Tanpura

Tanpura is the mainstay of Indian classical music. Its ancient name is Tambura. Due to which it is believed that this instrument was invented by a Gandharva named Tumbaru. Some people consider it to be an evolved form of 'Iktara' or 'Ekatantri' instrument. With time this instrument came to be known as Tanpura.

This instrument is used to give voice in both singing and playing. The sound of the strings of this instrument thrills the hearts of both the singer and the player. With the accompaniment of Tanpura, the main notes S-P or S-M are heard directly by the singer and player, but all the seven notes continue to arise indirectly, which we call 'auxiliary sounds (Naad)'.

Knowledge of Structure of Tanpura

(1) Tumba:

It is made of dried tobacco shell. It is flat from above and round from below. This produces the sound and echo of the tanpura.

(2) Tabli:

The top part of the tumba is cut and its hollow part is covered with a piece of wood which is called Tabli.

(3) Bridge:

On top of the tabli, there is a platform made of bone in the shape of a platform, it is also called Ghudach or Ghodi. All four strings are placed above it.

(4) Yarn or thread:

Yarn or thread is used between the strings on the bridge, this increases the sound of the tanpura.

(5) Mongra or loincloth (Langot):

To tie the strings, there is a triangular strip in the middle of the tumba which is called Mongra or Langot.

(6) Stick:

The hollow wooden stick which is attached to the trumpet has pegs on one side through which the strings are pulled.

(7) Gullu:

The place of joint of stick and trumpet is called Gullu, it is also called 'Gul'.

(8) Atti or Tardaan:

There are two strips made of bone from the upper part of the stick, from which strings come out and are tied to pegs. These are called Atti or Tardaan.

(9) Pegs:

These are in the upper part of the Tanpura. These four strings are for making sounds.

(10) Wire:

Tanpura has four strings. The first string is Mandra P., the next two strings are added to the pair of strings on Madhya S and the Chaudhi string is added to Mandra S.

(11) Beads:

In the bridge, beads are threaded on all four strings up to the nape, with the help of these the subtle differences in notes are corrected.

(12) Leaves:

Beautiful leaves are made on the top of the tomb for decoration which is also called Shringaar.

Tuning of Tanpura

Tanpura has four strings. The first string is joined on 'P' of Mandra Saptak or on Mandra 'M' in the ragas in which the note 'P' is prohibited. In some ragas, both M and P are prohibited notes like Marwa, Puriya etc. then the first string is mixed on Mandra N. The second and third strings of Tanpura are tuned to the middle 'S'. The fourth string is tuned to Mandra 'S.'.

While the first string of men's Tanpura is of brass, the first string of women's Tanpura is of iron. The other strings are like the men's Tanpura, the second and third strings are made of iron and the fourth string is made of brass. To get a good sound the thread is moved back and forth. And to correct the subtle differences, beads are used (back and forth).