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Harmonium A Harmonium is a musical instrument. It produces different tones by pumping air with a bellow. It is also called Waaja and Peti in India. Harmonium was invented in Paris by Alexander Franco Debain in 19th century and was introduced by the Christian missionaries in India. They brought both Foot pump and Hand pump models to India. The Foot pump model could not gain popularity because Performer has to sit on a chair to pump the air by pedals and using both hands to play. It was not useful for the Indian musician to play with both hands because there is no chord system in Indian music, in addition, it was difficult to carry. The Hand pump model gained its popularity in India in a very short period of time due to its easy transportation, affordable price and confortability to sit on a floor and play. It is also very popular as a accompanying instrument for vocalists. Now-a-days there are different models of the Harmonium available, they are: coupler, scale changer, suitcase, single-double and camera bellow harmoniums. Commonly used is the single bellow harmonium with 38 keys. Size and shape can vary with more than 38 keys, all depends on the manufacturers. Harmonium has many parts. I will discuss few of them. At the back of the harmonium there is BELLOW, used to pump the air into the air box.On the both side of the harmonium there are two HANDLES, for easy transportation. On the top is a COVER, protects the keys from dust and damage and also helps to lower the sound of the harmonium. On most harmoniums, there are KNOB, in the front. These knobs are the valves which control the air going to the reed chambers. Before playing we have to open these valves by pulling the knobs out. If not, it can cause damage and leakage both to the bellow and the air box. Tabla Tabla ( a percussion instrument) is gaining more and more popularity all over the world. The origin of Tabla is a topic which is still in dispute. There are many and different stories about the origin of this instrument. Being unsure of these stories I do not want to create a confusion among the readers. The pair of drums is called Tabla but separately the smaller drum is called Tabla and is also called (Dayan, Pura and Sajah etc) and is played with right hand. The larger durm which is played with left hand is called Dugga and also called (Dhama,Bayan and Khaba etc.) Here when I use the word Tabla means the pair. So Tabla can be played both right handed and left handed. The heads of both durms are covered with pura (skin) made of goat skin and a black circle in the centre is called Syahi, it plays a great role in sound quality.
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