Jaltarang, Jal Yantra, Jalatarangam or Jalatharangam
is a unique instrument in the sense that it is both a percussion as
well as non-percussion instrument. Basically, it is a series of china
clay bowls of descending size laid in a circle, or row or any other
convenient configuration. These bowls are tuned to the notes of the Raga
being played by adjusting the amount of water held in the cups. When
struck with chop-stick like strikers, these bowls produce very sweet
chime or tickle like sound and can be used to play solo as an
accompaniment of Tabla, or as an accompanying percussion instrument, mostly seen with Kathak style dance music.
| Jalatarangam in Sanskrit, literally means 'water waves' ('jala' means water and 'tarangam' means waves). It is an ancient solo instrument, usually accompanied by the mridangam and is found mentioned in ancient literature. | |
| Construction: The
Jalatarangam consists of a set of porcelain
bowls of varying sizes that are filled with water according to the pitch / note
required. These bowls are arranged in a semi-circle in front of the performer in
the decreasing order of their size, from left to right. Tuning: Adjusting the volume of water in the bowl changes the pitch. While the bigger bowls produce a deeper sound, the smaller ones produce a sound that resembles the tinkling of tiny bells, giving a very exotic effect. Posture and playing technique: The bowls are struck with two thin bamboo sticks, one held in each hand. Compositions of medium and fast tempo can be played most effectively on this instrument although the very nature of the instrument precludes the execution of certain gamakas unique to Carnatic music. | |
Anayampatti Dhandapani & S Ganesan – Sarasa Samadhana :
Anayampatti Dhandapani & S Ganesan – Parathapara :
Anayampatti Dhandapani & S Ganesan – Ninnuvina :
