Fundamental of Ancient Indian Music and Dance

Author(s): Sureshchandra Benarji
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 46

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
General remarks
Instruments have been divided into four classes, viz. Tata, Susira, Avanaddha and Ghana. The first two are said to produce songs through śrutis, the third to impart pleasantness and the fourth is said to make songs worth while. Tata instruments are made of strings and susira has holes in it. Those which are covered with leather is called avanaddha. That which is played by striking is called ghana.
The lute is called viņā. It is twofold according as it is śrutivinā and svaravinā. Of these two, the former has been described under vocal music in connexion with Sāraņā.
In connexion with svaravīņā, śārngadeva says that, in it too, the experts can produce śrutis. The types of this viņā are ekatantri, nakula, tritantrikā, citrāviņā, vipancı, mattakokilā, ālāpiņi, kinnari, pināki and ņiḥśarkaviņā These should be so constructed that the starus are clearly heard and ample charm is produced in the minds of listeners.
Under susira are included vamśa, pāva, pāyikā, murali, madhukari, kāhalā, tundukini, cukkā, śộnga, śarkha etc.
Pațaha, mardala, hudukkā, karaļā, ghaļa, ghadasa, dhavasa, dhakkā, kudukkā, kuduvā, ruñjā, damaruka, dakkā, mandidakkā dakkuli, sellukā, jhallari, bhāņa, trivali, dundubhi, bheri, niņsāņa, tumbaki—these are included under avanaddha.
Ghanavādyas are tāla, kāmsya-tāla, ghanļā, ksudraghanţikā jayaghanļā, kamrā, śuktipatța etc.