

The Gopichand, also known as the gopiyantra, is a traditional instrument from Bengal. It features a single string stretched between two bamboo shafts attached to a resonator made of coconut shell or gourd. Squeezing the bamboo shafts while plucking the string changes the pitch, creating a distinctive sound used in folk music and devotional songs.

Raahein Gharana: Reviving India's Forgotten Musical Treasures

Many of these instruments have faded into obscurity, but initiatives like Raahein Gharana are working tirelessly to revive and preserve them. Raahein Gharana, founded by Shefali Khanna in collaboration with the Dear Sunshine Foundation, is dedicated to the dignity, equity, and evolution of over 100 Indian native and folk heritage instruments. The initiative provides a platform for urban, rural, and tribal musicians, offering them new opportunities for livelihood and bringing their unique sounds to global audiences through digital platforms.

By supporting such initiatives, we can ensure that these rare and extraordinary instruments continue to be played and appreciated for generations to come. If you are passionate about Indian classical and folk music, consider exploring the work of Raahein Gharana and the talented musicians they support.

Preserving India’s Musical Heritage. These instruments, though not widely known, are integral to India's rich musical tapestry. Preserving and promoting them is essential to maintaining the diversity and depth of Indian music. Organizations, musicians, and enthusiasts are working towards reviving interest in these traditional instruments through workshops, performances, and educational programs.

By exploring and supporting these lesser-known instruments, we can ensure that India's musical heritage continues to thrive for future generations.

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