Bansuri (Flute)

History:

The word bansuri originates in the Sanskrit bans [bamboo] + swar [musical note]. There are two varieties of bansuri: transverse, and fipple. The fipple flute is usually played in folk music and is held at the lips like a whistle. Because it enables superior control, variations and embellishments, the transverse variety is preferred in Indian classical music.

Playing:

Bansuris range in length from less than 12 inches (called muralis) up to about 40 inches (shankha bansuris). 20-inch bansuris are common. Another common and similar Indian flute played in South India is the venu, which is shorter in length and has 8 finger holes(This type of Indian flute is played by the famous Carnatic Musician Shashank Subramanyam). The index, middle, and ring fingers of both hands are usually used to finger the six hole bansuri. For the seven hole bansuri, the little finger (pinky) of the lower hand is usually employed .

For more articles on Bansuri please visit :http://www.bansuriflute.com/

Buy Bansuri:

you can purchase a bansuri from any music store or place an order online for this.

http://www.buckinghammusic.com/index.html 

http://bansuri-shop.wardhan.com/ 

Learn Bansuri: 

http://www.buckinghammusic.com/bansuri/bansuri.html

http://www.bansuriguru.com/