Structure of Ekatantri The Ekatantri was a long bamboo tube on which was tied a single string, and hence the name. It had a single gourd resonator. The bridge seems to have been wide and here we meet the early use of the Jeeva, so common in the modern Tambura. The gourd was held against the chest and the string was plucked at the lower end. The melody was produced by moving a short bamboo piece, Kamrika, on the string. Obviously fine pitch changes were produced by sliding the Kamrika and/or altering its pressure on the string. Variations in pitch were obtained by descending a little wooden rod, held in the left hand of the musician, along the gut string. It is evident that the Ekatantri evolved out of instruments like the Gintarg and later developed into the Vichitra Veena and the Gottu Vadyam of today. The Ekatantri Veena was held in great importance till the end of the 18th century. Due to the technique of its playing, it was the ideal instrument used for Alaap. This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com |