Introduction
The tanpura is synonymous with Indian classical music. The musical instrument, similar to the sitar, has a long wooden neck with four strings attached to a bulbous base that acts as the sound chamber. This base is traditionally made from the fruit of a vining gourd, but excessive heat, unseasonal rains, pests, and diseases are an increasing threat to gourd crops in India. That’s put the future of both gourd farmers and the instrument at risk, according to a video produced by Mongabay India.
The Importance of Gourds for the Tanpura
To make a tanpura, one must first select a gourd of a suitable size and shape, says tanpura maker Mohsin Mirajkar in the video. The variety of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) grown especially for musical instruments such as the tanpura must be 53-60 inches (135-152 centimeters) in circumference. Musicians prefer larger gourds as they have better resonance. But in recent years, gourds have gotten smaller, Mirajkar says, "Some people complained that the sound was not right".
Challenges in Growing Gourds
It’s not just the gourd’s size that matters. Sagar Hazri, a gourd farmer, says the shell should also be thick and heavy, and, when dried, should make a clear "tong tong" sound. "This is the kind we can sell," he says. "The thin, lower-quality shells make a duller ‘dhop dhop’ sound. They get damaged easily. We have to reject those gourds".
Impact of Climate Change
The gourd, which is only harvested once a year, during the peak of the Indian summer, is increasingly under threat from climate change. Gourds grown especially for musical instruments such as the tanpura are facing challenges due to excessive heat, irregular rains, and pests. This not only affects gourd production but also the Indian musical tradition.
Conclusion
The future of the tanpura and Indian classical music depends on the ability to cultivate high-quality gourds. It is essential that farmers, instrument makers, and musicians work together to find solutions to the challenges posed by climate change. Additionally, it is crucial to promote sustainable agricultural practices and support efforts to preserve the Indian musical tradition.
Source / Reference
This article was originally published on Mongabay