Shehnai

Origins and brief history of the Shehnai

The Shehnai is also called the oboe of northern India. It may have evolved from the Persian Nai. There are depictions of the Nai on Egyptian tombs dating to 3000 B.C. Historically, in India, the Shehnai was one of the nine instruments associated with the ensembles of royal courts. It is called Mangal Vadya, which translates to “auspicious instrument.” The auspicious sound of the Shehnai is the reason it is associated with the religious ceremonies. Today, the Shehnai is still played in temples. This status has made it a necessary instrument in north Indian weddings and festivals.

Description of the Shehnai

The Shehnai offered by Mid-East has a hand carved rosewood body. The bell is nickel covered brass; the nickel is engraved to show the brass underneath. The Shehnai has eight playing holes, and one external double reed is included.

How to play the Shehnai

The reed mounts in the mouth piece, the upper end, on the outside. This instrument has a sealed air chamber. Do not try to remove the bell from the shaft. When playing, your lips are placed on the upper end, this places the reed inside your mouth. Your mouth is now part of the instrument and acts as an air chamber. Prior to playing the reed must be soaked to soften it. You may soak the reed for up to 5 minutes. Test the reed occasionally to see if it has the sound you like, there is no need to over soak it.

The fingers of the right hand cover the four bottom holes. The fingers of the left hand play the upper four holes. Blow steady but do not blast the air through the instrument. Some players adjust the instrument’s sound by partially or completely filling some holes with wax. As you play the reed will be kept damp by your breath. You may find that it becomes too damp and you will need to dry it out. It can be left to dry naturally, never put it in sunlight or near heat. You can adjust the opening of the reed by placing a clip on the reed when it dries to minimize the opening. Or, dry it with a toothpick between the reeds to increase the opening. As you play, you will become familiar with the style of reed that works best for you.