Taal Making - Ahmednagar, Maharashtra
Taal (cymbal) is a traditional musical instrument made from metal, mainly copper. This instrument originated in India is a usual accompaniment for devotional performances and music. Its ease of usability and inexpensive owning make it a favorite among experts as well as amateur musicians. Its age-old application can still be found in temple paintings and sculptures, where musicians are shown playing it for deities or royal heads as an offering. Taals are known in different names across different parts of the country and hold strong cultural importance, especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Here Taals are played during aartis, bhajans, dayro, and santvani.
Taal, made up of two copper plates called cymbals, holds a depression in the middle and a protrusion to the exterior side. This protrusion allows it to be played with fingers. While using it, the player holds the Taal with both hands and strikes it together or one over the other to produce a tinkling sound. The cymbals are also tied together with a crude copper cord or a simple string for extra grip while playing. This perfectly tuned handmade instrument is a masterpiece of skilled artisans who design by casting method or by beating the metal into the required shape. The latter is a pretty primitive style, while casting is the one that is widely practiced nowadays. The product is often regarded for its high durability and earth-friendly nature. Artisan Mr. Shubham from Ahmednagar, part of Maharashtra, has been making high-quality cast Taal for years. The skill that was passed to him from his father is now shared with his students and employees to preserve the craft for centuries.
