Surando

The Folk Instrument of Kutch

India’s Living Musical Heritage

India’s musical traditions span thousands of years, reflected in the Bhimbetka rock paintings of the Mesolithic era and the cultural finds of the Harappan Civilization. Music, whether vocal or instrumental, has always been a source of emotional expression and cultural continuity. Ancient texts like Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra classified instruments into four categories: chordophones (string), aerophones (wind), membranophones (percussion), and idiophones (self-sounding). These categories highlight the depth and diversity of India’s musical culture.

Wandering Minstrels and Their Instruments

Wandering minstrels have long been the carriers of folk traditions in India. Moving from village to village, they sang of gods, heroes, and patrons, inspiring classical drama and leaving a mark on community life. Their instruments, though simple, carried both musical richness and cultural identity, becoming a bridge between art and tradition.

The Surando – An Ancient Chordophone of Kutch

The Surando, belonging to the chordophone category, is an ancient folk instrument of Gujarat’s Kutch region. Traditionally played by the Fakirani Jatt community, it is a string instrument that produces deeply resonant melodies. Its key features include:

• A body crafted from a single piece of lahiro wood, ensuring precision in shape and sound.
• A bow, locally called Gezi or Gazi, strung with horsehair or gut.
• The bow is drawn across the strings at right angles, creating a soulful and lingering sound.

A Symbol of Folk Tradition

The Surando is not only an instrument of music but also a reflection of the folk spirit of Kutch. Its design, sound, and usage represent the artistry of wandering minstrels and the devotion of communities that preserved these traditions over centuries.

Philatelic Tribute

Acknowledging its cultural significance, the Department of Posts issued a series of se-tenant Commemorative Postage Stamps on the Musical Instruments of Wandering Minstrels, with Surando featured among them, preserving its legacy for future generations.