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Musical Instruments of Kashmir

Melodies of Folk and Classical Music in Kashmir

Musical Instruments of Kashmir

The evolution of Kashmir’s cultural history is enshrined in the evolution of its music. Kashmiri music has evolved under major influence from South Asian and Central Asian cultures. Today, multiple genres of music co-exist in Kashmir, sharing amongst them a varied set of instruments and forms of melody.
The Meeras Mahal Museum houses a small, yet a rich collection of musical instruments that are representative of the sheer richness and diversity of the Kashmiri musical tradition.

Tumbaknaer:
The Tumbaknaer or Tumbaknari is a musical instrument primarily associated with the Kashmiri folk tradition. This single-side, goblet shaped drum has its origins in Central Asian lands. It is commonly found in the Arab world and in the Eastern European cultures, where this instrument, referred to as the Tumbak or Tumbal, is usually made out of wood. However, in Kashmir, the Tumbaknaer continues to be made out of clay and animal skin. The Tumbaknaer is played by artists of the Chakri genre of music and is also commonly played by women in marriage and celebratory settings.

Bam Nout:
The term Nout refers to the bulbous earthen pitcher used for collecting and storing water. The Nout has also made its way into Kashmiri music where it is primarily associated with Chakri. The use of a pitcher as a percussion instrument can be found in Indic traditions, the variants of which are popular in Punjab (Ghara) and Rajasthan (Matka). The Nout used for musical purposes is often referred to as Bam Nout: made out of clay, and decorated with floral motifs.

Rabab,Rubab:
One of the oldest instruments to have graced the evolution of music in Kashmir, the Rabab has found its way into Kashmir from Afghanistan. It is commonly referred to as the Kabuli Rabab and is different in style and sound from the Seni Rabab found in the Indic mainland. A fretted string instrument made primarily out of wood; the Rabab forms the highlight of the Kashmiri folk tradition. The Rabab has historically been associated with Hafiza -nagma and Bach- nagma forms of folk dance and is today usually seen in Chakri performances as well. It played by artists with finesse in style and high degree of professionalism.

Sarang:
The Kashmiri Saraan or Sarang is a bowed string instrument made out of mulberry wood and animal skin. Though this instrument bears resemblance to the Indian ‘Sarangi’, it is smaller in size and slightly different in shape. Associated primarily with the genre of folk music, the Saraan is an essential element of the Chakri orchestra. Saraan was often chosen as the sole instrument by minstrel groups who wandered through the villages, playing melodies of traditional Kashmiri folk.

Saetar, Sehtar, Sitar:
The Kashmiri Setar or Sehtar is a fretted string instrument that is smaller in size than other forms of Sitar found in the Indian subcontinent. Unlike the Indian Sitar, which is purposed to be played solo, the Kashmiri Saetar is played as part of the Sufi orchestra. It is one of the most important instruments used in the Sufiyana Kalam or the classical music of Kashmir. However, it has also found its place in folk music.

Swarnai:
The Swarnai is a traditional wind instrument found in Kashmir. Made entirely out of wood, it uses walnut, apricot or sheesham wood as raw material. It is primarily associated with the art form of ‘Bhand Pather’ or the traditional folk theatre of Kashmir. Though not a common sight, the Bhands perform street plays primarily during the harvesting season, with the purpose of procuring crop yield from the farmers in lieu of their performance. Here, the Swarnai formed the most important instrument of the act. The Swarnai is also played during marriage celebrations.
In addition to these instruments that are typical to the genres of music that have developed in Kashmir, the Meeras Mahal also has specimens of certain musical instruments that are commonly found across South Asia, including Kashmir. These include the frame drum percussion instrument called the dafli, the tong shaped metal instrument called the chimta or chumt, the single string instrument Ektaar, referred to as yak-taar in Kashmiri and the quintessential flute or Nai.

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