The or esraaj (from the Shahmukhi: اسراج) is an Indian stringed instrument found in two forms throughout the Indian subcontinent. It is a relatively recent instrument, being only about 300 years old. It is found in North India, primarily Punjab, where it is used in Sikh music and Hindustani classical compositions and in West Bengal. The is a modern variant of the , differing slightly in structure.
The and its variant, the , 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 (Music Academy) in Visva-Bharati University (otherwise known as Shantiniketan). Because of this, is considered the main accompanying instrument for traditional .
History
is the modern variant of the . The was created some 300 years ago by the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, who based it on the much older, and heavier, Taus. This made it more convenient for the Khalsa, the Sikh army, to carry the instrument on horseback.
According to the folklore, the was created by Ishwari Raj, a musician who lived in Gayadam.
Construction styles
The and its variant, the , 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 has more sympathetic strings, and a differently shaped body than the . The has four main strings while the 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 played in ; 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 as per Roy's instructions.
Playing
The 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 players of keep the 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 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
Asian Music Circle, used in George Harrison's "Within You Without You" Ranadhir Roy Buddhadev Das Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish S. N. Bose Kirpal Singh Panesar Arshad Khan Abir Singh Khangura Simranjeet singh Dilruba
See also
Taus (instrument) Sarangi Sitar