Musical Instruments of Medieval India

The sketch of Indian Culture remains incomplete without music. Since ancient times, the world of music has
expanded with the emergence of new forms and styles of music. Instruments accompanying the music have
also played a critical role in augmenting its essence. Musical Instruments of Medieval India had become
quite popular and have brought about new dimensions in the Indian music. They have enriched the cultural
heritage of India.

Rubab
Rabab is a famous musical instrument of medieval India that resembles a lute. It originated through Persian
influence. Rabab is made up of a single piece of wood and animal skin is used to form the head and strings
of the instruments. At one end of the instrument, a spike is present for balancing. Rabab can be played with
the aid of a bow or by plucking with hands and has three main melody strings. However, with time and
development of musical instruments, Rabab was gradually replaced by violin as Rabab had a limited range.

Sarod
Sarod belongs to the same musical family as Rabab. An intense
and deep sound is produced by Sarod and continuous slides
between the musical notes can be created with it. A small tool,
made of bones, is used to produce melodies by plucking the
strings. The instrument gained much popularity in northern
India.

Tambura
Tambura is another musical instrument belonging to medieval era. It is plucked lute instrument having a long
neck. The instrument has four to five strings which creates different pitches when combined with Tambura of
different sizes. It is made with a hollowed wood or a gourd. Jackwood is most commonly used for making
Tamburas.

Sitar
Sitar is a plucked musical instrument which originated in the medieval
period. Sympathetic strings on Sitar are used to produce resonance. It
is made of a gourd chamber and a long hollow neck which is
composed of wood. Precise tuning is required in Sitar to produce
Dream locations with Emirates
beautiful melodies.
Dilruba
Dilruba is a famous musical instrument of medieval India which was prevalent mainly in north-west India. It
has a long neck having 18 strings. The instrument is tuned in a similar fashion to sitar. However Dilruba is
played only with one main string. A number of sympathetic strings are also present in it.

Pakhavaj
Pakhavaj is percussion instrument and a descendent of ancient instrument Mridangam. It is a two headed
drum having a barrel shape. It is used extensively to accompany dance and music performances. The
rhythms are played in this instrument with series mnemonic syllables.

Dholak
Dholak is basically a folk instrument of medieval India. It is a two
headed drum and the pitch depends on the size of the instrument.
Dholak is extensively used along with kirtan, bhangra and qawwali.

Other Musical Instruments of Medieval India

In addition to these, other Musical Instruments of Medieval India are
Veena, Sarangi, Mayuri, Tabla, Nakkara, Bansuri, Been etc.

Musical Instruments of Medieval India have undergone great transformations through years. These
instruments have added vigour to the traditions and culture of India and have been a significant part of the
lives of Indians.

Share this Article

     

Recently Updated Articles

Music of Kerala
With its origin in the primitive dances and plays, the music of Kerala has evolved to a high aesthetic
sensitiveness and great technical sophistication since ancient times.

Ektara
Ektara is a one-string instrument which is most often used in folk music in India. The Ektara was a regular string
instrument of wandering bards and minstrels from India and is plucked with one finger.

Musical Instruments of North-Eastern India

Musical Instruments of North-Eastern India, since ages, have accompanied and enhanced the essence of music
of this region. The people of the North Eastern India are great lovers of music.

Drums of North-Eastern India

Drums of North-Eastern India are an important musical instrument used in different festivals by the tribes. They
are used by each community as means of varied communication.

Bamboo Guitar
Bamboo Guitar is a tribal musical instrument mostly used by the Rabhas of Assam, the Garos of Meghalaya and
the Mizos of Mizoram in North-East India.

Art & culture Search

Copyright 2008 Jupiter Infomedia Ltd.

Music in Medieval India
Musical Instruments
of Ancient India

Carnatic Musical
Instruments

Surando, Musical
Instrument of Kutch

Pungi, Wind
Instrument

Sarangi