Music has a way of capturing the soul of a place, telling stories that words often fail to express. And in Rajasthan, music is woven into the very fabric of life. From the grand palaces of Jaipur to the narrow alleys of Jaisalmer, melodies of the sitar, veena, and sarangi float through the air. But beyond these well-known sounds, Rajasthan hides instruments that are raw, earthy, and deeply rooted in its folklore. With the Hyundai Great India Drive, we set out on a journey to uncover the secrets of two such instruments - Morchang and Ravanhattha, and to witness the craftsmanship that keeps them alive.
Our quest began in the vast expanse of the Rann of Kutch, where Hyundai flagged off the 8th edition of the Great India Drive - an initiative dedicated to uncovering India's hidden stories. From Gujarat's salt desert, we made our way towards Jaisalmer, Rajasthan's golden city, a place where history, culture, and music intertwine seamlessly.
Jaisalmer, with its massive sandstone fort towering over the old city, is known for its grandeur. But beyond its tourist-filled streets, deep within its fort and sand dunes, lie hidden pockets of musical geniuses. Here, melodies are not just played but lived, passed down through generations, perfected in quiet corners where artisans work tirelessly to preserve their craft. It was here that we began our search for the Morchang, an instrument that holds the heartbeat of Rajasthan in its metallic twang.
This deceptively simple-looking mouth harp is a testament to precision and craftsmanship. The Morchang maker, an elderly artisan, welcomed us into his modest workshop, where generations of his family had perfected the art of forging this instrument. As we watched him heat, bend, and file the metal, he spoke about how the tuning of the Morchang is as crucial as its shape. Each one must be crafted to produce the perfect resonance, ensuring it blends seamlessly with Rajasthan's folk rhythms.
As we left his home, carrying a freshly made Morchang, we knew our journey was only half complete. Another legendary instrument awaited. The one with a history as fascinating as the land itself.
As the story goes, Ravana, the king of Lanka, played the Ravanhattha to impress Lord Shiva. Later, Lord Hanuman is said to have brought the instrument to India, where it laid the foundation for many string-based instruments, including the violin and sarangi. Even today, Rajasthani folk musicians use its raw, melancholic sound to echo through the desert winds.
While its melody left us awestruck, we were amazed by the process of its making, as we watched the artisan skillfully assemble the Ravanhattha, stretching strings over a resonating chamber made of coconut shell and wood.
More importantly, the Level-2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) acted as our safety net, providing corrective measures for any misjudgments on the road. Whether it was lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, or forward-collision warning, the Creta N-Line ensured that our focus remained on the adventure ahead.
Tales and tunes of Morchang, Ravanhatta - Hyundai Great India Drive
The Quest Initiates: From Rann To Rajasthan
Our quest began in the vast expanse of the Rann of Kutch, where Hyundai flagged off the 8th edition of the Great India Drive - an initiative dedicated to uncovering India's hidden stories. From Gujarat's salt desert, we made our way towards Jaisalmer, Rajasthan's golden city, a place where history, culture, and music intertwine seamlessly.Jaisalmer, with its massive sandstone fort towering over the old city, is known for its grandeur. But beyond its tourist-filled streets, deep within its fort and sand dunes, lie hidden pockets of musical geniuses. Here, melodies are not just played but lived, passed down through generations, perfected in quiet corners where artisans work tirelessly to preserve their craft. It was here that we began our search for the Morchang, an instrument that holds the heartbeat of Rajasthan in its metallic twang.
Making Of Morchang: A Sound Forged In Fire
Our journey led us to a small blacksmith colony on the outskirts of the city. The scent of molten metal filled the air as hammers clanged against iron, shaping tools, utensils, and, in one particular home, the Morchang.This deceptively simple-looking mouth harp is a testament to precision and craftsmanship. The Morchang maker, an elderly artisan, welcomed us into his modest workshop, where generations of his family had perfected the art of forging this instrument. As we watched him heat, bend, and file the metal, he spoke about how the tuning of the Morchang is as crucial as its shape. Each one must be crafted to produce the perfect resonance, ensuring it blends seamlessly with Rajasthan's folk rhythms.
As we left his home, carrying a freshly made Morchang, we knew our journey was only half complete. Another legendary instrument awaited. The one with a history as fascinating as the land itself.
Ravanhattha: The Stringed Legacy Of Rajasthan
Navigating through Jaisalmer's winding lanes, we arrived at an artist's house perched on the outskirts of the Jaisalmer Fort, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Sonar Kella. Here, we found the Ravanhattha, one of India's oldest string instruments, believed to have originated in Sri Lanka before making its way to Rajasthan.As the story goes, Ravana, the king of Lanka, played the Ravanhattha to impress Lord Shiva. Later, Lord Hanuman is said to have brought the instrument to India, where it laid the foundation for many string-based instruments, including the violin and sarangi. Even today, Rajasthani folk musicians use its raw, melancholic sound to echo through the desert winds.
While its melody left us awestruck, we were amazed by the process of its making, as we watched the artisan skillfully assemble the Ravanhattha, stretching strings over a resonating chamber made of coconut shell and wood.
Hyundai Creta N-Line: Streamlining The Odds
Through the narrow streets of Jaisalmer and the rugged outskirts of the city, our Hyundai Creta N-Line proved to be the perfect travel companion. Whether navigating through crowded marketplaces or cruising on open highways, its stability and ride comfort were unmatched. The impeccable climate control kept the harsh desert heat at bay, while the Bose sound system filled the cabin with folk tunes, blending perfectly with the journey's theme.More importantly, the Level-2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) acted as our safety net, providing corrective measures for any misjudgments on the road. Whether it was lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, or forward-collision warning, the Creta N-Line ensured that our focus remained on the adventure ahead.
The Final Leg: Exploring Virgin Sand
A trip to Jaisalmer is incomplete without hitting the dunes. We took a step extra - as Creta N-Line was amplifying our confidence. A long unpaved road through the Desert National Park led us to the Khuri Sand Dunes. After switching to the ship of the desert from the Creta, exploration of virgin sand began. The love for this colourful yet deserted corner of Rajasthan grew to new heights, and a small place in the heart is now reserved for the Creta N-Line for a perfect partner through the thicks and thins of this journey.Featured Video Of The Day
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