Harp Instruments in Silapathikaram

Abstract

Silapathikaramm is the first text in Tamil literature. It is a very famous epic by Ilango Adigal. This epic is a cultural story based on the Tamil tradition and the story centers around an anklet. Ilango Adigal has used an ordinary couple, Kannaki and her husband Kovalan. In this text harp music is given importance. During the festive seasons the town of Bukhar is filled with songs and music. The author has explained about the seven types of musical instruments. In the text Madhavi was taught to play the harp by a musician. Madhavi learned it effectively and systematically. The text praises the merits of musical instruments. Tamil Vidu Toothu, a Tamil text states that with the help of five musical instruments such as tholkaruvi, thulaikaruvi, kanjakaruvi, narambukaruvi and midatrukaruvi 103 musical varieties are formed. Harp instruments are made using bamboo, sandal wood, charcoal, ebony and bronze. Thus, the article gives a clear information about the harp instrument.