Bansuri

What is the Bansuri?

The bansuri is a flute made of a single hollow shaft of bamboo. It can be transverse or fipple, although the transverse variety is used in Indian classical music.

The word bansuri originated from Baans (bamboo) and Sur (musical note). The bansuri has six to seven holes, and, depending on the pitch varies in its size. Longer flutes enable lower pitches.

Because they are made of bamboo, each bansuri is unique and is made by taking into consideration the individual features of the bamboo.

The Indian flute exists as a solo instrument in both Hindustani and Carnatic music.

It has been extensively used in folk music. The flute can be a part of the musical orchestration for dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi.

Did you know…

Krishna, the Hindu God is believed to have been a magical flautist. According to mythological stories, even the animals used to be drawn to the sound of his bansuri.