Sarod

Context

• Sarod maestro Pandit Rajeev Taranath passes away.

Sarod

Instrument Family:

• The sarod is a stringed instrument belonging to the lute family.
• It is widely recognized and cherished in Hindustani classical music for its rich, expressive sound.

Sound Characteristics:

• The sarod produces a deep, heavy sound with a resonant quality that is enhanced by its sympathetic strings.
• It is particularly noted for its ability to perform sliding pitches, known as meend or glissando, which are often used in the introductory sections of many ragas.

Physical Description

Length:

• The sarod is typically 100 cm (39 inches) long, making it a sizeable and imposing instrument.

Body Material:

• The body is made from hollow teak, sagwan, or tun wood, contributing to its distinct sound quality.
• High-quality sarods are crafted with the body, neck, and peg box from a single piece of wood, ensuring structural integrity and superior acoustics.

Resonator:

• The resonator of the sarod features a stretched membrane, usually made from goatskin, which helps produce its characteristic deep sound.
• The strings rest on a bridge made from horn, adding to the instrument's unique tonal qualities.

Neck:

• The neck of the sarod is distinguished by its polished steel plate, rather than a traditional wooden fretboard, allowing for the unique playing techniques associated with the instrument.

Strings:

Sarods typically have between 17 to 25 strings, divided as follows:

• 4 to 5 melody strings, which are the primary strings used for playing the main musical lines.
• 1 to 2 drone strings, which provide a continuous harmonic background.
• 9 to 11 sympathetic (tarab) strings, which resonate sympathetically with the melody strings to enrich the overall sound.
• Historically, the strings were made from gut or silk, but modern sarods usually use steel or bronze strings for durability and brightness.

History of the Sarod

Origins:

• The sarod is based on the Afghan rabab, an instrument developed in the 10th century.
• The rabab influenced many bowed string instruments across Europe and Asia.

Influences:

• The sarod was also influenced by the Chitra veena, a 21-string fretless lute described in Bharata’s Natya Shastra around 200 BCE.
• The name sarod is derived from another ancient instrument, the Sharadiya veena.

Evolution in India:

• The rabab was introduced to India in the 16th century.
• Over the next 200 years, it gradually evolved into the modern sarod, with notable changes in its construction and playing technique.
• Significant changes included the use of different wood types and the introduction of a steel-plated neck instead of a wooden fingerboard.
• Unlike the rabab, which is played with a bow, the sarod is played by plucking the strings, resulting in a distinct sound.

Popularity:

• The sarod gained prominence in Northern India during the 1800s.
• It was further refined and popularized in the 20th century by virtuosos like Allauddin Khan.

Sarod Playing Techniques

Fretless Neck:

• The absence of a fretboard means players must press the strings firmly against the polished steel neck.

String Stopping:

• Players use the tips of their fingernails or fingertips to stop the strings, allowing for precise pitch control and the execution of sliding pitches (meend).

Notable Sarod Players

Allauddin Khan:

• Allauddin Khan is a legendary figure who made significant contributions to the development and adaptation of the sarod in the 20th century.
• He was a master of the instrument and a teacher to many notable musicians, thus greatly influencing the sarod tradition.

Other Influential Players:

• Amjad Ali Khan: One of the most famous sarod players, known for his virtuosic technique and deep understanding of ragas.
• Ali Akbar Khan: Son of Allauddin Khan, he was instrumental in popularizing the sarod internationally.
• Aashish Khan: Grandson of Allauddin Khan, known for his innovative approach and fusion collaborations.
• Buddhadev Das Gupta: Renowned for his technical mastery and emotive performances.
• Sharan Rani: One of the first female sarod players to gain prominence, contributing significantly to the instrument’s repertoire and pedagogy.
• These notable players have not only maintained the rich tradition of sarod playing but have also pushed its boundaries, bringing new dimensions to Hindustani classical music.