Shehnai, Indian Musical Instrument

This double-reed instrument belonging to the wind category is among the most widely known Musical Instruments in the world. Shehnai in the North has been regarded as an auspicious sound of music and is a must on festive occasions like marriages, etc. when it takes on the name of mangal dhwani. A somewhat similar type of instrument in Western music is the oboe. The oboe and Shehnai have gradually acquired the status of instruments to be played in chamber music. The Shehnai has specially assumed the status of a classical instrument, which can be heard in many conferences in addition to religious functions. The Shehnai has eight or nine holes and the performer uses his discretion to regulate the pitch of the sound produced.

This Instrument is very subtle and has a tube which gradually widens towards the lower end. The sound is so beautiful and loud that it can be heard from a distance. The reed is the most important aspect of a Shehnai which is placed at the narrow blowing end of the instrument. This is made of a kind of pala grass, which is cultivated in Uttar Pradesh. The reed of the Shehnai has to be adjusted and without it, the artist cannot blow it to produce the proper tonal quality. That is why the lips and the tongue play upon the reed mouthpiece and in which the holes are opened or closed with the fingers. It is considered a most sensitive instrument in Indian music. Playing of the Shehnai involves a highly complicated technique - to produce half-tones and quarter-tones, the finger-holes are partially closed and opened through super sensitive adjustments in the pressure of air blown into the pipe.
It is very likely that the Shehnai came from Persia and Egypt as is seen in the paintings and carvings on Egyptian tombs, dating to 3000 BC. This instrument and Ustad Shah Mohammad find mention in the Ain-i Akbari, with the Ustad being a well-known exponent of the instrument during Akbar's time. It is interesting to note that there is another instrument called the Sundri which is smaller in size than the Shehnai, but is no longer played by many in India today, except by the family of Siddharam Yadav in Madhya Pradesh and some others.