Chikara

The Chikara is a traditional Indian bowed string instrument widely used in the folk music of the tribal communities of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. It is similar to other Indian bowed instruments like the sarangi and sarinda, and is played by sliding fingernails on the strings rather than pressing the strings to the fingerboard. The Chikara has a unique rustic quality that makes it a staple in the music of rural Indian culture.

History of the Chikara

The origins of the Chikara are not well-documented, but it has been a significant part of Indian folk traditions for centuries. It is primarily played by tribal communities and folk musicians across different regions in northern and central India. The instrument has been used for accompanying folk songs and dances, storytelling, and ceremonies. The Chikara, like many traditional instruments, is passed down through generations, with knowledge of its crafting and playing techniques often taught orally within families or communities. It is a spike fiddle, meaning it has a stick-like neck that continues through the body of the instrument, similar to the sarangi.

Anatomy of the Chikara

The Chikara has a simple construction, characteristic of folk instruments designed for practical, everyday use. It consists of the following main parts:

• Body: The body of the Chikara is typically made from hollowed-out wood, often covered with animal skin, giving it a resonant quality. It serves as the resonator for the instrument’s sound.
• Neck and Spike: The neck of the instrument is a long stick that continues down through the body, forming a spike at the bottom that helps the player stabilize the instrument on the floor or against the body.
• Strings: The Chikara has three strings, two made of horsehair and one made of steel. These strings are organized into three courses and are tuned to C, F, and G.
• Bow: The Chikara is played using a horsehair bow, similar to those used for other Indian folk fiddles. The bow helps produce the characteristic sound by creating vibrations on the strings.

Tuning and Playing Technique

The Chikara is typically tuned to C, F, and G, allowing it to cover a range of pitches suitable for accompanying folk melodies. What sets the Chikara apart is its unique playing technique. Unlike Western bowed string instruments, where the fingers press the strings against the fingerboard, the Chikara is played by sliding the fingernails along the strings. This technique, also found in instruments like the sarangi, allows for subtle microtonal adjustments and glissandos that are essential in Indian folk music. The sound of the Chikara is earthy and expressive, ideal for the raw and emotive nature of Indian folk traditions.

Cultural Significance

The Chikara holds an important place in the folk traditions of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. It is used extensively by tribal musicians during ceremonies, dances, and storytelling. Its rustic, resonant tone is well-suited to the folk styles of these regions, which emphasize rhythm and emotional expression. The instrument is often played by itinerant musicians, known as bards, who travel from village to village performing for local audiences. The Chikara, due to its portability and simplicity, has become an emblem of the region’s musical heritage.

Comparison with Similar Instruments

The Chikara is closely related to other Indian string instruments like the sarangi and sarinda:

• Sarangi: The sarangi is more elaborate and has a greater number of sympathetic strings, giving it a richer and more complex sound. The Chikara is much simpler in design and easier to construct, making it accessible to folk musicians.
• Sarinda: Similar to the Chikara, the sarinda is also a bowed spike fiddle. However, the sarinda is more common in regions like Punjab and has a different body shape, with a narrower neck and a more elongated soundbox.

How to Play the Chikara

The Chikara is held upright, with the spike resting on the ground or against the player’s body. The left hand is used to slide the fingernails along the strings, while the right hand draws the bow across the strings. Unlike Western instruments, the Chikara does not use finger pressure to press the strings down to a fingerboard; instead, players apply pressure with their fingernails to alter the pitch and produce sliding glissandos. This method of playing gives the Chikara a distinctive, smooth sound that is ideal for the melodic ornamentation typical in Indian folk music.

Maintenance of the Chikara

Maintaining a Chikara involves a few essential practices:

• Strings Care: The horsehair strings need to be checked regularly to ensure they are taut and in good condition. Replacing horsehair can be tricky, so it is often done by experienced artisans.
• Wood Care: Since the Chikara is made from wood, it is important to keep it away from extreme temperatures and humidity, as these can cause the wood to crack or warp.
• Bow Maintenance: The horsehair on the bow must be periodically tightened and sometimes replaced to maintain proper tension and sound quality.