SRIRAM RAVISHANKAR
( jalam ), air ( vayu ), fire ( agni ) and space ( akasha ), the ghatam is considered to be one of the most humble , eco-friendly , portable , and unique instrument in the family of south Indian percussions . Known as Noot in Kashmir and Mudki in Rajasthan , the ghatam was mainly a folk instrument in the olden days . In south India , it became a highly sophisticated instrument which was raised to concerts status . Apart from being played at traditional concert platforms , the ghatam has off lately also gained a lot of prominence status in Rock music , Jazz , Jugalbandhis , Fusion , Ensembles and a host of other such unique programmes .
On how it is made , “ ghatam is different from ordinary mud pots , with its mouth being narrow . Its size differs according to the pitch or shruthi . The ones of lower pitch will be of bigger size and the ones of higher pitch will be smaller . It has three portions - the mouth , a slanting portion from the mouth , and the round shaped bottom . A special type of baked clay is used for the preparation of this instrument . With that , copper , iron , or brasses fillings are mixed along with some other powders which are known to traditional makers only . Altogether , the pot is made and allowed to dry so as to strengthen itself . Each pot is checked for any kind of air bubble so that the pot isn ’ t prone to easy damage once dried . Symbolic of the five elements of nature , the basic material is mud which represents the holy earth . Mud is mixed with water , and then baked in fire adding the third element . The air inside the belly of the ghatam encompasses space or akasha that reverberates creating the musical sound ,” Udupa explained . “ There are various ways of playing it , in North India , the instrument is placed on a small round block with the mouth facing upwards and played on the sides by right hand and on the mouth by left hand . Rings and bangles are also used to create various sounds . But in South India , it is placed on the lap , its mouth facing the stomach , played with a gush of air with the help of belly . We play it with fingers , wrists and even nails . It is the only instrument whose position is changed while playing . Sometimes to delight the audience , the instrument is thrown up and caught which is suitable in rhythm , mainly during laya vinyasas ( Solos ),” he concluded .
Udupa ’ s artistic journey culminated in the curation of his brain child “ Udupa Foundation ”, an initiative to promote music , performing arts , and culture amongst different sections of audiences . Having a stellar advisory board consisting artists like Ustad Amjad Ali Khan , Vid . Sukanya Ramgopal , Vid . RK Padmanabhan , Vid . TM Krishna , Vid . Bombay Jayashree to name a few , the foundation is firmly bound to take the world of Indian classical art forms to as many audiences as possible . Deriving inspiration from his father Vid . Ullur Nagendra Udupa who believed in imparting knowledge to all those who are keen to learn it irrespective of their financial or cultural backgrounds , the foundation aims to drive a movement that will bring together art , artistes , and art connoisseurs on a unique journey of art and music . The foundation seeks to advance a concept of world art through creative collaborations to bring the best of various musical traditions that are present within all of us . To make this interface as inclusive as possible , Udupa Foundation aims to reach out through a range of platforms and activities such as teaching , supporting , promoting , disseminating and healing through art forms .
Pihoto Courtesy : Anjoe Jacob
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