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The shehnai is a north Indian oboe. Although it is referred to
as a double-reeded instrument it is actually a quadruple-reed
instrument. This is because it has two upper
 reeds and two lower
reeds. The instrument has a wooden body with a brass bell. The reed
is attached to a brass tube which is wrapped in string. The shehnai
has eight holes but it is common to find some of the holes partially
or completely occluded with wax. The sound of the shehnai is
considered particularly auspicious. For this reason it is found in
temples and is an indispensable component of any North Indian
wedding. In the past, shehnai was part of the naubat or traditional
ensembles of nine instruments found at royal courts. This instrument
is a close relative of the nadaswaram found in south Indian music. |
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