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SILAPPADIKARAM (Contd...) In the Silappadikaram, reference is made to
two types of instruments. They are Midatrukaruvi or human voice and
Kuyilukaruvi or musical instruments. Adiyarkkunallar gives 5
classifications as Tolkaruvi or percussion, Tulaikaruvi or
wind instruments, Narambukaruvi or stringed instruments, Midatrukaruvi
or human voice and Kanchakaruvi or gangs and cymbals. Among the
wind instruments, flute was very popular. It is also mentioned that the
cowherds belonging to the Mullai region were adept in playing the flute. A
vivid description of how flute was made and how it was played are given. The
flute was also called Vangiyam, Pullanguzhal, Veinkuzhal
and Venu. There is a mention of Vartanai which means
Arohanam Avarohanam. Besides the normal flute, mention is also made of
Konrai, Ambal and Mullai Kuzhal, which are made
from the respective plants. In the Venirkadai, the parts of a yazh are mentioned. It is also said that the yazh must be protected from heat, wind, rain etc. The strings, it says, should be devoid of 4 defects a) inextricable twist b) tiny hairs sticking to the jut c) Sprayed ends of a jut and d) Murukku or twist. This shows that the strings were gut wired. The Venirkadai also gives reference to the posture of yazh while playing. The exact position and posture of the hands are also mentioned. The four defects of yazh are enumerated. These are a) Sempagai or harsh note heard in the string b) Arppu or excessive sruti of string c) Kudam or dull unpleasant tone d) Atirvu or unnecessary shaking and trembling of svaras. These were considered to be serious mistakes. The 8 methods of tuning the yazh are mentioned in Kanalvari. Some technical terms used in the art of yazh playing are given in Kanalvari. Numerous percussion instruments and drums are mentioned. They were used for different occasions like battle, sacrifice, wedding, funeral and other festivals. The percussion instruments come under the following heads:
These have been classified based on the
superior, middle and inferior distinction. Mention has been made of
Murasu, Palliyam, Kalaimurasam and Palliezhuchili
murasam. In the dance of hill maiden known as Kunrakuravai, Tondagam
Siruparai have been made. The Antarakottu or orchestral music
mentioned in the Arangetrukadai includes to the beating of Maddalam,
Kudamuzha, Edakkai and Amantirikai. The 3 octaves of the human voice have
been referred to as Mandanisai, Samanisai and Vallisai
for Mandra sthayi, Madhya sthayi and Tara Sthayi respectively in
Arangetrukadai. Silappadikaram also gives information on the education of a dancer. The dance teacher was said to be adept in Desi (secular), Margam (orthodox), Ahakuthur, Purakuthur, Santi, Vinodam and a number of Kuthus collectively called Palavagaikuthu. The teacher also had a sound knowledge of Adal (11 kinds of dances), Padal (songs), Kottu (musical instruments), Pani (Measured beats), Tukku (Time beats) and of various gestures. The characteristics of a music teacher, composer, flautist, drummer, yazh player and stage setting are dealt with elaborately. The description of actual dance is also given. Thus Silappadikaram shows an advanced state of evolution in the art of music. |
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