EP 136 . 14 Aug 19

Understanding Rudra Veena

With Mohi Baha'ud-din Dagar

In the episode

  • Just to set the context, there are almost 11 types of Veena. It is said that Rudra Veena is the king of Instruments and all string instruments are shaped from it. Can you share any of it’s a mythological and historical aspect?
  • I was going through your website which mentions, stage and mic requirements for a small Baithak to a large concert. Can you tell the demands of this instrument and why?
  • Asad Ali Khan once said, “Kalakar isse nahi bajata, ye kalakar se bajwata hai” – Can you tell us what is so rahasyamay about this Rudra Veena?
  • Can you tell us the challenges of making and playing Veena? It takes 6 to 7 months to make a Veena. It has challenges since it’s made as per the size of their person. Also, it’s tuning before playing is a big task in itself. In fact, in one of your interviews, you have said, Veena is alike and elephant. What is so intense about it?
  • What is that silence playing even after the plucking of the strings has stopped? It is very peculiar to string instruments as oppose to percussion or wind instruments.
  • Rudra Veena has been with us since Rigveda and Samaveda, or let’s call it Satya-yuga. What is the long term future of Veena (Rudra) in Kali-yuga?

About Mohi Baha'ud-din Dagar

A Rudra Veena Player. A Sangeet Natak academy award winner in 2012 and the 20th generation of Dagar lineage, referring to Swami Haridas Dagur of the 13th century.