Pena (musical instrument)

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Pena
"PENA" a musical instrument.jpg
Pena
Classification
Related instruments

ꯄꯦꯅꯥ (Pena), also known as Tingtelia[1][2] (in Tangkhul language) is a mono string instrument falling in the lute category,[3] similar to some of the traditional Indian stringed musical instruments such as Ravanahatha, Ubo or the Kenda, found in various parts of the country.[4] It is the traditional music instrument of Manipur,[3] India and some parts of Bangladesh and is played either solo or in group, in folk music or as the accompanying musical instrument for Lai Haraoba festivals.[3][5] Pena playing is becoming a dying art as only 145 active Pena players are reported in Manipur.[4][6] The Center for Research on Traditional and Indigenous Art (Laihui), an organization headed by renowned Pena player, Khangembam Mangi Singh has mandated vision to revive Pena music.[5]

A Lady Playing the Tanpura, ca. 1735.jpg
A woman playing the Tanpura, c. 1735 (Rajasthan)
Music of India
Genres

Traditional

Modern

Media and performance
Music awards
Music festivals
Music media
Nationalistic and patriotic songs
National anthem
Jana Gana Mana
Regional music
  • v
  • t

History of the whistle[]

The Pena, considered to be one of the oldest Kangleipak musical instrument,[3] was once believed to be a part of luxurious living and was played at the royal gatherings.[6][3] However, the instrument slowly got associated with the folk culture of Manipur and Bangladesh where its presence became regular during festivals. Manipuri festival of Lai Haraoba fostered the use of the instrument considerably. Later, it also made its presence in the folk theatre.[4]

It is generally believed that the name of the instrument is a derivation of the ancient Meetei term, Pena.[4][7] The Nagas call the instrument, Tingtelia.[4]

Uses[]

  • Yaikairol (for people to make wake up)
  • Lai-eekouba (by doing this to start Lai-haraoba festivals)
  • Khunung -Eesei (folk song)
  • Luhongba (marriage)mni*Wari-Liba (narrating story by using this musical instrument)
  • PuYa Paba (reading PuYa by using this musical instrument)
Pena Players

Construction[]

The instrument consist of two parts, the main body, penamasa or dhorr which is similar to that of a violin and the bow, pena cheijing or chorr, which is more resembling an archery bow than a violin bow.[8] The main body is made out of bamboo, 10 to 11 inches long and 1 to 1.25 inches girth, which is fixed to a coconut shell cut in half, through two holes bore through the shell.[3] Two additional holes are also drilled on the coconut shell for acoustic purposes, one of which is covered by dried animal skin such as iguana skin and the other, left open. The tension of the string is controlled by a bamboo peg, called kaan and is fitted inside a hole drilled on the bamboo rod. A scroll, mogra, is also tied to the instrument tail.[4]

The bow is wooden and bears a curved flourish at one end which is made of metal. In some parts, the bow also features tiny metal bells. The string is traditionally made of horse hair but, sometimes, metal strings and strings made out of wood fiber are also used.[4]

Well-known performers[]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Nandini, M. Lalitha and M. (2018-05-10). "Pena, the sound of Manipur". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2020-11-30. The instrument is also known as Bana or Bena or, as the Nagas call it, Tingtelia
  2. ^ "Pena, Bena, Bana, Tingtelia - bowed lute of North East India and Bangladesh". chandrakantha.com. Retrieved 2020-11-30.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Traditional indigenous musical instrument Pena being revived in Manipur". Yahoo News. 2014. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g "PENA (A.K.A. BANA, BENA, OR TINGTELIA)". Chandrakantha. 2014. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
  5. ^ a b "Old indigenous musical instrument find revival strings in Manipur". Tehelka. 2014. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
  6. ^ a b "PENA: THE ROYAL COURT MUSIC OF MANIPUR: The government must frame a policy for preserving the valuable indigenous art forms of various communities in Manipur". Huyeien Lan Pao. 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-11-29. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
  7. ^ "Santoor History". santoor.com. 2014. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
  8. ^ "Manipuri Shamanistic Music Reaching Out To Gen Next". Manipur Online. December 23, 2010. Retrieved November 18, 2014.

External links[]

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