Tanpura (Explained): Origin, Structure, and Why It’s Essential in Indian Music

Have you ever thought about why is the tanpura called a tanpura? It is because the meaning of the word taan in Sanskrit is to ‘stretch’. Tanpura is an instrument in which strings are stretched in different ratios so that sounds of different pitches could be produced from it. It has mainly 4 strings but I bet, these four when played can take you to a whole new world of melody. 

Origin of Tanpura

Less people know that tanpura is not the actual name of the instrument we are talking about. Earlier it was known as tambura or tanpuri but late with the evolution of the instrument, the name tanpura was widely adopted to refer to the instrument. Also, have you ever heard of naad aradhna ? It is believed to be a kind of practice in which a person understands sound and its details to attain enlightenment. It is believed that tanpura is not a man-made instrument but an instrument that was gifted by the gods to the sages to perform the practice of naad aradhna and attain enlightenment. 

Structure of Tanpura 

To make a tanpura you need a hollow quart which is dried and later attached to a long wooden piece. Later, four strings are stretched and tied to the end of the wooden piece (starting from the mid part of the guard) to the nickel-like wood formings called khoonta. A tanpura has 4 strings and usually, the strings are tuned into the notes middle sa pa pa and higher sa. Though, if required, the middle strings are tuned into other notes when the note pa is vargit in a particular raag. On the basis of tuning and structure, we have two types of tanpuras – male tanpura and female tanpura.let us understand in detail, the structure of taanpura.  

 

 

Tumba 

How do the strings of the tanpura, when played sound so soothing and melodious? It is because of the resonator of the instrument which is made up of a gourd or wood. The waves of the sound resonate inside the gourd and bounce back making the sound form an internal harmony and creating a heavenly impact when played. But for this, the gourd is to be chosen carefully care is to be taken while selecting the size and quality of the gourd. 

Dandi

Dandi is a long, polished piece of wood attached to the gourd. It has three purposes. The first is to give an appealing visual appearance to the instrument. Second is to become a base for the attachment of the shoot and the third is to act as a bridge between the gourd and the strings. 

Javari

The strings of the tanpura originate from the edge of the resonator and have to be tied to the end of the dandi where khoonti is there. If we imagine the scenario carefully, we know that the strings will get glued to the Dandi and then how will you play it? in order to keep the strings distant from the surface of the dandi a small bone-made bridge called Javari is attached to the surface of the gourd and the strings go above it and then tied to the khoonti which allows the strings to be a required distance from the dandi.

Khoonti

At the top of the tanpura and the end of the dandi are attached big nickel-like wooden pieces to which the strings of tanpura are connected. This khoonti is used to – 1. Tighten or loosen the strings attached to it, 2. Act as a tying base for the strings. 

Strings 

As previously discussed, there are four strings in a tanpura and they are mainly tuned into the notes middle sa, middle pa, middle pa, and higher sa. But sometimes the tanpura has to be played with a raag in which the note pa is vargit. In such cases, the middle strings are tuned into the note ma. 

Why is Tanpura Essential in Indian Music?

• Drone canvas: It lays a steady sound like a canvas, letting melodies & rhythms shine.
• Tuning reference: It provides the base note for all instruments to get tuned perfectly.
• Spiritual touch: Its continuous sound creates a serene atmosphere, enhancing emotional depth.
• Vocal practice friend: By singing with its drone, vocalists improve pitch and control.
• Improvisation springboard: The drone inspires artists to explore melodies and improvisations freely.

Additional sources 

• Tanpura Demonstration – https://youtu.be/rVeFX4O4zT0
• Pumpkin Instrument – https://youtu.be/F4nltNJyePQ