24*7 customer support and whatsapp: +91 9994711448
Veenai or veena is a very popular string instrument in classical music originating in south India. In the ancient days string instruments played a major role in all occasions and celebrations called “vil Yazh”. With the help of veena models and techniques, many other musical instruments come with different variations based on the needs. Based on the vedas and upanishad, where Veena was invented in 1000 BCE. The Vedas are clearly mentioned, according to hindu mythology, that Naradha would get credits for first person using the string instrument with frets called tampura. In the ancient heritage people felt that playing a veena will give more positive energy and a refreshing mindset. Even a lot of hindu gods are related to this instrument. Tamil Goddess saraswathi was formerly representing the learning and arts, always seated upon the swan and playing the veena.
According to Suneera Kasliwal, a professor of music in ancient days such rigveda terms mentioned the string instrument in many places and highlighted the importance of the veenai. Even if you can see the goddess sculptures in temples anywhere they are predominantly with veenai. It has different types with different varieties, people choose based on their comfort-ability to play. Veenai plays an important role in Hindustani classical and Carnatic classic music in entire India particularly.
In the Chola period, this culture has been encouraged a lot to increase the players and interest in the veenai. He supports art and culture a lot. The immense creativity and dedication of Raja raja chola, he always conducts the music competitions. He gives awesome gifts for winners like gold coins. The person who plays a veenai is normally called a vainika. Veenai significantly represents the knowledge of power and Intelligence. The Veena inormally between 3.5 to 4 feet long to fit based on the musician’s measurement. It has 2 gourds under each end. Base gourds call it as kudam which is the major important part of the veenai.
It is also known as resonators. It consists of 7 strings, 4 strings for melody and 3 strings for bass playing. Like other instruments, veenas also come with electric and electronic versions nowadays. After 1980’s veenai comes with inbuilt amplifier and mic which is used to enhance the sound in clear. After 20’s centuries it has been built and comes with inbuilt speakers fixed in one resonator as a standard in all electronic version. In modern day veenai has been updated and comes with adjustable volume also.
The Veenai is made from Jack fruit wood called pala maram in Tamil. The entire veenai instrument is carved on a single wood, that itself made a uniqueness and greatness of instrument. In India, the place Thanjavur is famous for cultural heritage and tourist spot. The place holds a lot of rare and traditional pride. The veenai is entirely a handmade instrument, where people design and carve each and every part of the veenai based on the tradition and specifications.
Types of Veena
Saraswathi veenai
The Saraswathi veenai (saraswathi veena) is popular, famous and traditional in south Indian Carnatic music. It may be a 6th century era invention. This veenai is made from Jackfruit wood single piece. So, it is also called Ekantha Veenai or raghunatha veenai. The bottom resonator is made from gourd and is bigger and the top resonator is smaller. It is a pear shaped veena and it is a member of the lute family. Normally this saraswathi veenai comes 4 feet long with 7 strings, topped with 24 brass frets. Musicians can customise this saraswathi veenai designs and art based on their needs like carved saraswathi, peacock, ganapathi etc.,
Rudra Veenai
The rudra veenai is popular in south India as well as North Indian Classical music. The name Rudra drives and representing lord shiva. Rudra veenai is having a hollow neck where both resonator are equal size. The body of the veenai , tube is from bamboo or teak between 135 to 158cm long. The bottom of veenai finished with peacock carving most of the rudra veenai. This rudra veenai also, have the 7 seven strings with 24 frets. Strings are made out of bonze. It is rich in deep and soft sound that turned into unique significant of rudra veenai.
Vichitra Veenai
Vichitra veenai is also known as tantara veenai, shrutee veenai, Batta and Been. This veena is very popular in North Indian classical style of music. This was invented in the 7th century but most place the origin around 2000 years back. In general the rudra veena and vichitra veenai look similar where both resonators are the same size. But the rudra veenai has frets whereas vichitra veenai is fretless with horizontal arms. This vichitra veenai, also finished with peacock head, gives the traditional look. The sound of this veenai is close to human humming. It plates with a piece of round glass to perform the string.
Chitra Veenai
Chitra Veenai is also called Gotuvadyam. The origin of this chitra veenai is believed to be 200 bce. This is with 20 to 21 string fretless lute style veenai mostly used in south Indian Carnatic music. This veenai has been tuned recently to adapt to the modern digital world, sometimes slightly like a Hawaiian steel guitar. This comes with same size resonators in both end and narrow body, and plays horizontally like a rudra veenai.
In addition, there are a lot of different veena variations that come from these above four major types. People modify the design and string based on their comfortability of playing and the location. Few famous veena drives from these types are bobbili veenai used in Andhra Pradesh, Sitar, Alapini vina, kachapi veenai, pulluva veenai normally used in Kerala(southern part of India).
Venna Playing techniques
Rhythmic-Pitch Chords – Pakasarani, H Sarani, Pakapancham
Veena Playing mechanism
The index and middle finger of the left hand reading the string. The index and middle finger of the right hand are used for retrieving the string. Some people wore coiled wires on their fingers.