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Thanjavur Veena

03-09-2024

09:53 AM

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1 min read
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Overview:

Thanjavur Veena is the first musical instrument in the country to get the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

About Thanjavur Veena

  • The Thanjavur veena is an Indian instrument and has an interesting construction.
  • They are of two types viz. the "Ekantha Veena" and "Sada Veena'.
  • Ekantha Veena" is carved from a single block of wood, while Sada Veena,' has joints and is carved in three sections namely resonator, neck and head.
  • The veena has 24 fixed frets (Mettu), so that all ragas can be played.
  • It is made of fresh bark from a Jack Fruit Tree. The tree bark is forced to undergo several rounds of testing before being finalized for usage.
  • The work involves making the resonator ( kudam), the neck ( dandi) and a tuning box — the three integral parts of a veena.
  • It takes up to 15-20 days to get the finished product. The wood gets cut, intricately carved, shaped, and assembled.
  • Types
    • There are four types of veena. While Rudra veena and Vichitra veena are popular in Hindustani classical music, Saraswati veena and Chitra veena are used in Carnatic classical music.
  • Thanjavur is the only place where Saraswati veena is made. Saraswathi, the goddess of learning and arts, is portrayed with a veena. 

Q1) What is Carnatic Music?

Carnatic Music is a form of Indian classical music with origins in Southern India. Lyrics in Carnatic music are largely devotional; most of the songs are addressed to the Hindu deities. Source: Strung out: Bobbilli Veena craftsmen struggle for livelihood.

Source: In Frames: Thanjavur tunes its wood stock