Esraj
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String instrument | |
---|---|
Other names | Israj |
Classification | Bowed string instrument |
Developed | 17th century |
Playing range | |
3-4 Octaves | |
Related instruments | |
The esraj or esraaj (from the
, differing slightly in structure.The dilruba and its variant, the esraj, had been declining in popularity for many decades. By the 1980s, the instrument was nearly extinct. However, with the rising influence of the "
History
Esraj is the modern variant of the
According to the folklore, the esraj was created by Ishwari Raj, a musician who lived in Gayadam.
Construction styles
The dilruba and its variant, the esraj, have a similar yet distinct construction style, with each having a medium-sized sitar-like neck with 20 heavy metal frets. This neck carries a long wooden rack of 12–15 sympathetic strings, known as the taraf strings, and 2-3 jawari strings. By the jawari strings, one can give emphasis on the vadi, samvadi, and nayeshwar notes, but jawari strings may not always be present. Jawari helps in producing a more piercing sound. The dilruba has more sympathetic strings, and a differently shaped body than the esraj. The esraj has four main strings while the dilruba has 6 both which are bowed. All strings are metal. The soundboard is a stretched piece of goatskin similar to what is found on a sarangi. Occasionally, the instrument has a gourd affixed to the top for balance or for tone enhancement.
There are two variants of esraj played in Shantiniketan; the traditional variety, and the modern model developed by Ranadhir Roy. This version is longer, with a wider fingerboard, and with an additional, diminutive "jawari" bridge near the peghead for the three drone strings. The newer model has a larger body, which is perforated in back, plus it has an open-backed, removable "tumba" behind the peghead. An instrument maker of Kolkata, named Dulal Patra worked to develop the newer model of esraj as per Roy's instructions.
Playing
The esraj can be rested between the knees while the player kneels, or more commonly rested on the knee of the player while sitting, or also on the floor just in front of the player, with the neck leaning on the left shoulder. Only the esraj players of Shantiniketan keep the esraj erect by resting it on their lap. It is played with a bow (known as a "gaz"), with the other hand moving along the strings over the frets. The player may slide the note up or down to achieve the portamento, or meend. The esraj can imitate the "gamak" of vocal music and by using the middle finger one can create "krintan". Roy used sitarbaz, sarodbaz and esrajbaz in his compositions.
Notable figures
- Asian Music Circle, used in George Harrison's "Within You Without You"
- Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish
- S. N. Bose
See also
References
- ^ a b "Rarely played Indian instruments". Radioandmusic.com. 2018-03-29. Retrieved 2020-01-26.
- ISBN 978-1-9058-6329-7.
- ISBN 978-8-1738-0736-7.