Home > Entertainment > Music in India > Mohori - Wind Instrument
Mohori - Wind Instrument
Mohori is a type of tribal and folk oboe used in India. The use of this wind instrument can be traced back a long way, almost to the 6th century AD.

Share this Article:

Mohori, Wind InstrumentThe Mohori is a wind instrument used in India. It is a kind of tribal and folk oboe also known as the Mori. According to various musicians, this musical instrument is perhaps linguistically related to mari meaning a tube or drain.

History of Mohori
The use of this wind instrument can be traced back a long way, almost to the 6th century AD. The word `Mohori` seems to be related to Mahudi and Magudi, the snake -charmer"s single-reed pipe of south India. This in turn has been Sanskritised to Madhukari and Madhukali. The earliest reference to this instrument is in Matanga`s Brihaddesi as Mavari and Madvari (sixth-ninth century AD). Other works in which this instrument is mentioned are by Nanya (eleventh century), Sarangadeva (thirteenth century), Verna (fourteenth century) and Chikkabhoopala (seventeenth century). The Kannada poets, Raghavanaka (thirteenth century) in his Harishchandra Kavya, Singiraja (fifteenth century) in Singiraja Puranam and Govinda Vaidya (seventeenth century) in his Kantheerava Narasaraja Vijaya, give it as Mouri; but the Kannada poet-saint-musician, Purandara Dasa, also used the term Mourya in his Suladis (which were long compositional types, each section having a different Tala).

Designs of Mohori
Mohori known in many areas, as a folk instrument, is somewhat similar to the Shehnai. But the Mohori found in Assam is very different. It is made of bamboo, in three sections which are detachable, the middle one having six holes. The Khasis of Assam have the Katangmuri; the Muri in this word is also significant.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Music in India


Manjira - Musical Instrument
Manjira, also known as tala, manjeera, jalra, kartal, or khartal, is a traditional Indian percussion instrument. It consists of a pair of small hand. Manjira is widely used in religious ceremonies, folk music, and classical performances, showcasing its versatility and cultural significance.
Bhavageete
Bhavageete is a form of expressionist poetry in light music. It is a significant genre of folk music that unfolds the realities of life in an eloquent manner.
Kriti Carnatic Music
Kriti refers to one of the most widely used genres of Carnatic music. It originated from the kirtanas of the bhaktas, i.e., musicians who expressed their religious devotion through songs.
Music of Uttarakhand
Music of Uttarakhand has its roots in nature. The folk music of Uttarakhand is based on traditions, festivals and folk legends.
Music of Arunachal Pradesh
Music of Arunachal Pradesh reflects the socio cultural life of the people of that state. Music forms an integral part of the festivities of Arunachal Pradesh.