In Indian classical music, every performance, every practice, and every lesson begins with the same sound – the soft, continuous drone of the Tanpura. Its strings do not create melody on their own, yet they carry the weight of every melody that follows. The Tanpura is the foundation upon which the entire edifice of Indian music stands.
Its role is subtle but indispensable. By sustaining the śruti – the perfect tonal reference – the Tanpura provides a living framework for the vocalist or instrumentalist to weave their raga. Without it, the notes lose direction; with it, the music acquires depth, stability, and purity.
For a student, sitting beside the Tanpura is often the first initiation into discipline. It teaches patience as they tune it, humility as they surrender to its constancy, and concentration as they align their swaras to its drone. For the performer, the Tanpura is a constant companion – never demanding attention, yet always offering support. For the listener, it is a soundscape that draws them into the experience of the raga, creating the atmosphere in which rasa can truly be felt.
The Tanpura is not merely an instrument; it is a philosophy. Its unbroken resonance reminds us that music is more than performance – it is sadhana, a meditative practice that balances body, mind, and spirit. In a world that often values the spectacular, the Tanpura remains a quiet reminder of the power of simplicity and continuity.
At ABGMVM, as we look back on more than 125 years of service to Indian classical music, the Tanpura also symbolizes our journey. Just as its drone sustains the raga, our Mandal continues to sustain and nurture the tradition envisioned by Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar ji – disciplined, devotional, and deeply rooted in the values of our culture.
