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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.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements regarding the sarod: The sarod is a stringed instrument belonging to the lute family and is widely recognized in Hindustani classical music. The body of the sarod is made from hollow teak, sagwan, or tun wood. The resonator of the sarod features a stretched membrane, usually made from goatskin. The sarod has a fretboard that allows precise pitch control. The sarod is based on the Afghan rabab. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1, 2, 3, and 5 only b) 1, 3, and 4 only c) 2, 4, and 5 only d) 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Answer: a) 1, 2, 3, and 5 only Explanation: Statement 4 is incorrect because the sarod does not have a fretboard.