A milestone in the revival of Guru Arjan’s Masterpiece

The last century has seen many precious parts of our heritage disappear or left to perish in few museums around the world. The Saranda, a bowed instrument similar to Sarangi, which was not only designed by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, but also played by him, seemed to have met the same fate. Few Kirtanees have heard its name or listened to its sweet sound; its existence, origin and power have become mystified over the decades. As it had the reputation of being difficult to master, which was emphasised through the British promotion of the Harmonium, it disappeared into oblivion after the death of Bhai Sham Singh, its last well-known exponent.

In recent years, Raj Academy has been actively promoting and teaching this instrument, giving access and professional training on this instrument to dedicated students from all over the world. Through this effort, the Saranda is regaining its recognition and is reclaiming its place in the performance of Gurmat Sangeet. Yet, so far, it has only found acknowledgement as a beautiful, and magnificently designed accompaniment instrument, which mesmerises through its melodious and warm sound.

This image was finally corrected on the 26th of October 2007 in Madrid, when the Saranda was played as a solo instrument for the very first time, leading an instrumental rendition of Rág Ramkali. The audience fell into an overwhelmed silence, when Professor Surinder Singh allowed the Saranda to ‘sing’; its powerful, resonant sound deeply touched the listeners and evoked a spectrum of emotions, which is commonly only attributed to the Sarangi. In this performance, attended not only by Sikhs, but foremost by Europeans, the Saranda finally received its long outstanding recognition of being designed to such perfection, that is has every right to claim the status of a solo instrument.