Musical Instruments of India: History and Development

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Musical Instruments were originally made in India. They were played in accompaniment with the recitation of the Vedas, which according to Hindu Mythology were revealed to Lord Brahma in the beginning of the Universe.

Music and Musical Instruments go hands in hand to form a fundamental phase of Indian religion. The Indians are, therefore very much interested in the development of musical instruments.

The Author has traces in this book the History and development of musical instruments falling under the categories of Ideaphonic, Aerophonic and String instruments. He has touched upon the instruments developed in the stone Age as also the instruments developed later on. He has covered a Bow Type Instrument called Harp. An inscription of this instrument was found on a terracotta seal which was unearthed in the excavations at Mohenjodaro. That instrument gradually developed into Septentri Veena during the Vedic Period and formed the basis for the developed of Modern Veena. It also deals with an instrument known Bhang which was developed in earlier times and is played to this day in Bihar.

This book contains most valuable information on the history and development of Musical Instruments in India. It will definitely be of immense help to the students, teachers, scholars and critics of Music in India and abroad.

About the Author:

The author was born in April 1904 at Bannu, now in Pakistan in a well established Khatri family. Since his childhood he took music as his hobby. He was formally initiated and educated in the mysteries of music by Pt. Ram Lubhaya, a prominent musician of Rawalpindi. He not only mastered the subject soon but also emerged as a gifted teacher and successful author and remained so throughout his life. He has written about 80 books on various topics of music for educational as well as professional institutional. From 1940 to 1947 he taught in St. Annie's College, Presentation Convent, Combridge and D.A.V. College. At the time of teaching in various institutions, he wrote dramas of social as well as religious character having a sufficient matter for music and dance. He got them staged for which he was duly awarded for his writings and performances.

Mr. Veer has also been awarded several time for his brilliant musical performances. One of his notable achievements is the invention of musical notation in Braille for the blind, and the combine notation system by joining Indian and staff music notation system for the foreigners. He has also invented a new Veer Braille system which enables the readers to read them directly without dots.