Introduction And History Of Urumi Musical Instrument In English

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Urumi Musical Instrument
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Introduction And History Of Urumi Musical Instrument

Introduction

  • Urumi is a two-headed hourglass-shaped drum from the state of Tamil Nadu, South India. The two skin heads are attached to a hollow, often intricately carved wooden shell. The preferred wood is jackwood, although other woods such as rosewood may be used.
  • Both the left and right heads are usually made of cow hide which is stretched around a thin metal ring. The outer circumference of each head is perforated with about seven to eight holes.
  • The two ends are held under tension by a continuous rope which is woven in a V-shaped pattern around the drum.
  • Additional small coils of string or metal are tied around each pair of ropes near the left head. These coils can be slid horizontally along the length of the drum, increasing or decreasing the tension between the ends as needed.
  • For example, during the monsoon season the drum heads become so loose that the instrument becomes unusable. Such problems can be easily rectified by using these coil drummers.

Technique

  • The urumi is slung over the shoulder with a cloth strap and is played horizontally by the drummer. This simple harness allows the drummer to play while standing or walking. The urumi is played entirely with sticks.
  • Five basic sounds can be played on the drum: an “open sound” produced by striking the right head, a deep resonant “groan” sound produced by striking the right head while at the same time striking the left head. Rubs along the long end.
  • Curved stick, a bent “speaking drum” tone in which the right head is stuck while the left hand squeezes and releases the string holding the ends together.
  • Castor oil is often applied to the left head to facilitate the drummer’s ability to produce the “groaning sound” described above.

Notation

• As an oral tradition, Tamil folk music does not have a codified system of written notation. Musicians learn through years of unconscious absorption, conscious listening, imitation, and practice.

History And Performance Reference

  • This drum is believed to have supernatural and holy powers. When played in religious ceremonies and processions, the performance of specific beats on the urumi can induce possession of the spirit or trance.
  • Urumi is also played in the South Indian state of Kerala, which borders Tamil Nadu.
  • Urumi is often displayed in two types of clothing:

a) urumi melam

b) Naiyandi Melam

  • The urumi melam ensemble usually consists of the double-reed instrument nadhaswaram, a pair of double-headed drums called pambai, and one to three urumi drums; This outfit is particularly associated with funerals and other inauspicious occasions.
  • Naiyandi Melam is the most common type of folk dress associated with ritual and dance. A typical Naiyandi melam is composed of two double-reed nadhaswarams, one or two urumi, a pambai and an urumi.

Urumi’s Question Answer-

In which state is Urumi played?

Urumi is played in the state of Tamil Nadu and South India.

Which metal is urumi made of?

Urumi is a tabla instrument made of jackfruit wood, cow skin, metal.

What is the size of urumi?

The urumi is an hourglass-shaped drum.

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