The Musical Instruments in Himachal Pradesh | HPPSC HPAS Preparation - HPPSC HPAS (Himachal Pardesh) PDF Download

Wind Instruments

Bansuri/Flute

• The Bansuri, a bamboo flute, is closely associated with the Hindu deity Lord Krishna, who is considered a master of this instrument.
• There are two main varieties:
  1. Hindustani Flute: Predominantly used in northern Indian classical music, this flute has six finger holes and one embouchure hole.
  2. Venu or Pullan Guzhal: Used in southern Indian Carnatic music, this version typically has eight finger holes, with a fingering system standardized by Sharaba Shastri. It was traditionally a seven-hole instrument.
• The Bansuri is particularly popular among the Gaddi tribes in Himachal Pradesh.

Shehnai

• Known as a Mangal Vadya, it is widely used in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Iran.
• Made of wood with a metal flare bell at the end, the Shehnai usually has six to nine holes.
• Similar to the south Indian Nadaswaram, the Shehnai is often played during weddings and auspicious occasions.

Been

• The Been, also known as a snake charmer's instrument, is commonly played during marriages and various festive events in Himachal Pradesh.

Kindari

• This instrument is played specifically in the Mahasu area of Himachal Pradesh.

Granyang and Jamang

• These wind instruments are common in the Lahaul-Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh.

Kangdum

• Also known as Kangling, it is traditionally made from the thigh bone of a human, often a woman who passed during pregnancy, as such instruments are believed to have a special power in summoning spirits.
• The thigh bone is intricately decorated with silver and bronze.

Other Wind Instruments

• Instruments like the Ranasingha, Karnal, Turhi (bugle), and Algoza (twin flutes) are also prevalent.

Stringed Instruments

Sarangi

• The Sarangi is a bowed, short-necked string instrument used in Hindustani classical music.
• It is renowned for its ability to mimic the human voice and imitate vocal ornaments like Gamaks and Meends.
• Carved from a single block of red cedar (Tun), the Sarangi has three main chambers: the Pet (stomach), Chhati (chest), and Magaj (brain).

Other Stringed Instruments

• Ektara, Kindari Devatara, Gramyang, Robab, Jumang, Ruman, and Rumals are also popular in Himachal Pradesh.

Percussion Instruments

Cymbals

• Jhanjh (large cymbals) and Manjira (small cymbals) are traditional percussion instruments.
• The Manjira, also called Taal, Jalra, Khartal, or Gini, is made from metals like bronze, brass, copper, or zinc.

Bells

• Instruments like Ghunghru, Kikatha, Murchang, and wooden castanets (Khadtal) are common percussion instruments used during traditional dances and rituals.

Variety of Drums

Dhol

• A prominent drum, played during celebrations and rituals.

Other Drums

• Dholku, Nagara, Dammama, Damanghat, Nagrath, Gajju, Doru, Hudak, and Dhaunsa are also widely used in Himachal Pradesh.
• In the plains, large drums are referred to as Tamak.
• The Bharai community plays large drums during fairs as part of their rituals.