Introduction

Design Resource

Veena Making

The Craft of Making Musical Instruments

Amruthalakshmi Rajagopalan,Anisha Crasto and J. Antony William

Introduction

About Thanjavur:
Thanjavur is one of the old cities in Tamilnadu. It is located 314 Km away from Chennai. Thanjavur is haven for musicians. This place is very rich in cultural art and architecture. Music and Dance plays a major role in the cultural life of Tamilnadu. Brihadeeswara temple is one of the most famous architecture of the Chola dynasty. Most of the temples were built by Cholas. Thanjavur is ranked ninth on foreign tourist visit.

Introduction:
Thanjavur is the center of Carnatic music and famous for musicians. Bharathanatyam- The classical dance of Tamilnadu is originated in ancient Thanjavur. This form of dance is based on songs in Carnatic music. Hence, producing the musical instruments in Thanjavur became a major craft. Among string instruments, the Thanjavur veena and Tambura arevery famous. Both the instruments are made of wood from the jack fruit tree. The different parts of instruments are carved and joined together with tamarind seed paste. The instrument Tambura have similar features except that they do not have ground shaped fixture at the further end and have only four strings no frets. The ancient Tamil instrument Silappadikaaram, the wooden Yaazh in boat shape and fish shape, which is similar to harp or lute. This is now replaced by the versatile Veena. These instruments are played in various temples, especially those in Thanjavur. Nayaks and Marathas of Thanjavur encouraged the music. The Families in and around the town of Thanjavur are into the manufacturing of Veena and other musical instruments for generations. The unique traditional crafts of Thanjavur can be classified into musical instruments, Paintings, metal ware, textiles, decorative arts, wood and ivory carving, basketry, sculpture in stone and stucco.

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Veena Making