Shehnai (hindustani, wind instrument)

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The shehnai is a north Indian oboe. Although it is referred to as a double-reeded instrument it is actually a quadruple-reed instrument. This is because it has two upper reeds and two lower reeds. The instrument has a wooden body with a brass bell. The reed is attached to a brass tube which is wrapped in string. The shehnai has eight holes but it is common to find some of the holes partially or completely occluded with wax. The sound of the shehnai is considered particularly auspicious. For this reason it is found in temples and is an indispensable component of any North Indian wedding. In the past, shehnai was part of the naubat or traditional ensembles of nine instruments found at royal courts. This instrument is a close relative of the Nagaswaram found in south Indian music.

Till recently it was used only in temples and weddings. The credit for bringing this instrument on the classical stage goes to Ustad Bismillah Khan.

Artists

Major artists in alphabetical order

Ustad Bismillah Khan