NAGASWARAM
Nagaswaram
is a double-reeded instrument with a conical bore that flares out towards the
bottom end. It usually consists of twelve holes of which the upper seven are
used for playing. Wax is applied on the other holes (brahma swaram) to regulate
the pitch. The reed is fixed on a metal staple and mounted on the top.
The
length of nagaswaram varies from 2 to 21/2 feet and it is made of wood. It is
covered with silver or gold. Spare reeds and an ivory needle with which the
reeds are cleansed and adjusted, are attached to the mouth piece of the
nagaswaram.
The
nagaswaram of the south and the shehnai of the north are of the same family
and in general appearance they look similar. Nagaswaram is also known as melam
and olaga.
There
are two varieties of nagaswaram. The big nagaswaram is usually called the bari
type and the other is called timiri type. Nagaswaram is an outdoor instrument
which is played on all festive occasions, processions and temple music. The
music played on the nagaswaram is usually of a pure and serious type. It has
great volume and power.
