All famed sarangi players have instruments made by him

Written by Tribune News, Nawanshahr

Wednesday, 05 December 2007

Krishan Singh Ramgarhia (63) of Punjab has earned a name as a maker of sarangis, the traditional bow-string instrument used during Gurbani recitation and musical concerts. Krishan’s claim to fame is supported by the fact that nearly all accomplished sarangi players possess those made by him. Belonging to Nawanshahr, Krishan Singh says that sarangis were in much demand during the days of his forefathers. He laments that the new generation is hardly enthusiastic or interested in learning to play the classical music instrument. “This should be taught to the children. The number of the makers of these instruments is coming down,” he said. He blames it on the absence of enough good teachers who can impart proper training and motivate youngsters to practice it. “The ustads should be there who can teach the art of playing these instruments to the young generation. The youths today will get benefit from it,” said Krishan. Despite being popular for his mastery in sarangi making, he has never craved for public attention. He believes in enjoying an ordinary lifestyle. Krishan learnt the art of making sarangis from his paternal and maternal grandfathers. Even today, he still uses the same tools used by his forefathers. “Today, Gurbani is rendered in English too. So when the English recite Gurbani followed by kirtan, it looks really great,” he said. He is particular about the type of the wood used for making these, as he maintains only toon wood-based sarangi resonate the perfect sound. While learning sarangi-making a person should have a good sense of sur and taal of its playing, he says. Krishan and his son today sell around 50 sarangis a year. The cost of each is between Rs 6,000-Rs 20,000, depending upon the material and decoration of the instrument. “When we hear that people are not coming forward to make all these instruments, it hurts. We should know how to play and make the equipment that are being used in Guru ghar,” said Rajinder Singh, his son. Krishan is today preparing his grandchildren to carry forward the lineage by becoming quality sarangi players as well as makers. Comments (1) >> Show/Hide comments muna said:   Hello dear I want to buy he's (Krishan Singh Ramgarhia) made sarangi. Where may I be able to buy a his Sarangi? Kind regards, May 11, 2008 Write comment You must be logged in to post a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet.

 

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