Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, March 29 2009:
Music not only soothes the wearisome souls, but also enables all communities to live in peace, feels renowned Musicologist Laishram Birendrakumar.
Moderating the two-day long seminar on Indigenous Tribal Folk Musical Instruments organised by the Tribal Museum and Research Centre, Imphal under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India today at the State Guest House, Birendrakumar said that the musical instruments of the tribals are not only meant for playing but they also have close proximity and relations with the tribal cultures.
The musical instruments have clearly symbolised the cultures of the community, Birendrakumar said while also adding that instead of just listening to the music one should study and explore the history.
The musical instrument of the tribal which involves the fingers to pluck the strings is the oldest musical instrument of its kind in the world, he said.
True to the findings, he further said that it would not be wrong to conclude that the communities living in the North East were the first and oldest civilisation using plucking musical instruments in the World.
The similarities of musical instruments of the indigenous people of Manipur and the South East Asian Nations have also indicate the propinquity of the people, Birendrakumar said while also maintaining that the origin of the indigenous people of the state could be traced back while studying the musical instruments.
The seminar also witnessed the presentation of various musical instruments of the indigenous people by noted resource persons.
Kholi Mao presented the Mao musical instruments while Dr Lai Imo presented the indigenous musical instruments of Chothe tribe.
The musical instrument of the Kom tribe was deliberated by Guru S Achon Kom while K Lanlilung talked on the traditional musical instruments of the Zeliangrong.
Guru Rewben Mashangva delivered on the musical instruments and folk songs of the Tangkhul while Daliensung dwelt on the musical instruments of the Hmar.