The shopkeeper Kannan explained about each instrument and played it for them before handing it to children to feel and play.
“This is called a Manjeera or Thaalam . We can see two small, round discs of metal connected by a rope. It is played by striking one against the other.” Kannan demonstrated the sounds and the way to play it before passing it around.
“Uncle, but my grandma calls this a Jhaalra . She uses it when she is singing bhajans at home,” Mukund said.
Kannan smiled and said, “Yes, that is the more popular or generic name. In fact, a bigger version of this is called a Jhallari .”
Musical gift
“Uncle, that wooden thing is what my dance teacher uses to keep time,” said Laya.
“These two pieces are called the Thattukazhi . The small wooden block is used as the surface on which the round stick or kazhi is struck. These two pieces are also made of wood.”
Kannan showed them a set of ceramic bowls. “Can you guess what this is? We have a set of tiny ceramic china bowls here, and two sticks. It is usually arranged in an order beginning with the biggest and ending with the smallest in a semi-circular fashion.” Kannan arranged them neatly.
“I have seen pictures, but do not remember the name,” said Rasa.
“This is called the Jaltarang , and water is filled in all the bowls to a certain level, and played on.” Kannan filled the bowls, and struck it with the sticks to create a beautiful melody.
The applause at the end of his rendition made him happy. He smiled and lifted a huge shell to show the children, and blew on it.
“Oh! This is easy. It is the conch,” said Mukund.
“Right, and this?” He held up a small pot. The children did not know what it was called.
“This is called the Ghatam , and though it looks like a normal clay pot, it is made with special clay. Metal filings are added to give it a musical sound. Manamadurai, a place near Madurai, is where these instruments are made because clay in that area is said to be characteristic and unique. Listen to the sound it produces...” Kannan played the ghatam .
“Miss, some of these instruments do not fall under the three categories you have taught us,” said Rasa.
“I am so glad you noticed that Rasa. We have to do the fourth division in the classification of Indian musical instruments. But as the festival would be over, I thought we could see these instruments first and then you could connect it with what I will teach you.”
The children thanked Kannan for his time and patience and gifted him a framed drawing they had made. They went back to school reminiscing about all that they had seen!
Game: Play it right.
Check out the slideshow and try your hand at the game we have for you.
When Kannan showed them the instruments, the children easily identified this one.
Find the instrument by using the clues.
The first letter is in CLAP ,
but not in FLAP .
The second letter is in BOAT ,
but not in BEAT .
The third letter is in NAME ,
but not in FAME .
The fourth letter is in COAST ,
but not in TOAST .
The fifth letter is in HOUSE ,
but not in MOUSE .
Solution: The instrument easily identified by the children is the CONCH.
