Jalatharangam is a musical instrument made using a set of porcelain bowls holding water. The word ‘Jalatharangam’ literally means water waves. The bowls are of varying sizes and are arranged in a semi-circle format in front of the performer. They are placed in an increasing order of size from left to right. More details:
- The sound is produced by striking the bowls with two thin bamboo sticks one held in each hand.
- The bowls are arranged in increasing order of pitch from left to right.
- Change of pitch is achieved by adjusting the volume of water in the bowls.
- The deep bass sound is produced by bigger bowls.
- Smaller bowls produce high-pitched tones.
- Medium and fast tempo can be achieved on Jalatharangam.
- Deft hands of a seasoned performer strike on the rim of the bowls without tilting them.
- Jalatharangam artists are very rare.
- Anayampatti Village in Gangavalli Taluk in Salem District of Tamil Nadu is associated with Jalatharangam.
- Anayampatti Subba Ayyar (1881 – 1961) was a great artist of Jalatharangam.
- Other famous musicians of Jalatharangam are A.S. Dandapani and Kalayarkoil Subba Ayyar.