Taus (instrument)

Taus (instrument)
Classification

Bowed string instrument
Inventor(s) Guru Hargobind
Related instruments

Sarangi Esraj Dilruba

The Taus is a bowed string instrument from the north Indian region of Punjab. The taus was the work of Sri Guru Hargobind Ji (the sixth Guru of the Sikhs).[1] From this instrument originates the lighter Dilruba. It has a peacock body sound box ('Taus' is a Persian word meaning peacock) and a neck with 20 heavy metal frets. This neck holds on a long wooden rack 28-30 strings and the instrument is played with a bow. This instrument projects a sound with a deeper, fuller tone.

Relation to Dilruba/Esraj

The Dilruba originates from the taus and is the work of the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji.[2] The Dilruba was then produced to replace the previously heavy instrument (the Taus). This attempt was intended to 'scale down' the taus into what is now known to be the Dilruba. This made it more convenient for the Sikh army to carry the instrument on horseback.

References

  1. ↑ Dharam Singh (2001). Perspectives on Sikhism. Publication Bureau, Punjabi University. p. 158. ISBN 978-8-1738-0736-7.
  2. ↑ Dutta, Madhumita (2008). Let's Know Music and Musical Instruments of India. Star Publications. pp. 22–23. ISBN 978-1-9058-6329-7.
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