Indian Classical Music And Sikh Kirtan by Gobind Singh Mansukhani (M.A., LL.B, Ph.D.) © 1982 Musical Instruments for Kirtan |
| Musical Instruments for Kirtan Musical instruments used for kirtan have been mentioned in the Scripture and theological texts. The Gurus avoided the use of kingri (harp) and been (serpent-charmer’s flute), because these had become the traditional symbols of the yogic orders [38]. The Gurus and their court-singers used the rabab [39]. The Gurus and their court-singers used the rabab [39], mridang, (long drum), pakhawaj, surinda, sarangi, taoos, cymbals, khartal, tabla, dholak, and dhadh. Bhai Gurdas confirms that in Guru Nanak’s time, people sand his hymns to the accompaniment of certain instruments: “In every home, the compositions of Baba Nanak were sung to the accompaniment of cymbals, mridang and rabab” [40]. Guru Nanak describes the movements of the mind in terms of rhythmic instruments: “The mind’s impulses are like cymbals and ankle-bells and With them continually thumps the drum of the world”[41]. Guru Arjan clarifies the process of devotional singing in terms of musical instruments: “Make your hands the khartal (wooden cymbals), your eyes the kettle-drum and your forehead and rebec to play upon. Play the sweet music of the flute in your ears and with your tongue sing the celestial melody”[42]. According to the Sikh tradition, there are five kinds of musical instruments. Guru Nanak has explained the role of the five kinds of instruments in realising the highest spiritual stage, as under: “The Lord is manifest in the tenth gate where the celestial strain resounds to the accompaniment of the sounds of the five musical instruments. Turning away from the world, the heart-lotus is filled with Nectar and this mind then goes not anywhere. Merging in the Primal Lord, man forgets not the mental meditation. By the Guru’s grace, all the organs are blessed with five virtues and man abides in his own home”[43]. Guru Amardas refers to them as panch shabad in the Anand. These are: (1) Stringed instruments: (Tat val) like rabab, surinda, taoos, sitar (a later development). (2) Leather instruments: (Virat vad) like mridang, pakhawaj,dholak, tabla (a later development). (3) Metal instruments: (Ghan vad) like chimta, cymbals, khartal. (4) Wind instruments: (Sushir vad) like flute, bansari harmonium. (5) Clay instruments: (Nad vad) like earthen pot, ghatam, jal-tarang (a later development). The main purpose of kirtan and instrument music accompanying it is to meditate on God. Guru Arjan emphasises this point in unmistakable terms: “To discourse on God and to perform kirtan and to hear the resounding of Divine music is the aim of my life. Nanak, the Lord is highly pleased with me and I have obtained my heart-desired fruits”[44]. Instrumental notes keeping ringing within the devotee’s mind even after the kirtan has ended; the flute of the Name is heard inside. |