The sarod is a stringed musical instrument, known for its deep, reverberant sound and its importance in Indian classical music, particularly in the Hindustani tradition. This instrument is renowned for its ability to convey a wide range of emotions, making it a pivotal element in the performance of raga-based music. The sarod’s history, while not entirely clear, is believed to have Persian origins and evolved over centuries into the form we recognize today. This evolution has given rise to several types of sarod, each with unique characteristics, designs, and playing techniques.
Types of Sarod
The diversity within the types of sarods can be attributed to the different schools (gharanas) and individual preferences of musicians. These variations often pertain to the instrument’s size, string arrangement, and construction materials.
- Traditional or Classical Sarod: The traditional sarod is characterized by its deep, weighty sound and is the most common version found in classical performances. This version typically adheres closely to the instrument’s historic design and construction techniques.
- Maihar Gharana Sarod: This style of sarod is associated with the Maihar gharana, a school of music famous for its legendary musicians like Ustad Allauddin Khan and his disciples, including Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. The Maihar style sarods may feature slight modifications in design for enhanced tonal quality and playability.
- Senia Maihar Sarod: The Senia Maihar sarod blends the characteristics of the Senia tradition (linked to Tansen, a musical genius in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar) with the Maihar gharana’s innovations. This type emphasizes a rich, melodious tone and often includes refinements in string arrangement and tuning for greater musical expression.
- Modern or Modified Sarod: In recent years, some musicians have experimented with the sarod’s design to adapt it to contemporary musical needs. These modifications can include changes to the body’s material, the addition of more sympathetic strings, or alterations to the bridge for a wider tonal range. These sarods are designed to project a louder, clearer sound, suitable for large concert halls.
Historical Background
The sarod’s ancestry can be traced back to the rebab, a similar stringed instrument used in Central Asian and Middle Eastern music. It is thought that the rebab made its way to India through the cultural exchanges of the Mughal Empire, eventually evolving into the modern sarod. Over time, modifications were made to its structure and playing techniques, reflecting the nuances of Indian classical music.
Construction and Design
A typical sarod is about four feet long, with a resonator made from a wooden body covered with goat skin. Unlike many stringed instruments, it does not have frets, which allows for the smooth gliding of notes characteristic of Indian classical music. The sarod typically has 17 to 25 strings, including four to five main playing strings, two chikari strings for rhythm, and several sympathetic strings that resonate to enrich the sound. Its fingerboard is usually made of steel or chrome-plated brass, contributing to its distinctive, resonant tone.
Playing Technique
The sarod is played with a plectrum (java), usually made of coconut shell or ebony, held in the right hand, while the left-hand fingers press the strings to the fingerboard. The absence of frets allows for the execution of meends (glides) and other nuances that define Indian classical music.
The sarod, with its rich history and beautiful sound, continues to be a cornerstone of Hindustani classical music. Its evolution, from the traditional models to the modern adaptations, showcases the instrument’s adaptability and the musicians’ desire to explore new sonic territories while staying rooted in tradition. Whether in the hands of a classical maestro or a contemporary innovator, the sarod remains a symbol of the deep emotional and spiritual dimensions of Indian music.
