nAdasvaram - nAgasuRam - Shenai

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ref. to, INDOLOGY/message/1347

 

 

The "shenai" seems to be the North Indian variant of the "nAgasuRam".

The nAgasuRam and the shenai are indispensable components of Weddings

in both South and the North of India. Can anyone give the

etymology/meaning of the "Shenai" ?

 

The 'shehnai' is a north Indian oboe. Although it is referred to as

a double-reeded instrument it is actually a quadruple-reed

instrument. This is because it has two upper reeds and two lower

reeds. The instrument has a wooden body with a brass bell. The

reed is attached to a brass tube which is wrapped in string. The

shehnai has eight holes but it is common to find some of the holes

partially or completely occluded with wax. The sound of the shehnai

is considered particularly auspicious. For this reason it is found

in temples and is an indispensable component of any North Indian

wedding. In the past, shehnai was part of the naubat or traditional

ensembles of nine instruments found at royal courts. This

instrument is a close relative of the nadaswaram found in south

Indian music.

http://chandrakantha.com/articles/indian_music/shehnai.html

 

A 'nAgasuRam' exponent..

http://chandrakantha.com/articles/indian_music/nadaswaram.html

 

regards,

Ashok