Tripura’s Bamboo Made Imitated Instrument
Rajat Seal, Research Scholar, Visva Bharati University (Sangit Bhavana),
Supervisor – Dr. Amit Kr. Verma.
Agartala, Tripura (W). Email: rajatpink190@gmail.com
Abstract
Tripura is a land of rich musical treasure and diversity as well when music is not only a medium of Mere entertainment but also a love and attraction of life. The form of music was different in different places with a diversity of language culture
and contemporary influence of popular music. Instruments of Indian classical music are also imitated by the bamboos of Tripura which will be found in this paper. Different types of bamboo are the material to make the instruments in Tripura. Here this paper has attempted to study bamboo-made instruments of Tripura which was never known in any paper or books. This paper will discuss the history of these instruments, playing techniques, measurements and instrument-making process. The study aims to display the importance of the reach form of music in Tripura.
Keywords:- Bamboo, Kanjira, Violin, Music, Tripura, Measurement.
INTRODUCTION:-
This small state of Tripura is surrounded by mountainous beauty with majestic memories. A unique combination of hills and plains is observed in this state. This state covers an area of 10492 square kilometres. This state is surrounded by Bangladesh on three sides and Assam on one side. Although small in size, this state is steeped in arts and culture. The remarkable aspect is that unity amid differences is a very vivid example
1
for this state. Because people of 19 (Nineteen) Tribes & Sub- Tribes communities lives in this state. These 19 (Nineteen) Tribes & Sub-Tribes communities have their own distinct art practices, festivals, cultural activities that are highly Aesthetic. The use of different musical instruments in different festivals, different dances used in ceremonies and singing is a quality aspect of this state. Needless to say, the four types of musical instruments mentioned in Hindustani classical music, (Anadhya/ Avanadhya Badya, Tantra Badya, Sushir Badya, Ghana Badya) description which was found in “Bharat Muni’s Natya Sashstra Book” we find some examples of these in the musical instruments created in this state. So we can proudly tell that the culture and heritage for music and instruments are so rich in this state. We know that this small state in the Northeastern part of India is naturally very rich in bamboo. The bamboo of this state is very popular for making flutes.
Analysis :-
A young man from Udaipur in the Gomati district of this state, Mr Debabrata Das, created a striking wonder based on his artistry. Made many bamboo musical instruments. What is surprising is their similarity to the four- -categorised instruments of Hindustani classical music mentioned earlier.
I will discuss two numbers of musical instruments below. Which will classify the two genres of Hindustani Classical Music IInstrument{ANADHYA/AVANADHYA (Leather) & TANTRA (String)} according to Bharat Muni’s Natya Shastra book.
The first one, was the bamboo-made “Kanjira”, which was the purely imitated form of the great South Indian Insrument. This instrument will specify the characteristics of ANADHYA / AVANADHYA Badya. Which is a Leather Instruments. I will describe the history, Measurements, Instrument-making process & Playing techniques of the Instrument.
The story of how a fruit container became a musical instrument sounds like a amazing story when heard from the Inventor, artist / musician of the Instrument. At first the work was not started with the idea that this instrument would be made. The idea was to make a fruit container, but later the addiction to music and new ideas attracted the artist in the mind, you can see the mature form in the above picture.
One of the best quality bamboos from Tripura is Barag. This musical instrument is made of Barag bamboo. First the bamboo is seasoned i.e. chemically treated to make it suitable for making musical instruments. Then small pieces i.e. 3/3 inch size are cut and joined by glue (Araldite) and a round pot of 8 inch diameter is made. Which the artist created as a fruit container. Then, as we hear in the artist’s mouth – the musical pull, this vessel is given the shape of a Kanjira musical instrument. It is good to inform you that no colour has been used in this vessel, the natural colour of bamboo has been kept. To increase the beautification of the pot, it is cut into small pieces and joined by glue to give the shape of Alpana. One end of the instrument will be covered with a canopy and a circular circle is made at the lower part of the G.I wire. In the opposite to the Leather part, where the instrument plays there is eight numbers of 2.5 inch Diwali are made of bamboo to hold the canopy. Copper wire with GI wire to keep these walls taut is added. The height of the entire musical instrument including the canopy is 4 inches. The canopy is made of goat skin. A 2.5-inch thin coated gab is provided on top. You can easily open the canopy and change the entire instrument of your choice. You have to play this instrument by hand. For the modulation of the sound, you have to keep your other hand and press on the canopy with need.1
The second one is Bamboo made “Violin”. For the love & attraction of music, Shri Debabrata Das has made this imitate instrument from the great Hindustani Classical Music Instrument Violin. This instrument will specify the characteristics of Tantra Badya. Which is a String Instrument. I will describe the history, Measurements, Instrument-making process & Playing techniques of this Instrument.
1 Shil,R. (2023, June 8). Bamboo Made Instruments. (Debabrata Das, Interviewer), Udaipur.
3
If we read books then we all will able to know about the history of the famous Indian classical music instrument “Violin” but the urge of the mind is full of the love of one’s place. Two guys from Gomati Tripura, Udaipur Shri – Debabrata Das & Shri – Khelendra Das tried to make a violin by the Bamboo of Tripura & they succeeded with their effort. Here are there words – Another unique musical instrument made of bamboo made in Tripura is the violin. This musical instrument is made up of bamboo, leather, wire and steel clips. It is an experimental invention. Makhal bamboo was chosen for this instrument from among the many bamboo found in Tripura. According to the previous method, chemical treatment is done first to increase the durability of bamboo. Then the bamboo is dried in the sun for 15 days and then kept in the shade for 15 days. After this process, the bamboo becomes suitable for making musical instruments. A bamboo knob of 9 to 10 inches in length with a diameter of 12 to 14 inches is first cut to form the base of the instrument. Also another piece of bamboo of half its size i.e. 6 to 7 inches in diameter and 15 to 16 inches long should be made. The next piece of bamboo should be cut lengthwise on top of the previous piece of bamboo and joined inside. The bottom piece of bamboo should be covered with leather on both sides as it is hollow on both sides. Goat skin is applicable in this case. A piece of smooth bamboo should be added over the top of the base for its connection. Now from the ghat part of the upper bamboo to another piece which is placed on the upper bamboo for its connection, cut up to the starting point of this piece and leave the place hollow Steel clips, similar to those used for tuning guitars, are also drilled into the hollow section. Since it is an imitation instrument, it uses four strings just like the original violin. Connect the wires to these clips and attach the wires to the small piece of bamboo attached at the bottom end. Like the original fiddle instrument, it is also played with a shack.2
2 Shil,R. (2022, October 18). Bamboo Made Instruments. (Khelendra Das, Interviewer), Amarpur.
4
Conclusion :-
The introduction of these musical instruments in society is very necessary. As a son of the state, Tripura, I must present these musical instruments to the court of the world. Presenting this effort to you through this letter is my main success. The benefit of my effort in promoting these musical instruments will be a success when the future generations will be interested in these musical instruments.
Bibliography :
1) Shil,R. (2023, June 8). Bamboo Made Instruments. (Debabrata Das, Interviewer), Udaipur.
2) Shil,R. (2022, October 18). Bamboo Made Instruments. (Khelendra Das, Interviewer), Amarpur. 5