Murli

 

 

 

The "Bansuri" or Indian flute is among the most ancient musical instruments of India and is known from the vedic period. We also finds its mention in Buddhist period 2000 years ago in the form of scriptures and sculptures.

Prior to this, say @ 300 years BC, in Mahabharat period, Lord Krishna played this sonorous instrument and blessed his devotees. Lord Krishna played "Dhuns" on his flute in Vrindavan, all the gopis used to gather around him hypnotized and listen to his music.

 

Structure

 

The Indian flute or Bansuri is a cylindrical tube of uniform bore, closed at one end. It is made of straight, clean, smooth bamboo that is free from notches or other flaws. Earlier flute came with 6 to 7 open finger holes. There are no keys to produce sharps and flats like the western flute, therefore all the required shrutis (microtones) for a particular Raag in Indian Music, as well as meend, ghaseet and other ornaments, so important to Indian classical music, are produced by a unique fingering technique.

Carnatic flutes have eight open finger holes. The usual range of such flutes is two and a half octaves, the range of most human voices