Musical Instruments of Northern India - Eighteenth Century Portraits

Author: Robert L Hardgrave
Stephen M Slawek/
Publisher: Manohar
Year: 1997
Language: English
Pages: 153
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8173041652

Description

The Flemish artist Baltazard Solvyns, residing in Calcutta from 1791until 1804, produced a remarkable series of etchings depicting the people and culture he observed. Fist published in Calcutta in 1796 and 1799, and then in a four volume edition, Les Hindous, published in Paris, 1808-12, the etchings include portrayals of 36 musical instruments as well as prints of the nautch and a Hindu dancing girl. These etchings represent, in most instances, the first illustrations of the instruments and the manner in which they are played.

Hardgrave and Slawek here reproduce these prints, together with Solvyn’s descriptive text, and their own commentary for each plate.

Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

INTRODUCTION

Nautch
Ramjani
Sankh and Ghanta
Kasar
Tambura
Kuplyans or Bin
Pinak
Sita
Sarangi
Sarinda
Amrti (Omerti)
Oorni
Dhak
Dhol
Khol
Dholak
Tabla
Joorghaje
Tikara
Pakhavaj
Nagara
Kara
Dampha
Doira
Jagajhampa
Surmandal
Khanjari
Kartal
Kasi
Jaltarang
Manjira
Jhajhari
Ramsinga
Bak
Surnai
Tobrie
Basi
Bhoranga

BIBLIOGRAPHY