Kus

Kus

Classification	Percussion instrument
More articles or information
Timpani Naqareh Naker

A Kus (

.

Etymology

Kus is a

Historical background

The instrument was a pair of drums, made of clay, wood or metal in the form of a hemispherical kettle, with skin stretched over the mouth. Kus was played with drumsticks of leather or wood (The leather drumstick was called Daval). Kus usually was carried on horseback, camelback or elephant during war to encourage the army. The instrument was also played on many occasions such as festivals and weddings.

In ancient times, kus was accompaniment by

show the presence and importance of the Kus and Karnay in the war fields.

According to the Greek historians, the drum was used by the Persians;

Apparently after the introduction of

Molana Jalal al-Din Rumi

.

• Kus-e-Ashkebus: Kus attributed to Ashkebus, famous commander of King Afrasiyab mentioned in masterpiece Shahnameh of the famous poet of Persia, Ferdosi.
• Kus-e-dolat: Kettledrum to be played during the victories.
• Kus-e-id: Kettledrum to be played during id (festival).
• Kus-e-Iskandar: Kus attributed to Iskandar.
• Kus-e-jang: Kettledrum used in wars in order to embolden and encourage the soldiers.
• Khaghan
  (title of Mongol emperors).
• Kus-e-Mahmudi: Kettledrum attributed to King Mahmud Ghaznavi.
• Kus-e-rehlat: Kettledrum to be played during the decamping.
• Kus-e-ruyin: Kettledrum with brazen body.
• Kust: Another name of Kus mentioned in Shahnameh of Ferdosi.

See also

• Naqara
• Nagara (Drum)
• Naker

References

External links

• History of the Kus, from ancient times until the 18th century; in German: Janissary instruments and Europe