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KOMBU KAHALE

Kombu Kahale is also an instrument used in war. As the name suggests the big horns of buffalo or bull is turned in to wind instrument for use. In olden times it was called Rana Kahale. The forts used to have higher pillar in all the eight directions and sentries with Kahale. They would notice the advance of enemy army from distance and blow Kombu Kahale to warn the soldiers stationed inside the fort. Even before the start of the war Kombu Kahale was blown to encourage the soldiers for combat. Kombu Kahale was also used to inform the suspension of the war. In puranas and great epics blowing conch shell was used to announce the beginning or the end of the war. During the history of kingdoms kombu kahale was used for the same purpose.

In Jaanapada literature you have “ Kombu’s are calling kahalle’s are bloing.

The shrill sound of wood tell us the noice and celebration of the procession” Here Kombu is not used as a war instrument but used to marriage processing. In rich peoples wedding of olden days kombu is used to announce the arrival of bride grooms party so that bride’s family will know and be ready. The use of Kombu Kahale was also a status symbol. Dalith community had almost made kombu kahale as their hereditary art. Kombu and kahale are similar wind instruments but they are different. Kombu was always prepared by the horn of he-buffalo. The insides of the horn is thoroughly cleaned and the sharp end is carved into a small hole. Now kombu is ready to blow when you blow from the hole at the sharp end the air that is blown creates vibrations in the hollow of the kombu. As the hollowness gets winder the sound keeps increasing and reaches a  crescendo when comes out of the kombu. This sound can be heard from great distances and that is the reason why it is being used.

Kombu was not restricted to Karnataka in many parts of the world it was in use, perhaps even now in some places. The people who blow kombu Kahale during the king’s rule has a specific costume and accessories which were attractive. Now they wear coat and head dress only. For the kombu kahale artists it is very very important to have deep, strong and long breath. The strength of the artist blow continuous, vigorous and rhythmically. In olden time kombu kahale was a profession which looked after all their needs and their family. But nowadays it has been reduced as a special instrument Jaanapada circles and used during the festivals, Jaathre, welcoming important people procession, religious functions etc., in Kambala and Bhoothakola of south canara district Nalike, an untouchable caste, use them.

Kahale is usually prepared in brass. The brass plate is cut into two or three parts and is werded together to look like 5 of the English alphabet. To cover the weld marks brass bangles are used decoratively. The sharp end used blow it will have a narrow long piece. Among the wind instruments kahale occupies the top position. The sound of kahale when blown can be heard up to two miles, Apart from ‘S’ shaped kahale there is a crescent shaped kahale which is more popular.

In olden times, it is beloved that, kahale used to play fourteen different musical sounds. In wars Ranakahale, for hunting Huli kahale, to announce status of a family or person Bidiru Kahale, to announce the time Jaavakahale were in existence. There are many etc., references to this fact.

Kombu and kahale are mostly used in mysore, Mandya, Bengaluru, Tumakuru and other places. A number of Jaanapada scholars are of the opinion that kombu is an ancient instrument and Kahale, perhaps, is an improvised form.

 

 

 

Last Updated: 20-09-2020 12:33 PM Updated By: Creator


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