To the very talented artists and artisans of Miraj who are incredible at their craft. Your dedication and attention to detaiI to the craft is awe-inspiring. Thank you for keeping the tradition of sitar making alive and for sharing your passion with the world.
Sitar: What is it?
Origin of sitar
The Musical city of india History behind the making Elements of sitar
Vilayat khan: Bharat Sitar Samrat
Ravi Shankar: Indias Musical Ambassador
Hindi Cinema to Netflix
Connecting East and West
SITAR-िसतार-ستار is a member of the lute family of stringed instruments; it is popular in northern India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, and is used to play classical music in the Hindustani tradition. The word sitar is derived from the Persian word seht r, meaning “three strings.” This instrument known for its unique and intricate design, is played by plucking the strings with a plectrum, producing a rich and melodic sound. It has a distinctive and mesmerizing tone, making it one of the prominent instruments in Hindustani Classical music.
It has a characterized by its long neck, resonating gourd, and a set of sympathetic strings that create a rich, melodic tone. It continues to be a symbol of Indian musical tradition and is also used in various fusion and contemporary music genres globally.
The invention of the sitar can be traced back to the Mughal period in India. It is said to be developed from Persian lutes which were commonly played in the Mughul durbars. Many documents and theories cite an 18th century fakir named Amir Khusru as the inventor of the sitar.
Its history can be traced back to the 13th century, with its predecessor, the "veena," which was a stringed instrument played in ancient India. This instrument is known for its elegant and graceful sound, is often associated with expressions of beauty, emotion, and refinement very well depicted by Raja Ravi Verma in his painting- ‘Kadambari’ during the time when sitar was becoming popular in India. The modern sitar, as we know it today, was developed in the 18th century. It was popularized by Ustad Vilayat Khan and Ustad Ravi Shankar in the 20th century and introduced it to the Western world through their performances
In the Indian state of Maharashtra, the city of Miraj is located in the Sangli district.Miraj is renowned for producing sitars of high quality, elaborate designs, and deep tones. For years, skilled craftspeople in the city have been honing the technique of sitar making, making sure that each instrument is meticulously constructed.
Along with creating sitars, Miraj is renowned for its contributions to music education. There are many music institutions and academies in Miraj where students can learn to play sitar and other traditional Indian instruments. This place has become a destination for musicians due to its rich legacy and artistry.
Miraj, a town in India, is renowned for its skilled sitar makers. These artisans craft exquisite sitars, preserving ancient traditions. Their craftsmanship blends expertise with passion, producing instruments that resonate with rich tones, captivating musicians worldwide.
These artisans called Shikalgars (weapon makers) were sent to Miraj to build the tomb of the famous Khwaja Shamna Mira Dargah. Interestingly, their forte was in Weapon Carving. As the time passed by with British rule, developments kept taking place and these weapons were replaced by guns and rifles suppressing these artisans' livelihood.In 1850 Shikalkar brothers i.e. Mohinuddin and Faridsaheb took initiative steps and manufactured the very first String Instruments. And hence, they are now called Shikalkar to Sitarmaker.
Ustad Vilayat Khan (1928-2004) was a legendary Indian sitar maestro renowned for his mastery and innovation in classical music. With profound artistry and technical brilliance, he elevated sitar playing to unprecedented heights. A visionary artist, he blended traditional ragas with creative improvisation, captivating audiences worldwide. His intricate, soulful renditions reflected a deep understanding of the classical tradition while embracing contemporary influences. Ustad Vilayat Khan's legacy endures through his enduring contributions to Indian classical music, leaving an indelible mark on the global musical landscape. He received numerous awards and honors during his illustrious career, including:
Padma Shri: One of India's highest civilian awards, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to music.
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award: A prestigious award for his excellence in the field of music.
Bharat Sitar Samrat: A title that signifies his mastery of the sitar and his influence on the art form.
Grammy Award nomination: He received a Grammy nomination for his album "The Master Musicians of India," showcasing his international recognition.
Ustad Vilayat Khan's legacy lives on through his music and his significant impact on the world of classical Indian music.
Pandit Ravi Shankar, a legendary Indian musician, was a virtuoso sitarist and one of the most influential figures in the world of classical Indian music. Born in 1920, he gained international acclaim for his mesmerizing performances, innovative compositions, and collaborations with renowned Western musicians, such as George Harrison of The Beatles. Ravi Shankar's sitar mastery and dedication to preserving and popularizing Indian classical music left an indelible mark on the global music scene. He passed away in 2012 but continues to be celebrated as a cultural icon and a pioneer of cross-cultural musical fusion. This renowned sitarist, achieved several prestigious prizes and awards during his illustrious career. Some of the most notable ones include:
Bharat Ratna: India's highest civilian honor, which he received in 1999.
Grammy Awards: He received several Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 2013.
Padma Bhushan: One of India's highest civilian awards, conferred upon him in 1967.
Padma Vibhushan: Another high civilian award, which he received in 1981. Sangeet Natak Akademi Award: India's National Academy of Music, Dance, and Drama honored him with this award in 1962.
These are just a few of the many accolades and honors that Pandit Ravi Shankar earned for his outstanding contributions to Indian classical music and the sitar.
Sitar is greatly being used in the Hindi cinema from its very beginning. It became popularly known in the wider world through the works of Ravi Shankar, in the late 1950s and early 1960s It is usually used to enhance a gentle and sensitive scene. Many movies like Dil Ek Mandir (1963), Kohinoor (1960), Meri Soorat Teri Aankhein (1963) had songs where the protogoist is seen playing the sitar. It was first seen to be played on-screen in Baiju Bawra in 1952. And very recently in Netflix film Qala.
As times have passed sitar has and is being used numerous times in Indian Film industry and will continue to engange a wider audience with its mesmerizing and melodic sound.
The sitar, a traditional Indian stringed instrument, has deeply influenced and connected with the Western world. Its distinctive sound and association with renowned musicians like Ravi Shankar and George Harrison of The Beatles brought it to global prominence. Sitar music has found its way into Western popular culture, influencing various genres, including rock, jazz, and world music. Collaborations between Western and Indian musicians have bridged cultural boundaries, fostering a cross-cultural musical exchange. This rich history of interaction and fusion demonstrates the sitar's profound connection to the Western world, making it a symbol of global musical diversity and unity.
It takes the same amount of effort to bring every Sitar, every instrument to life. Let that be for a beginner or a maestro, the instrument remains the same. It requires the same effort and hard work in crafting irrespective of who will be playing it. The fundamental remains the same, the art of making and creating it remains the same. We often forget to appreciate the creator, the maker as much as we celebrate the artists on the stage.Thanks to them that the craft of making the instrument that is centuries of years old is still preserved and hence, the music and the art of performing it is still cherished and loved.
https://bolywoodfiles.blogspot.com/2017/08/string-instruments-playing-songs-in.html
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blink/cover/Making-the-sitar-sing/article20849370.ece
https://audioapartment.com/instruments-and-equipment/what-is-a-sitar/
https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/what-was-the-first-sitar-used-on-a-rock-album.439155/page-2
https://www.hindustantimes.com/music/ravi-shankar-the-godfather-of-world-music/story-KSq31zbWmcPwlF0BlDlitJ.html
https://www.shankarmahadevanacademy.com/blog/Sitar---Connecting-the-East-and-West/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miraj
https://indianmusicexperience.org/blogs/when-indian-ragas-met-western-music/
https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Latest-News-Wires/2012/1212/Sitar-virtuoso-Ravi-Shankar-bridged-India-and-the-West
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The sitar, with its roots tracing back to ancient Persia, is a mesmerizing stringed instrument renowned for its profound cultural impact. Originating around 13th century Persia, it migrated to India and evolved into its current form. The sitar's captivating melodic tones have been central to Indian classical music, particularly in the Hindustani tradition, and have transcended borders to influence global music. Its intricate craftsmanship, including the iconic gourd resonator and long neck with movable frets, embodies the fusion of art and sound. The sitar stands as a cultural emblem, enriching our auditory landscape with its timeless elegance.
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