Musical instruments used in Bharatanatyam dance

 

Musical instruments used in Bharatanatyam dance

Rahul Dev Mondal 

 

INRODUCTION

Classical instruments play a pivotal role in Indian classical dance, enhancing the overall aesthetic and rhythmic elements of the performance .The tabla is fundamental in providing intricate rhythms, accentuating footwork, and establishing a dynamic beat structure. Accompanying the tabla, the pakhawaj, a barrel-shaped drum, adds depth and resonance, particularly in Kathak. Melodic instruments like the sitar and sarod bring a rich tapestry of sound to Indian classical dance. The Veena, is also employed for its resonant and soulful tones, creating a melodic foundation that resonates the dance’s narrative. Wind instruments like the flute and shehnai contribute to the melodic palette, offering fluid and expressive tones. The Bansuri is often used in Kathak, Bharatanatyam and Odissi. Harmonium, also finds its place in dance performances as well. It offers a harmonic background and rhythm to support the dancer’s movements. The Tanpura, with its continuous drone, provides a foundational pitch, helping dancers, maintain their intonation, and ensuring a harmonious musical environment. Percussion instruments such as Ghatam, Manjira are crucial for their rhythmic complexities. They add layers to the overall sonic experience.

 

                                 Music and dance are two art forms that are often closely related. Music is created with instruments or the human voice and can be composed and improvised.

Dance is a physical expression of music or rhythm. Together, music and dance can be used to tell stories and express emotions. Different cultures have their own unique musical and dance traditions. Music and instruments play a crucial role in Bharathanatyam, a classical dance form that originated in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The dance is accompanied by live music, typically performed by a group of musicians known as a “musical ensemble.”

The primary instruments used in Bharathanatyam include the mridangam, a double-headed drum that provides the rhythmic foundation for the dance; the nattuvangam, a percussion instrument that sets the tempo and rhythm for the dancers; the flute, which adds melodic embellishment; and the veena, a string instrument that provides the main melody. Other instruments such as ghatam, morsing, and khanjira may also be used.

The music for Bharathanatyam is typically based on Carnatic classical music, a genre that is characterized by complex rhythms and melodic patterns. The songs used in Bharathanatyam are usually in the Tamil language and are based on religious texts, such as Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as devotional songs known as bhajans.

 

		Bharatanatyam     Instruments
Mridangam	Violin		Veena				Nattuvangam	Flute

 

 

 

 

MRIDANGAM:  The origin of this percussion instrument is from South India that plays a pivotal role in Carnatic music performances. It serves as a rhythmic accompaniment enhancing the dance experience. This double headed drum is crafted from wood and goatskin, producing a resonant and rich sound. In Indian classical dances such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, the mridangam serves as the primary accompaniment to the dance sequences. The artist skilfully complements the nuances of the dancers expressions, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of the performance. It consists of a cylindrical body with two faces, made from a mixture of clay, rice flour and iron fillings. One face is larger and is played with the palm, while the other, smaller face is played with the fingers. It provides a strong foundation for melodic and vocal elements.

 

VIOLIN : The modern Violin is the most widely used and distributed musical instrument in the world. It originated in the 16th century in Italy. The western Violin was adapted to Indian classical music in the last century. The Violin became quickly popular because of its closeness in timbre and range to the human voice. The Violin body is made of wood, and it has four strings that are played with a bow. The Indian Violin is played by sitting in a cross-legged position. Special features of Gayaki such as Meend, Gamak, and Andolan can be produced on the Violin by extensive micro-tones. In India, the Violin is used in both North and South Indian classical music. The ancestor of the Violin is believed to be the RavanHathha in India. The folk instrument, RavanHathha, found even today in India, is an ancient folk instrument, having some similarities with the Violin. Both are played with a bow. The body of RavanHathha is hollow with a single string. The fingerboard is twenty-two inches long, covering three octaves. In contrast, the fingerboard of the Violin is five and a half inches long and covers three octaves in four strings. When one multiplies five and a half by four, it is twenty-two, the exact length of the fingerboard of the RavanHathha.

 

NATTUVANGAM TALAM Nattuvangam is a rhythmic component in classical Indian dance, particularly in Bharatanatyam. It involves the art of playing the cymbals, known as nattuvangam or „Talam‟ by the conductor or nattuvangam. The talam is a complex rhythmic cycle that serves as the foundation for the dance, providing a framework for the dancers movements and expressions. The nattuvanar, often the guru or teacher not only plays the cymbals but also vocalises rhythmic syllables, guiding the dancer through intricate patterns and beats. Talam consists of various beats and time signatures is creating a dynamic and rich rhythmic tapestry. It establishes a dialogue between the dancer and the musician, enhancing the overall aesthetic experience. The intricate interplay of rhythm, footwork and hand gestures is a hallmark of this classical art form and the nattuavangam Talam plays a pivotal role in preserving and showcasing the tradition.

 

BANSURI:  One of the prominent Sushir Vadya used in Indian classical dances is the „bansuri‟ or „bamboo flute‟. “It is also called the Murali or Fillagori. It is always associated with Krishna, and he is usually represented standing on one leg and playing it.”6 The Bansuri with its beautiful and soulful tones is often employed to evoke emotions and express intricate nuances in dance performances. Its ability to produce both delicate and powerful sound makes it versatile, complimenting various dance styles. Typically it has 6 to 7 finger holes and one blowhole. Musicians produce sound by blowing air across the blowhole while manipulating finger placement to control pitch and tone. The Bansuri‟s distinctive sound results from its conical shape and the vibrating column of air within. Crafted from bamboo, the Bansuri embodies a balance between rigidity and flexibility. Its length determines pitch, with longer flutes producing lower tones. The Bansuri has unique playing techniques, such as „meend‟ and „gamak‟. Bansuri can be seen playing in  Bharatanatyam , Kathak, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam and other dances also.

 

VEENA: The Veena is an ancient Indian string instrument, often seen in Bharatanatyam of Tamil Nadu. Veena is used both in Carnatic and Hindustani music tradition. The famous Carnatic composer, Tyagaraja is said to have been deeply influenced by Veena and many of his compositions are based on Veena melodies. There are different types of Veena- Saraswati Veena, Rudra Veena, etc. Veena is a hollow body made from a single piece of jackfruit food or teakwood. It has a long neck with curved bridge with seven strings.

 

 

CONCLUSION

To sum up, we can say that instruments used in Indian classical dance are not mere accompaniments, they are indispensable partners in weaving the intricate tapestry of rhythm and melody, enhancing the visual and auditory spectacle of this culturally rich art form. These instruments, deeply rooted in tradition contribute to the overall aesthetic and emotional expression of the dance form.