Sarangi (Nepali)

The sarangi (Nepali: सारङ्गी) is a folk Nepalese string instrument. Traditionally in Nepal, sarangi was only played by people of Gandarva or Gaine caste, who sing narrative tales and folk song. However, in present days, it is widely used and played by many. It is also used widely in Nepali music. The sarangi has largely usurped the role of the previous Gaine instrument, the plucked lute arbajo.

Traditional Nepali sarangi are made up of a single piece of wood having a neck and hollowed-out double-chambered body; they are often made from a very light wood called khiro. The lower opening is then covered up with dried sheep-skin upon which the bridge rests, while the upper chamber is left open. The neck is fretless, and the strings are tuned with the kunti.

The original strings were made out of sheep intestine, similar to the use of catgut (made from the intestines of cattle) in violins. The village people allotted intestines of sheep, sacrificed during major festivals like Dasain, to the Gandarvas. The Gandarvas left the intestine in a pot for some days. Once the meat was fully rotten, it was pulled out, leaving behind the fine nerves of the intestine which were then woven to get the strings, which produced fine quality sound. However these days, readily available nylon and steel strings have generally replaced gut strings.

The bow was traditionally strung with horse tail-hair (as used in violin bows), but in the modern day nylon bowstrings are common. Different notes are made by touching the strings with the nail of fingers of the left hand.

The range of the traditional sarangi starts from G4 and almost covers two octaves. Traditionally, the sarangi is tuned G4 C5 C5 G5 (Pa Sa Sa Pa). Because of its popularity, historical importance and socio-cultural value, the Sarangi has been featured by a number of television and radio programs in Nepal. The life imitating radio drama Katha Mitho Sarangiko and radio magazine Sarangiko Bhalakusari produced by BBC Media Action Nepal have used the term sarangi in their names as a tribute to this outstanding instrument. Dilu Gandharba, the popular vocalist and composer, has developed video tutorials on Sarangi.

The Nepali word "Gaine" is the synonym of Gandharva which is derived from Sanskrit language. According to Brihad Nepali Shabdakosh (Extensive Nepali Dictionary) Gaine is known as caste which members are famous for singing the songs of national legacy (Gatha).They have composed a lot of historical songs (as Sabai, Gatha, Karkha) praising the then kings, prime ministers, national heroes and nation as well. In ancient time, the Gaine travelled from village to village, singing about everything from legendary heroes and ongoing battles to tales of what they saw on their journeys and the lives of the people they encountered on their way. That tradition is still seen in village areas where Gandarvhas travel to other villages and sing songs to raise income. It is their main occupation. They also make sarangi to sell on markets.

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Wikipedia