Enchanting melodies that have woven themselves into the cultural tapestry of Tripura bear an indispensable resonance – the dulcet tones of the flute.
The Sumui, a bamboo-based flute, stands as an inseparable thread in the melodic tradition of this state, boasting a lineage that traces back to antiquity. This musical gem also proudly dons the title of an eco-friendly creation, crafted solely from bamboo.
Unveiling a harmonious journey through Tripura’s musical heritage, the Sumui emerges as the epitome of simplicity and organic artistry. In the symphonic repertoire of the state, it reigns supreme as an instrument that embodies purity, eschewing mechanization.
Within Tripura’s musical landscape, two variants of the Sumui thrive – a seven-holed version and another graced with eight holes. These flutes, bearing the stamp of eco-consciousness, are fashioned from the “Wathui Wa” bamboo, a slender species that reaches a length of around 13 inches. Each bamboo stem is carefully selected, left to mature for days until its vibrant green hue transitions to a brilliant yellow, signifying enhanced strength. Meticulous polishing and refining culminate in a gleaming exterior, mirroring the dedication of the artisans.
Crafting a Sumui entails intricate decisions, where the instrumentalist assumes the role of an architect. Customization abounds as the bamboo stem is tailored to a suitable length, while the placement of flute stops remains at the artist’s discretion. The flute’s resonance finds its origin in six tuning holes and one whistling hole thoughtfully etched into the bamboo’s surface. Unlike counterparts of metal, wood, or bamboo tubes, Sumui proudly stands as a transverse bamboo flute, intrinsically woven into the fabric of Hindustani classical Indian music.
Intriguingly, the process of drilling tuning holes finds its genesis in heating a minute iron rod, which, when pressed onto marked points, bestows the flute with its melodious soul. These holes, meticulously spaced one inch apart on one side of the bamboo, culminate with the seventh hole nestled toward the opposite edge. Deliberately positioned, a gap of 3-4 inches stands between the whistling aperture and the ensemble of tuning holes.
Playing the Sumui unveils a duality, a choice between aligning the instrument along the mouth or transversely across it. Its mellifluous resonance resonates from the air’s reverberation confined within its hollow chamber, evoking a symphony that bridges past and present.
Within the contemporary soundscape of Tripura, local musicians endeavor to rekindle this historical opus in novel ways. Koloma, a folk-fusion ensemble hailing from this verdant land, reinvigorates the Sumui’s essence through their musical odyssey. “Jaduni Sumui,” an offering in the native dialect ‘Kok Borok,’ reverberates with the serenade of the flute, its melody echoing stories of love, woven around the cherished relic of yore, the Sumui flute.
Bamboo, an emblematic natural resource of Tripura, forms the bedrock of this narrative. Revered for its flexibility and durability, this plant has been an essential facet of indigenous societies, perpetuating its legacy through multifaceted roles. Among them, the Sumui finds its place as a resonating testament to the seamless marriage of music and eco-conscious craftsmanship.
Source: neweekly.in
