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{{Short description|Indian string instrument}}
{{refimprove|date=July 2018}}
{{more citations needed|date=July 2018}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Esraj}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Esraj}}
{{Infobox Instrument
{{Infobox Instrument
|name=Esraj
|name=Esraj
| names = Dilruba
| names = Israj
| image = Dilruba boy.jpg
| image = Esraj musical instrument.jpg
| image_capt = A [[Sikh]] boy playing the Esraj
| image_capt = Esraj on display in the Iyal Isai Museum Exhibition in [[Government Museum, Chennai]]
|background=string
|background=string
|classification= [[Bowed string instrument]]
|classification= [[Bowed string instrument]]
|range=
|range=3-4 Octaves
|developed= [[17th century]]
|developed= 17th century
|place of origin= [[Punjab region|Punjab]]
|related=
|related=
*[[Sarinda]]
*[[Sarinda (instrument)|Sarinda]]
*[[Sarangi]]
*[[Sarangi]]
*[[Taus (instrument)|Taus]]
*[[Taus (instrument)|Taus]]
*[[Dilruba]]
*Tarshanai or [[Tar Shehnai]]
}}
}}
'''''Esraj''''' ({{lang-pa|ਇਸਰਾਜ}} <small>([[Gurmukhi]])</small>; modern variant of the '''''Dilruba''''' (Punjabi: ਦਿਲਰੂਬਾ <small>(Gurmukhi)</small>) is a [[Punjab region|Punjabi]] string instrument invented by the tenth [[Sikh]] Guru, [[Guru Gobind Singh]]. It is a relatively recent instrument, being only about 300 years old; primarily found in [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], where it is used for [[Sikh music]] and [[Hindustani classical]] compositions.
The '''{{transl|pa|esraj}}''' or '''''esraaj''''' (from the {{langx|pa|[[wikt:ਇਸਰਾਜ|ਇਸਰਾਜ]]}} [[Shahmukhi]]: اسراج) is an [[stringed instrument]] found in two forms throughout South Asia. It is a relatively recent instrument, being only about 300 years old. It is found in [[Pakistan]] and [[North India]], primarily [[Punjab]], where it is used in [[Sikh music]], and [[West Bengal]] where it is used in [[Rabindra Sangeet]] and [[Hindustani Classical Music|Classical Music]]. The {{transl|pa|esraj}} is a modern variant of the '''{{transl|pa|[[dilruba]]}}''', 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 "[[Gurmat Sangeet]]" movement, the instrument has been once again attracting attention.
The {{transl|pa|dilruba}} and its variant, the {{transl|pa|esraj}}, had been declining in popularity for many decades. By the 1980s, the instrument was nearly extinct. However, with the rising influence of the "[[Gurmat Sangeet]]" movement in an effort to revive the traditional instrumentation of Sikh Kirtan, the instrument has been once again attracting attention. In West Bengal, [[Rabindranath Tagore]] made this instrument mandatory for all the students of the {{transl|pa|Sangeet Bhavan}} (Music Academy) in [[Visva-Bharati University]] (otherwise known as Shantiniketan). Because of this, {{transl|pa|Esraj}} is considered the main accompanying instrument for traditional {{transl|pa|Rabindra Sangeet}}.<ref name="radioandmusic">{{Cite web|url=http://www.radioandmusic.com/entertainment/editorial/features/180329-rarely-played-indian-instruments|title=Rarely played Indian instruments|date=2018-03-29|website=Radioandmusic.com|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-26}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
The dilruba was created some 300 years ago by the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, who based it on the much older [[taus (instrument)|taus]], which was the work of the sixth [[Sikh]] guru, [[Guru Hargobind]].<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=qxsy28eStmAC&pg=PT23 | title=Let's Know Music and Musical Instruments of India | publisher=Star Publications | last=Dutta | first=Madhumita | year=2008 | pages=22–23 | isbn=978-1-9058-6329-7}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Dharam Singh|title=Perspectives on Sikhism|url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=xXzXAAAAMAAJ&pg=PT158|year=2001|publisher=Publication Bureau, Punjabi University|isbn=978-8-1738-0736-7|pages=158}}</ref> The dilruba was invented to replace its heavier predecessor, the taus. This made it more convenient for the [[Khalsa]], the [[Sikh]] army, to carry the instrument on horseback. The esraj is a more modern variant of the [[dilruba]], which was made and promoted by the [[Namdharis]].
{{transl|pa|Esraj}} is the modern variant of the {{transl|pa|[[dilruba]]}}. The {{transl|pa|dilruba}} was created some 300 years ago by the 10th Sikh guru, [[Guru Gobind Singh]], who based it on the much older, and heavier, [[Taus (instrument)|Taus]].<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qxsy28eStmAC&pg=PT23 | title=Let's Know Music and Musical Instruments of India | publisher=Star Publications | last=Dutta | first=Madhumita | year=2008 | pages=22–23 | isbn=978-1-9058-6329-7}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Dharam Singh|title=Perspectives on Sikhism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xXzXAAAAMAAJ&pg=PT158|year=2001|publisher=Publication Bureau, Punjabi University|isbn=978-8-1738-0736-7|pages=158}}</ref> This made it more convenient for the [[Khalsa]], the [[Sikh]] army, to carry the instrument on horseback.<ref name=radioandmusic/>

According to the folklore, the {{transl|pa|esraj}} was created by Ishwari Raj, a musician who lived in Gayadam.


==Construction styles==
==Construction styles==
[[File:Esraj musical instrument.jpg|thumb|{{transl|pa|Esraj}}, 1950]]
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 [[fret]]s. This neck carries a long wooden rack of 12–15 [[sympathetic string]]s. While the dilruba has more sympathetic strings and a differently shaped body than the esraj, they both have four main strings which are [[bow (music)|bow]]ed. All strings are metal. The [[sound board (music)|soundboard]] is a stretched piece of [[goatskin (material)|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.
The {{transl|pa|dilruba}} and its variant, the {{transl|pa|esraj}}, have a similar yet distinct construction style, with each having a medium-sized [[sitar]]-like neck with 20 heavy metal [[fret]]s. This neck carries a long wooden rack of 12–15 [[sympathetic string]]s, 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 {{transl|pa|dilruba}} has more sympathetic strings, and a differently shaped body than the {{transl|pa|esraj}}. The {{transl|pa|esraj}} has four main strings while the {{transl|pa|dilruba}} has 6 both which are [[bow (music)|bow]]ed. All strings are metal. The [[sound board (music)|soundboard]] is a stretched piece of [[goatskin (material)|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 {{transl|pa|esraj}} played in {{transl|pa|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 {{transl|pa|esraj}} as per Roy's instructions.


==Playing==
==Playing==
The instrument 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. 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 {{transl|pa|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 {{transl|pa|esraj}} players of {{transl|pa|Shantiniketan}} keep the {{transl|pa|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 {{transl|pa|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 players==
==Notable figures==
⚫
*[[Asian Music Circle]], ''used in [[George Harrison]]'s "[[Within You Without You]]"''
*[[Guru Gobind Singh]]
*Pandit Ashesh Banerjee
⚫
*[[The Beatles]], ''used in "[[Within You Without You]]"''
*[[Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish]]
*[[Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish]]
*Pandit Ranadhir Ray
*[[Kalipada Ghoshal]]
*Buddhadeb Das
*Master Sri Chinmoy
*[[Ravi Shankar]]
*[[S. N. Bose]]
*[[S. N. Bose]]
*Sukesh Jana
*Arshad Khan
*Subhayu Sen Majumder
*Abir Singh Khangura
*Alexandre Jurain
*Jonathan Kay
*Sougata Das
*Joel Goldsmith


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 55: Line 47:


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20101204025327/http://visva-bharati.ac.in/GreatMasters/Contents/ashesh.htm Ashesh Banerjee - Visva Bharati]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20101204025327/http://visva-bharati.ac.in/GreatMasters/Contents/ashesh.htm Ashesh Banerjee - Visva Bharati]
*[http://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/an-instrument-of-change-2/ An instrument of change]
*[http://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/an-instrument-of-change-2/ An instrument of change]
* [http://chandrakantha.com/articles/indian_music/dilruba/dilruba_tuning_intro.html Stringing and Tuning the Dilruba and Esraj]


{{Indian musical instruments}}
{{Indian musical instruments}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Bowed instruments]]
[[Category:Bowed string instruments]]
[[Category:Drumhead lutes]]
[[Category:Drumhead lutes]]
[[Category:Indian musical instruments]]
[[Category:Indian musical instruments]]

Latest revision as of 02:09, 11 November 2024

Esraj
Esraj on display in the Iyal Isai Museum Exhibition in Government Museum, Chennai
String instrument
Other namesIsraj
Classification Bowed string instrument
Developed17th century
Playing range
3-4 Octaves
Related instruments

The esraj or esraaj (from the Punjabi: ਇਸਰਾਜ Shahmukhi: اسراج) is an stringed instrument found in two forms throughout South Asia. It is a relatively recent instrument, being only about 300 years old. It is found in Pakistan and North India, primarily Punjab, where it is used in Sikh music, and West Bengal where it is used in Rabindra Sangeet and Classical Music. The esraj is a modern variant of the dilruba, 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 "Gurmat Sangeet" movement in an effort to revive the traditional instrumentation of Sikh Kirtan, the instrument has been once again attracting attention. In West Bengal, Rabindranath Tagore made this instrument mandatory for all the students of the Sangeet Bhavan (Music Academy) in Visva-Bharati University (otherwise known as Shantiniketan). Because of this, Esraj is considered the main accompanying instrument for traditional Rabindra Sangeet.[1]

History

[edit]

Esraj is the modern variant of the dilruba. The dilruba was created some 300 years ago by the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, who based it on the much older, and heavier, Taus.[2][3] This made it more convenient for the Khalsa, the Sikh army, to carry the instrument on horseback.[1]

According to the folklore, the esraj was created by Ishwari Raj, a musician who lived in Gayadam.

Construction styles

[edit]
Esraj, 1950

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Rarely played Indian instruments". Radioandmusic.com. 2018-03-29. Retrieved 2020-01-26.
  2. ^ Dutta, Madhumita (2008). Let's Know Music and Musical Instruments of India. Star Publications. pp. 22–23. ISBN 978-1-9058-6329-7.
  3. ^ Dharam Singh (2001). Perspectives on Sikhism. Publication Bureau, Punjabi University. p. 158. ISBN 978-8-1738-0736-7.
[edit]
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