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Origin of the
Sitar
The origin of
sitar is not clearly known and there are a number of theories
regarding the origin and history of the Sitar. According to some
scholars it has evolved from the ancient veenas such as the rudra
veena. Some other credited Amir Khusrau for the invention of
sitar, there is also confusion on this name as there are two
noted persons in the history with the same name. The one was a
courtier of Allauddin Khilji in the 13th century and
other was a noble of 18thn century Mogul court. Broadly it is
believed that sitar has developed at end of the Mogul era and
probably it was second Amir Khusaro who developed this
instrument. This instrument derived its name from Persian Sehtar
meaning three strings that it originally had.
Description
of the Sitar
Sitar is
one of the most popular classical instruments. It played
significant role in introducing western audiences to Indian
classical music. It is categorized as a chordophone in the lute
family. Sitars have necks crafted from toon or teakwood and a
resonator carved from a large seasoned gourd. The modern sitar
has seven strings fastened to the pegs on the neck and the sides.
Sixteen to twenty –two frets are secured to the fingerboard by
pieces of gut. There are also 11 to 12 sympathetic strings below
the frets, running parallel to the main strings. There are a
series of arched metal frets, which are tied to the neck with
line. These frets may be adjusted to alter the pitch.
Parts of the Sitar
The parts of Sitar are called with
different names in different parts of India. However the terms
used here are fairly representative, but by all means not the
only ones to be found.
Kunti
- The kuntis are the simple friction tuning pegs. There are two
sizes of tuning pegs on the Sitar, larger pegs are for the main
strings and the smaller pegs for sympathetic strings. The larger
kuntis come in three styles: simple, fluted, and lotus. The
degree of decoration of these pegs indicates the class of
instrument. The more decorated the pegs, the higher the quality
of instrument.
Drone
Strings
- There are a number of strummed strings on the sitar which are
not fretted and referred as drone strings. There are two special
drone strings known as the chikaris. These chikaris are raised
above the neck on pegs known as mogara. There are also other
drone strings that run to all the way down the neck. Drone
strings play an important role in the musical performances of
sitar players.
Tumba
– Tumba is lower hemispherical of sitar that is not an essential
part of every sitar though many sitars it. Tumba is a hollow
gourd which is attached to the neck of the sitar.
Tar
– Tar
refers to the string of the sitar. The sitar has number of
strings that fall into three categories namely the drone strings,
the sympathetic strings and the playing stings.
Dandi
– This
is stem or neck of the sitar.
Parda
– Parda
are frets that are metal rods which are bent and tied to the stem
or neck of sitar. These pardas can be adjusted by the musician
for the requisite pitch.
Gulu
– This
is the upper gourd that connects the neck to the resonator. The
main function of Gulu is to provide balance to the musician while
he or she plays the instrument.
Tuning
beads
– The
several tuning beads placed on sitar help to make minor
adjustments in pitch without going to the large tuning pegs.
Kaddu
– Kaddu
is the resonator of sitar that is nothing but a hollow pumpkin
finely carved and polished.
Playing the Sitar
The
sitting position has an important role in playing sitar. It is
usually played by sitting on the ground with crossed legs. If
you are a right handed player attach your left foot under your
right thigh and place your right ankle in front of your left
knee. This position will allow you to hold your sitar
comfortably. Put the resonator on the heel of your left foot and
rest your right arm on top of the resonator. Position of neck and
shoulder is also important in holding sitar. The tips of the
index and middle fingers of the left hand are used to note the
strings. A wire plectrum, known as mizrab, is usually worn on the
index finger of the right hand to strum the strings. The
beginners should wear plastic coated plectrum for added comfort.
Care and Caution
1.When not in use place your sitar in a corner in standing position
with front facing in. Don't put it on a soft surface, such as a
bed or couch as it may
roll off and break.
2.Every two weeks or
so loosen the top strings and let your sitar rest in a corner for
a couple of days. Or, if you play every day, do this for a couple
of
days for the time that you may not be using the
sitar.
3.The top seven
strings of sitar need to be changed regularly but regular
cleaning can increase their life span surprisingly.
4.Rub
the finish of sitar with a soft cloth to keep it shiny. Never use
furniture polish on the sitar. A soft artist's brush can also use
gently to whip away
dust, etc. from the area under the strings.
5.After
some time of playing the large bridge may become grooved and need
re-surfacing. This is called Jawari and should be done by a
professional.
6.Always wipe the strings and the frets over after you finish a
playing session. The top steel string is particularly prone to
rusting and may become hard
to play if it isn't wiped over after
each playing session.
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