Welcome to Tanti Saaj
The use of tanti saaj started right from the beginning of Sikh history when Guru Nanak Dev Ji used to tell Bhai Mardana ji to play the rabab, that baani is coming from up above. He would tell Bhai Mardana Ji to do sangat with him as they would both together sing the praises of the blessed vision of the divine. From there onwards, as the divine light of Guru Nanak Dev Ji changed its physical form, different saaj were highlighted throughout the history of the Sikh Gurus including Saranda during the time of Guru Amar Das Ji, and Guru Arjan Dev Ji's time, Taus, Dhad, and Sarangi during the period of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, Mridang during the times of Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji, and Tanpura during the period of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji. These instruments have been used to enhance the connection with Shabad Guru. Today, in addition to the puratan instruments, the harmonium has gained popularity, along with other western instruments like the violin, and the guitar. Here is some basic information about the various saaj used from the beginning of Sikh history till today.
Taus
The Taus is a bowed instrument whose remarkable design and architecture give it a majestic look and makes it an art masterpiece. The word Taus means peacock in Persian and is said to have been created by the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. Due to a larger soundbox compared to some of the other smaller string instruments, it produces a louder, deeper, and more mellow sound.
Rabab
The rabab is a plucked or strung instrument with a very deep sound. Guru Nanak Sahib Ji's special Rabab was carved by Bhai Firanda, and played by Bhai Mardana Ji during his lengthy travels around the world that lasted for about 27 years of his life. This rabab was very special as it was gifted to Guru Nanak Sahib Ji from his beloved sister Bebe Naanki Ji.
Saranda
The Saranda is a special instrument that originated from the Sikhs. Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji designed and created a specific type of Saranda that was used for closed indoor environments. This low pitched bowed instrument was also played by Guru Arjan Dev Ji. It is different from the Saranda that was popularly used when singing folk music by rabaabis and dhaadis in open environments. Its big hollow sound box makes it unique as it creates a distinctive soul pleasing sound, making it an ideal choice for experiencing a connection with the divine during Simran.
Jori
The Jori was created in the darbaar of Guru Arjan Dev ji by renowned kirtaniyas Bhai Satta ji and Bhai Balwand ji. It was crafted by splitting a one-barrel instrument called the Pakhavaj into 2 pieces of drums creating enthralling rhythmic sound with the perfect acoustics for a time when the microphone did not exist. The need for Jori is said to have arisen due to the evolving nature of music from Dhrupad to desi or Margi Sangeet. Although it may resemble with the tabla, a similar looking drum instrument, the jori is regarded as a sampooransaaz compared to the tabla as out of the three styles namely, sath, jatt, and gatt, only the gatt is playable on the tabla.
Dilruba
The dilruba which means ‘heart stealer’ in Persian. Its smaller size and lighter weight make it more convenient to take it along for long distances.
Tanpura
A tanpura is a drone instrument where a note or chord is continuously played in the accompaniment of a musical piece to create a harmonic effect. Guru Gobind Singh ji is known to do kirtan on the tanpura. There are four strings on the tanpura with which it is able to provide all the musical notes of a natural scale. That is why the tanpura is considered to be a mirror of the sung musical notes.
Sarangi
The sarangi is a fretless bowed string instrument that was promoted by sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind sahib ji to sing vaars or ballads. Guru Hargobind Sahib ji encouraged its use for singing praises about the divine and connecting with the higher power. It has a warm and rich tone, and can often be confused with human voice due its close resemblance
Israj
The Israj is a fretted bow instrument that although looks similar to the dilruba and Taus, its structure is very different from the two. It is smaller than the two and thus does not have the capacity to provide a broader reach sound. Compared to the dilruba it has a higher pitched treble sound. The Israj is known to have been used for kirtan during the period of Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
Tabla
The tabla is a two drum percussion instrument that looks similar to the Jori and provides beat or rhythm to the music that is being sung. Playing the tabla involves extensive use of the fingers, and the palm is used in a sliding action or by exerting pressure, to create a wide array of sounds, varying pitch, and different speeds can be played to help complete the musical piece being sung.
Pakhawaj
The Pakhawaj or Mridang is a one-barrel percussion instrument that is popularly used to accompany dhrupad and dhamar. Made of clay, it is played in a similar way as the Jori. The left membrane consists of a layer of whole wheat atta or moist dough which in turn produces a resonating low pitched, and bass enriched sound. The right membrane on the other hand, produces a high-pitched sound.
Surmandal
The surmandal is an Indian harp that is used to accompany vocalists. It produces a soothing drone sound whose vibrations can pierce the hearts of the listener. Tuning a surmandal although simple in many ways, can be challenging as there is no standard tuning for this instrument, and needs to be tuned according to the key and the raag that you plan to sing.
Sitar
The word sitar comes from the Persian word ‘si’ meaning three, and ‘tar’ meaning string. This stringed instrument is very similar to the Tanpura where is has a long, hollow, wooden neck, and a deep pear-shaped body. From the time the use of the sitar came into existence, it had three main strings, this has now changed today to the sitar having seven main strings. The ability to pull on the string or to fret on the string creates a unique musical tone and also gives the player the ability to change the pitch of the sound.Sri Gurmat Academy (SGA) has been founded with an aspiration to keep Guru Sahib Ji's tradition of using tanti saaj as a tool to connect with Shabad Guru alive. SGA is a humble attempt to equip the current and future generations with the knowledge of gurmat sangeet and tanti saaj to join them with Shabad Guru.