Musical Instruments in Natyashastra: The Harmony of Theatre and Sound

Introduction

The Natyashastra, attributed to Bharata, is one of the most comprehensive treatises on performing arts in ancient India. It not only lays down the principles of drama and dance but also emphasizes the indispensable role of music in theatrical performance. Musical Instruments, according to the Natyashastra, are classified into four distinct categories: stringed instruments (tata), percussion instruments (avanaddha), solid instruments (ghana), and hollow instruments (sushira). Each type contributes uniquely to the embellishment of dramatic art, creating a harmonious blend of sound and performance.

The Fourfold Classification of Instruments

• Stringed Instruments (Tata Vādya): These include instruments like the Veena and Bansuri (flute with strings accompaniment). They produce melody through vibrating strings and are central to orchestral arrangements.
• Percussion Instruments (Avanaddha Vādya): Drums such as the Mridanga, Panava, and Dardara fall under this category. They provide rhythm and tempo, forming the backbone of dramatic music.
• Solid Instruments (Ghana Vādya): Cymbals are the primary example. Their metallic resonance adds emphasis and punctuates musical sequences.
• Hollow Instruments (Sushira Vādya): Flutes represent this group, producing sound through air vibrations in hollow tubes. They are vital for melodic ornamentation.

Application in Dramatic Performance

The Natyashastra highlights threefold applications of instruments in theatre:

1.     Performances dominated by stringed instruments.

2.     Performances dominated by percussion instruments.

3.     General applications where all types are used together.

In orchestral settings, singers, Veena players, and flautists form the melodic ensemble, while drummers constitute the Avanaddha Varga, or orchestra of covered instruments. These ensembles accompany actors of different categories Uttama (superior), Madhyama (middle), and Adhama (inferior) enhancing the dramatic mood and narrative.

Gandharva Tradition

The playing of stringed instruments accompanied by others is termed Gandharva. It integrates three essential components:

• Svara (Notes)
• Tala (Rhythm)
• Pada (Lyrics)

The sources of Gandharva music are vocal expression, the Veena, and the flute. This tradition bridges the technical aspects of music with the emotive power of drama.

Svaras and Vocal Music

Svaras, or musical notes, have two bases: the human body and the Veena. From these arise elements such as Gramas (scales), Murcchanas (progressions), Tanas (patterns), Sthanas (voice registers), Vrittis, Alamkaras (ornamentations), Dhatus, Srutis (microtones), and Jatis (melodic types). Vocal music mirrors the Veena, with the human throat serving as a natural instrument. This demonstrates the deep connection between human expression and instrumental sound.

Tala and Rhythm

The Natyashastra describes twenty formal aspects of Tala, including Avapa, Niskrama, Viksepa, Samya, Sannipata, Parivarta, Matra, Yati, and Giti. These rhythmic structures regulate the pace of performance, ensuring synchronization between music and movement.

The seven fundamental Svaras Sadja (Sa), Rsabha (Ri), Gandhara (Ga), Madhyama (Ma), Pañcama (Pa), Dhaivata (Dha), and Nisada (Ni) are further classified into four relational categories:

• Vadi (Sonant): The most prominent note.
• Samvadi (Consonant): Notes at intervals of nine or thirteen Srutis.
• Anuvadi (Assonant): Supporting notes.
• Vivadi (Bisonant): Dissonant notes.

For example, in the Sadja Grama, Sadja and Madhyama, Rsabha and Dhaivata, Gandhara and Nisada are considered Samvadins.

Conclusion

Music in the Natyashastra is not merely an accompaniment but an integral part of dramatic art. The classification of instruments, the orchestral arrangements, and the detailed treatment of Svara and Tala reveal the sophistication of ancient Indian aesthetics. By weaving together melody, rhythm, and performance, the Natyashastra establishes a holistic vision of theatre where sound and movement converge to create an immersive cultural experience.