Have you ever heard water producing the gentle tinkle of musical bells? It is possible only on a unique ensemble instrument called jal tarang. It is used mainly in light Hindustani classical music and as an accompaniment in Kathak performances.
‘Jal tarang’ literally means ‘waves in water’. A set of china bowls is filled with water and struck softly with a wooden stick on the rims to get sound. Adjusting the volume of water in each bowl controls the pitch. Large bowls produce low notes while smaller bowls emit highpitched sounds.
The number of bowls used depends on the melody being played. Artistes normally use sixteen bowls that are arranged in a half circle in front of the player. Dr. Ragini Trivedi is India’s most famous jal tarang player.