Jammu & Kashmir has a distinct and rich repertoire of music and musical instruments. The musical instruments have extremely aged roots. These old basis can be seen in several antique historical books such as Rajtrangini, by Kalhana. He wrote it in 12th century A.D. The traditional music of Jammu and Kashmir is supposed to be informed by central Asia. From central Asia, Kashmiris have accepted various musical instruments. The prominent musical instruments, played in Kashmir are: Surnai, Santoor, Sitar, Tumbaknari, Noot, Rabab etc. Every musical instrument has its own importance and historical background. Kashmiri music replicates the wealthy melodic heritage and enlightening inheritance of the state. Although western musical instruments are gaining immense popularity among the present day artists, folk musicians in Kashmir insist on the use of traditional instruments like rabab and harmonium according to historian rabab was adopted from Afghanistan centuries ago and has been an integral part of Kashmiri music culture ever since then.
Music has been the most important medium of expression for human emotions from early stages of life on earth. This art has progressed and evolved everywhere in the world with the evolution of civilization. Different places and different nations have evolved their different forms of art and music wherever human civilization and culture advanced, literature and art promoted. The advancement in civilization from time to time have witnessed simultaneous progress, development and promotion of music. Kashmiri musical instrument came under threat from last decades even then the institutions of culture and art, DD Kashir, Radio Kashmir, Print and Electronic Media, Cultural Academy, Cultural Wing of Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK); Centre for Cultural Research and Training (CCRT); New Delhi and Information Department of J&K Government have played pivotal role in reviving the heritage. These institutions are credited with strenuous efforts in this regard.
Tumkanari (Goblet Drum)
Tumbaknari is struck by the fingertips to produce desired harmonious rhythm called as Chal Dab, Bangda Chall etc. Tumbaknari is usually used by women folk at different merriment occasions like engagements, marriages, piercing ceremony etc.
It has been used as musical instrument too, in central Asia and was played mostly by women folk. Many historians believe that Tumbaknari is being used in Iran and Arabia too. As many visitors and rulers were coming to Kashmir in the older days from Iran and Middle – east, which besides other things made cultural invasion on the art of Kashmir.Co-incidentally, this instrument is also being played by the women folk in Kashmir, the only difference is that in Iran or Central Asia, it is now being made if wood, while in Kashmir, it is still being made of baked clay maintaining its originality. It is used for keeping rhythm and also time that covers in a performance of music. In Iran, this instrument is called Tumbakh or Tunbak. In west, it is tumbal or tumbari and in Kashmir, it is tumbaknaer. The naer is added because the tail end of this instrument is like a pipe, which in Kashmiri, is called a Nore, which has in course of time, changed to naer, making the instrumental tumbaknaer.
Noet (Earthen Pot)
Noet is usually used for collection of water in rural areas, it is earthen ware pot. It’s water is considered cool, as it doesn’t made water frequently hot or warm. In historical books of Kashmir such as Nilmata Purana has been made such reference of this instrument (i.e. reasted clay pot players – Bhands), Kalhana in Rajtarangini refers this instrument (they played on their balded heads exactly as the earthen pot instrument were played). It has a big round belly having a small open round mouth at the upper portion. It is the oldest type of drum variety known to the mankind. In shape, the Noet of Kashmir is not different from the Ghatam of the South India or the Matki of Rajasthan. They are used as the instruments in the music in those states which proves the fact that they might have begun their journey from the same cultural background. Their skill and style of playing might have differed in accordance with the traditions prevalent in respective regions. Now a days it is made of brass or copper, but for musical purposes only the earthenware pot in traditionally used in Kashmiri music. It is said water should never be stored in the Noet used for this purpose, otherwise it will not give produce clear music.
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