Ill 



of chromatic passages ad libitum, of which native players are very 

 fond, is given, which, in reality, are very effective. From their 

 great power of sound, these pipes are unpleasant if the performers be 

 near ; but at a distance in the open air, and especially among moun- 

 tains, the effect is much subdued, and often attains much wild beauty 

 and softness. As I have already stated, their use is almost universal. 

 They are, in fact, the only regular out-door instruments of Indian music, 

 and are employed on all occasions, whether in domestic or public reli- 

 gious ceremonials, processions in festivals, temple music, and the like ; 

 and the music played upon them varies with the occasion on which 

 they are used. Marches, and military music exceedingly like pibrochs 

 in character — pieces for marriages, for rejoicings, for funerals, wel- 

 comings, departures — familiar ballad airs, and the stated music of the 

 Nobut, have all separate modes and effects. In the Mahratta country, 

 in which I know them best, the simple melodies of the people, joyous 

 or plaintive, are performed with a style of execution which is often 

 surprising ; and combinations of musical effect are introduced which 

 are equally curious and interesting. 



In the Nobut, or honorary band of musicians attached to noblemen, 

 temples, or shrines of saints Mahomedan or Hindu, the best performers 

 obtainable are generally employed ; and the performance is accompanied 

 by drums, tenor and bass, and large kettledrums, which are tuned with 

 the pipes, and form useful aids to the general effect. The music played 

 is generally traditional, as no written music is ever played from ; but 

 skilful players not unfrequently invent new airs, which are founded 

 upon the several modes of recognised divisions of music, and these are 

 taught to pupils, thus perpetuating continual changes, whether for 

 different hours of the day or night, or for extraordinary occasions. "Not 

 unfrequently, very sweet- sounding flageolets are used, by Mahratta 

 musicians in company with these pipes, which have the effect of molli- 

 fying their shrillness ; but I do not find any specimens of them in this 

 collection. 



In the Mahratta country the players of these pipes are called Gursee, 

 and the office of piper is hereditary in every village or town, accom- 

 panied by portions of land, and certain proportions of the crops of the 

 village at harvest, and other hereditary dues and privileges, in common 

 with other members of the hereditary twelve village councilmen. The 

 office of ' 1 Gursee" involves sweeping the village temples, lighting the 

 lamps, and officiating at certain ceremonies; and on all occasions of 

 marriages, festivals, funerals, and the like, the Gursee is entitled to cer- 

 tain perquisites, the rights to which are strictly preserved and univer- 

 sally admitted. 



14 - Ifif*) i< ^TT ^J^- 15. (Soolar cha Soor). — Tenoe and 

 Bass Dkones. 



The pipes are invariably accompanied by drones, tenor and bass, or 

 first and second bass, of which Nos. 14 and 15 are specimens. These 



