Narasinghapettai Nagaswaram, also known as "Nadhaswaram" and "Nathaswaram", belongs to the woodwind family known as a "Mangala vadya" meaning an auspicious instrument. Nagaswaram is one of the main classical musical instruments in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is a double reed wind instrument with a large flaring bell and a conical bore which gradually enlarges towards the lower end.
Nagaswaram is a quintessential instrument of South India, performed in wide contexts ranging from temple rituals and festivals, to life-cycle rituals as well as accompanying folk dances and street theaters. Nagaswaram is accompanied by a percussion instrument Thavil in all ritual and auspicious functions and music programs.
Nagaswaram is considered to be one of the most ancient and unique musical instruments of Tamil Nadu. Each part of the Nagaswaram is related to a deity. The bottom circle to Surya, the Sun God, the upper hole to Goddess Sakti, the inner holes to Lord Vishnu, the body to Lord Brahma, and the seven holes to seven mothers. The music emanating is related to Lord Siva. Such a Nagaswaram is also called "Periya Melam" and "Rajavadyam"
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Unique feature of Narasinghapettai Nagaswaram is the production process involved in it. Nagaswarams made in Narasingapettai are handmade unlike other machine made Nagaswarams.
The wood involved in the production of the Nagaswaram is Aacha wood (scientific name being "Hardwickia binate") which is procured specifically from the valleys of Cauvery river. Wood from the Aacha tree makes the stem of the nadaswaram. The lower, flared part of the instrument, once made of rose wood, is now made from the wood of the Lebbeck tree (Albizia lebbeck).
The manufacturers of Narasinghapettai choose the wood wisely and ensure that the wood is 200 years old because such wood would not absorb any kind of moisture. It is usually made of a type of ebony. The Aacha tree is naturally water resistant; so when a Nagaswaram Artist plays the instrument the wood never gets damp. There is no substitute for Aacha, a Nadaswaram maker explains.
The top portion has a metal staple into which a small metallic cylinder is inserted which is to carry the mouthpiece made or reed. The reeds themselves are made from the leaves of a locally grown plant called naanal (a variety of the bamboo family). The instrument has a cylindrical body that flares into a bell shape at the bottom and it is this form that provides the Nagaswaram with its characteristic volume and captivating tone.
The Narasinghapettai Nagaswaram has seven finger-holes. There are five additional holes drilled at the bottom which is used as controllers. Arasu, the lower part of the instrument is made of wood of the vaagai (rain tree). It amplifies the sound.
Besides spare reeds, a small ivory or horn needle is attached to the Nagaswaram. This needle is used to clear the mouthpiece of saliva particles and allows the free passage of air. A metallic bell, Kezhanaichu, decorates the bottom.
The wind instrument consumes tremendous lung power. The artisan blows uniformly through the blow tip. This is made of grass locally called Korukku Thatta. The uniqueness of Narasinghapettai Nagaswaram is the hole making process, which is distinct from rest of the manufacturers; they use a special type of pointed nail to pierce the seven holes in the Nagaswaram. Different types of chisels and sharp tools are used in the carving process.
GI Tag Registration Date : 21 January 2022
GI Tag Number : 467
Certificate Number : 420
Geographical Area : Tamilnadu
Special Cover Release Date : 09 September 2022
Cancellation : Narasinganpettai 609 802
Type : GI Tag Cover
Cover Identification Number : TN/22/2022
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