Part of Hindustani Classical
Historical Timeline
Traditional accounts attribute the taus to Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, who was inspired by the combination of peacock cries and stringed instrument resonance. The instrument became part of Gurmat Sangeet, the devotional music tradition of Sikhism.
The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, reportedly had the dilruba created as a portable alternative for the Sikh army. The dilruba's simpler construction proved more practical for everyday use, while the taus retained ceremonial significance. Today the taus has become rare, with preservation efforts working to maintain this distinctive tradition.
Traditional Origin
Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, reportedly conceives the taus inspired by peacock cries resonating with stringed instruments. The peacock-shaped body gives the instrument its distinctive form.
Dilruba Development
Guru Gobind Singh has the dilruba created as a portable alternative. The lighter instrument allows musicians to travel while the taus remains for ceremonial contexts.
Ceremonial Role
The taus serves ceremonial functions in Sikh gurdwaras and royal courts. The dilruba becomes more common for everyday devotional practice due to its portability.
Rarity and Preservation
The taus becomes rare as fewer craftsmen maintain peacock-carving skills. Preservation efforts document the tradition and train new practitioners.
Playing Techniques
Peacock Resonator
The wooden body carved in peacock form serves as the resonating chamber. The elaborate carving requires skilled craftsmanship and carries symbolic significance within Sikh tradition.
Fretted Neck
Frets along the long neck allow precise intonation while permitting pitch bending through pressure. The system resembles that of the dilruba and esraj.
Sympathetic Strings
Sympathetic strings beneath the main strings resonate with the melody, adding depth and richness to the tone. They require tuning to the scale of the music being performed.
Journey to Mastery
Follow this structured journey to master this discipline