Hindustani Classical Music Instrument Crossword

If you’re a fan of Hindustani classical music, you’ll love this crossword puzzle! See if you can identify all of the different instruments used in this style of music.

Introduction

Hindustani classical music is one of the oldest and most complex forms of music in the world. Although it is traditionally associated with North India, it is actually practiced all over the subcontinent. There are hundreds of different Hindustani classical music instruments, each with its own unique history and role in the music.

This crossword will help you learn some of the most important Hindustani classical music instruments. Many of these instruments are used in other forms of music as well, so this will also be a good introduction to Indian music in general. Good luck!

The sitar

The sitar is a plucked stringed instrument, originating from the Indian subcontinent, used in Hindustani classical music. The instrument is believed to have been derived from the veena, an ancient Indian instrument, which was modified by a Mughal court musician in the 18th century. It typically has six or seven main strings, which are played by the left hand, and twelve to fifteen sympathetic strings, which resonate but are not played.

The tabla

The tabla is a percussion instrument traditionally used in Hindustani classical music. The instrument is played by striking two drums of different sizes with the hands; the larger drum is called the bayan, and the smaller drum is called the dayan. The tabla has a rich history and is an important part of Indian musical culture.

The tambura

The tambura is a long-necked, string instrument played with a plectrum in Hindustani classical music. It has a drainpipe-like body and four or five metal strings. It is used to provide a Continuous drone and can be tuned to different pitches to accompany different instruments or voices. The tambura is also known as the tanpura, tamboura, tambora, or tampura.

The shehnai

The shehnai is a woodwind instrument similar to the oboe. It has a double-reed mouthpiece and is generally made of brass. The instrument is commonly used in Hindustani classical music, as well as in Bollywood films.

The sarangi

The sarangi is a short-necked fretted lute, used in Hindustani classical music. It has a variety of different tunings and playing techniques. The sarangi is thought to have originated in India, and has been mentioned in Sanskrit texts from the 4th century CE. It is a versatile instrument, used both as a solo melodic instrument and as an accompaniment to other instruments or vocalists.

The sarod

The sarod is a plucked string instrument used in Hindustani classical music. The sound is produced by a large resonating chamber and a set of strings, which are plucked with the fingers. The word “sarod” comes from the Persian word “sehrud”, which means “string instrument”.

The sarod was originally developed in India in the 16th century. It is believed to have descended from the Rabab, a similar instrument that was popular in Central Asia. The sarod’s ancestor, the Rudra veena, is also thought to have influenced its development. The sarod reached its current form in the 19th century, when it was perfected by Afghan musician Ustad Nur Ali Khan.

The sarod is a versatile instrument that can be used for both solo and ensemble performances. It is commonly used in Hindustani classical music, but it has also been adapted for use in other genres such as film music and jazz.

The veena

The veena is a plucked string instrument used in Hindustani classical music. The name comes from the Sanskrit word vinā, which means “string”. The veena is also known as the saraswati vina, after the Hindu goddess Saraswati. It is one of the oldest and most popular instruments in India, and is considered to be the national instrument of India.

The veena has a long neck with twenty-four frets, and four main strings. It also has a number of sympathetic strings, which resonance when the main strings are plucked. The veena is played with a plectrum, or pick, and is held horizontally on the lap. The player plucks the strings with their right hand and uses their left hand to stop the strings at different frets. This produces different notes.

The veena is a very versatile instrument, and can be used to play a wide range of music from fast and energetic to slow and meditative. It is commonly used in Indian classical music, but can also be heard in film soundtracks, pop music, and even heavy metal!

The harmonium

The Harmonium is a free-reed keyboard instrument which was introduced to India by the British in the late 19th century. It quickly became popular in Indian classical and semi-classical music, especially in the North India. The harmonium is widely used in Hindustani music and it is particularly associated with the tradition of Khayal singing.

The flute

The flute is a musical instrument of the woodwind family. The flute is a aerophone, or reedless wind instrument, that produces its sound from the flow of air across an opening. The flute is the oldest known musical instrument, and was probably first developed in Asia.