Sindhi Folk Music: The Best Instrumental Tracks

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

Looking for the best Sindhi folk music? Look no further than our collection of instrumental tracks. From traditional ballads to upbeat bhangra, these songs will transport you to the heart of Sindh.

What is Sindhi Folk Music?

Sindhi Folk Music is unique to the Sindhi people of Pakistan and India. It is a form of music that is passed down from generation to generation and has been influenced by both Hindu and Muslim traditions. The music is often used for storytelling and celebration, and includes a variety of instruments such as the harmonium, tabla, dholak, sarangi, and flute.

The Best Sindhi Folk Music Tracks

Sindhi folk music has been gaining in popularity in recent years. The music is known for its use of traditional instruments and for its relaxing and soothing qualities. If you’re looking for some good Sindhi folk music to listen to, here are some of the best tracks.

Jhulelal Melo

Sindhi folk music is often based on the stories of the Sufi saints of Sindh and has a unique, rich sound that is perfect for any occasion.

One of the most popular Sindhi folk music tracks is “Jhulelal Melo”, which is based on the story of the Sufi saint, Jhulelal. This track is a great choice for any event where you want to create a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

Sindhi Dhammal

Sindhi Dhammal is a folk dance of Sindh, Pakistan. It is performed with a dhol (a large, barrel-shaped drum), which is beaten with two sticks. The dancers form a circle around the drum and dance in a clockwise direction. The dance is accompanied by singing and clapping.

The Sindhi Dhammal is believed to have originated in the time of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, who ruled from 1556 to 1605. It is said that Akbar was so impressed by the Sindhi Dhammal that he asked for it to be performed at his court.

In more recent times, the Sindhi Dhammal has been popularized by Pakistan’s most famous folk singer, Allan Faqir. Faqir’s signature song, “Makko Patti”, is based on the Sindhi Dhammal melody.

Sindhi Sufi Songs

There is a vibrant tradition of Sufi music in Sindh, and some of the most popular songs are those that were composed by Sufi saints and mystic poets. These songs often have a devotional quality, and they are often sung as part of religious ceremonies.

One of the most popular Sufi songs is “Mahiye,” which was composed by the Sindhi saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai. This song is often performed at Sufi shrines, and it is said to invoke the presence of the divine. another popular Sufi song is “Sohni Mahiwal,” which tells the story of a lovers’ tryst across the River Indus. This song is also often performed at religious ceremonies, and it is said to be full of emotion and passion.

Sindhi Geet

Sindhi Geet, also known as Sindhi Folk Music, is a genre of music unique to the Sindh region of Pakistan. The music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments and its focus on vocal harmonies. The most popular instruments used in Sindhi Geet are the harmonium, tabla, dholak, and sitar.

Sindhi Geet is often performed at weddings and other celebratory occasions. The music is typically upbeat and cheerful, making it perfect for dancing. If you’re looking for some great Sindhi Folk Music to add to your collection, be sure to check out the tracks below.

The Different Instruments Used in Sindhi Folk Music

Sindhi folk music is a genre of music that is indigenous to the Sindhi people of Pakistan. The music is a mixture of Sufi, Bhangra, and Sindhi folk music. The music is usually accompanied by the dhol, a type of drum, and the sitar, a type of string instrument.

The Sarangi

The sarangi is a type of string instrument used in Hindustani classical music. It is similar to the Egyptian arghul and the European viola da gamba. The sarangi has a rich, complex sound that can imitate the human voice. It is often used as an accompanying instrument for vocalists and instrumentalists.

The sarangi is believed to have originated in the Middle East. It was brought to India by the Mughals in the 16th century. The sarangi was initially used only by court musicians and was not available to the general public. In the 18th century, it began to be used by folk musicians in India and Pakistan.

The sarangi is played with a bow, and has four main strings and dozens of smaller sympathetic strings. The instrument is held vertically on the lap, with the bow being held in the right hand and the left hand moving up and down the strings to produce different notes.

The sarangi became popular in Sindh during British rule in India. Sindhi folk musicians began to use the instrument to accompanying singing at weddings and other celebrations. The sarangi continues to be an important part of Sindhi culture today.

The Dhol

The dhol is a double-sided barrel drum played mostly in Pakistan and India. It is used in Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Saraiki and Hindko music. The dhol is made from Sheesham wood (Indian rosewood), with goat skin stretched over both ends. The drum is beaten with curved sticks, which usually have some sort of ball or knob on the end.

The dhol usually accompanies folk singing and dancing, and is often used to provide a rhythmic backdrop for other instruments. It is also used in qawwali music, Sufi devotional music popular in Pakistan and India. The dhol is sometimes used in pop and classical music as well.

The Shehnai

The shehnai is a traditional Sindhi musical instrument that has been used for centuries in folk music. It is made of wood, with a conical bore and a bell-shaped end. The player blows into the instrument to produce a distinctive, high-pitched sound.

The shehnai is usually played in pairs, with one player accompanying the other on the harmonium or another melodic instrument. The pair of shehnai players often leads the way in a procession, playing traditional Sindhi folk tunes.

The shehnai is an important part of the Sindhi musical tradition and has been used in many classical and folk compositions. It is also used in weddings and other special occasions.

The History of Sindhi Folk Music

Sindhi music is a type of music that is typically characterized by its use of the sitar, tabla, and dholak. This music has its roots in the Sindh region of Pakistan and is often used for Sufi devotional songs. The spiritual nature of the music often makes it perfect for use in meditation and other relaxation practices.

The Origin of Sindhi Folk Music

Sindhi folk music has its roots in the ancient Sufi traditions of Sindh. Sufism, an Islamic Mystical movement, spread to Sindh from Central Asia in the 12th century. The first Sufi saints to come to Sindh were Shahbaz Qalandar (1177–1274) and his son Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (1207–1317). They settled in Sehwan Sharif, in present-day Pakistan. The Qalandars were responsible for introducing Sufism and Sindhi folk music to the region.

Sufi music is characterized by its use of the rubab (a lute-like instrument), harmonium, tabla, and dholak (a type of drum). Sufi music often features call and response singing, as well as improvised sections. The lyrics of Sufi songs are usually mystical or religious in nature.

Sindhi folk music has been influenced by various other genres over the centuries, including Central Asian, Persian, Afghan, and Rajasthani music. In the 20th century, Sindhi folk music was further influenced by Hindu bhangra and Punjabi folk music.

The most popular form of Sindhi folk music is known as surozalai. Surozalai is a type of devotional music that is sung in honor of the Sufi saints. It is typically upbeat and joyful in nature. Other popular forms of Sindhi folk music include ghazals (songs that are sung in Urdu), thumris (light classical songs), and qawwalis (songs that are sung in praise of Allah).

The Spread of Sindhi Folk Music

The Sindhi people have a long and rich musical tradition that has been passed down through the generations. The music is an important part of Sindhi culture and is played at religious festivals, weddings, and other special occasions.

The music is typically written in the Sindhi language, but there are also many songs in Hindi and Urdu. The instruments used in Sindhi folk music include the sitar, tabla, harmonium, dholak, and flute.

Sindhi folk music has a wide appeal and is enjoyed by people of all ages. The music is often used to tell stories or express emotions. It is also commonly played at festivals and other celebrations.

Sindhi Folk Music Today

Sindhi folk music is still popular today, with many artists performing and recording new tracks. While the style has evolved over the years, it still retains its traditional roots. Instruments like the sitar and tabla are still commonly used, and many of the songs are performed in Sindhi, the language of the Sindhi people.

If you’re interested in trying out some Sindhi folk music for yourself, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best tracks out there. From upbeat songs perfect for dancing to more mellow numbers ideal for relaxing, there’s something here for everyone. So go ahead and give them a listen – you might just find your new favorite type of music!

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