A musician of Samundra Band with Arbajo
The Arbajo, a traditional four-string lute, holds a special place in Nepal's cultural heritage, particularly within the Gandharba community. The Gandharbas are traditional musicians, communicators, and storytellers of Nepal, who, long before the era of mass communication, would travel far and wide with their instruments—Arbajo and Sarangi. They used the unique sound of these instruments to enhance their performances and maintain their cultural identity. However, despite its rich history, the Arbajo is now at risk of disappearing.
The Cultural Significance of the Arbajo
The Arbajo is more than just a musical instrument; it is a symbol of the Gandharba community's rich cultural legacy. Historically, this lute was considered the "male instrument," complementing the Nepali Sarangi, which was regarded as the "female" counterpart. Together, these instruments created a harmonious blend, with the Arbajo providing the rhythmic foundation and the Sarangi adding melodic and lyrical expressions.
The Gandharba community traditionally used the Arbajo in various ceremonies and festivals, including birth celebrations and weddings. It served not only as a musical instrument but also as a tool for storytelling. Performers would use the Arbajo's rhythmic beats to accompany narratives, often conveying important historical, religious, or social messages. The deep, resonant sound of the Arbajo made it ideal for providing a strong rhythmic backbone, enhancing the storytelling aspect of Gandharba performances.
The Decline of the Arbajo
Despite its cultural and historical significance, the Arbajo has seen a sharp decline in use over the years. The once vibrant tradition of playing this instrument is now fading, with very few skilled players left in Nepal. The art of crafting and playing the Arbajo has not been passed down to newer generations, leading to fears that the instrument may soon become extinct.
However, all is not lost. In the districts of Tanahun and Kaski in western Nepal, some Gandharba musicians continue to craft and play the Arbajo, keeping the tradition alive. Additionally, the Arbajo has found a place in the music of contemporary Nepali bands like "Samundra" and the popular folk band "Kutumba," which have incorporated the instrument into their performances, helping to bring its unique sound to a wider audience.
The Need for Preservation
The Arbajo is more than just an instrument; it is a vital part of Nepal's intangible cultural heritage. Its decline highlights the broader issue of preserving traditional art forms in the face of modernization and changing cultural practices. Efforts to revive the Arbajo and encourage its use among younger generations are crucial if this unique aspect of Nepali culture is to be preserved for future generations.
By raising awareness about the Arbajo and its importance to the Gandharba community, there is hope that this endangered instrument can be saved from extinction. Whether through formal education, cultural programs, or support for traditional musicians, preserving the Arbajo is a task that requires collective effort. Only then can the rich, resonant sounds of this ancient lute continue to echo through the hills and valleys of Nepal, telling the stories of a community and a culture that have endured for centuries.
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Anil Gandharba from Nepal is currently an International Reporter for Arirang Culture Connect. He is a musician and a trainer of Nepali folk musical instruments, especially the Sarangi. In 2024, he was designated as an Arirang Master by Culture Masters due to his artistic talents, mentoring experience, and social contributions to the field of intangible cultural heritage. With 20 years of experience in Gandharba culture and arts, he has been deeply involved in playing various folk musical instruments, as well as teaching, promoting, and safeguarding Nepali intangible cultural heritage.
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