ART INTEGRATED PROJECT

TOPIC:- The Yal – A Symphony of Light and Sound

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA IOC HALDIA

NAME:- TRISHA BISWAS
CLASS:- XI SCIENCE
ROLL NO.:- 32
SUBJECT:- PHYSICS
Unveiling the Symphony:
Where Physics Meets
Melody in the Yal
A journey through the science, art, and cultural heritage of the
enchanting Tamil instrument

Presentation by Trisha Biswas

 Introduction
According to Wikipedia, The Yazh (Tamil: யாழ், also transliterated Yaaḻ)
is an Indian harp used in ancient Tamil music which was the ancestor of
modern day veena. It was named so, because the tip of stem of this
instrument was carved into the head of the mythological animal Yali. The
Yal was an open-stringed polyphonous instrument, with gut strings
(narambu) with a wooden boat-shaped skin-covered resonator and an
ebony stem.
The yal was an open-stringed polyphonous instrument (Polyphonic
meaning: Music with two or more independent melodic parts sounded
together), with a wooden boat-shaped skin-covered resonator and an ebony
stem. It was tuned by either pegs or rings of gut moved up and down the
string. The yal highly resembles the Veena, among the Indian Instruments,
in structure. It is designed in such a way that the stem of the main body of
the instrument tapers to the resemble the head of the weird animal ‘Yali’
(vyala in Sanskrit). Hence the name ‘yazhi’ or ‘yahzh’. Depending on
variations in designs, the instrument took different names such as ‘mayuri
Yal’ (mayuri meaning peacock), ‘vil Yal’ (Vil Yal – it means bow string. It
was essentially a bow with strings of different lengths: vil meaning bow),
etc.
 History
• The Yal has been mentioned in quite a few ancient Literature works and can also be
seen in Temple sculptures. To mention a few: The Tirupalli yezhuchi of Tiruvembavai
(“Innisai veenaiyar yazhinar orupal”), Tiruneelkanta yazhpanar is believed to have
been an exponent in playing the instrument. “kuzhalinithu yaazhinithu enba tham
makkal mazhalai chol kelaathavar” is one of the 1330 ‘kural’s of Tiruvalluvar written
about 2000 years ago.

• An associate of Kovalan (the hero) in ‘Silappadhigaaram’ was not only a musician and
a talented singer, but could also play a difficult type of Yal called Sakota Yal. Senkotti
Yal is again mentioned in ‘Silappadhigaaram’. Seeri Yal, Maruththuva Yal and Adi
Yal, Matchya Yal, Maruthuva Yal are other varieties which are mentioned in ancient
Tamil Literature. Sculptural depictions of the Yal can be seen in the temple in
Tirumayam (near Pudukkottai), Amaravathi and Khajuraho, to mention a few.

• Thiruvalluvar, the 200 BC Tamil poet, mentions Yal in his work Thirukkural. Many
major Tamil classical literary masterpieces written during Sangam period dating back
200 BC have mentioned the Yal.
 Decoding the Design:
Unveiling the Secrets of the Yal's Enchanting Melody

The Yal's captivating voice is not just a product of vibrating strings; it's a tapestry woven from the skillful
interplay of its meticulous design and the natural laws of sound.

 The Curved Neck

• Made from ebony or other precious hardwoods, the Yal's neck boasts a graceful, swan-like
curve. This isn't merely aesthetic; it serves a crucial purpose.
• The curve optimizes string tension, ensuring each string vibrates freely and resonates
consistently. It also offers players ergonomic comfort, allowing for hours of comfortable
performance.

 The Boat-Shaped Resonator:

• The heart of the Yal's sonic magic lies in its unique boat-shaped resonator. Crafted from
hollowed-out wood, it acts as a sophisticated sound amplifier.
• The shape is not random; it's specifically designed to resonate with the string frequencies,
amplifying specific harmonics and enriching the overall timbre of the instrument.
• The hollow body acts as a chamber, trapping sound waves and allowing them to bounce
around and interact, creating a complex and layered soundscape.
 The Skin Soundboard:
• Covering the resonator's open end is a thin, taut skin, traditionally made from goat or snake skin. This seemingly simple
element plays a vital role in shaping the Yal's sound.
• The skin vibrates in sympathy with the resonator, further amplifying the sound and adding warmth and depth. It also acts as
a filter, selectively resonating with certain frequencies and contributing to the instrument's characteristically sweet and
mellow tone.

 The Gut Strings:

• Unlike modern metal strings, the Yal traditionally uses gut strings, made from animal intestines. This choice isn't just
historical; it offers distinct sonic advantages.
• Gut strings are softer and more flexible than metal, allowing them to vibrate more freely and produce a warmer, less harsh
sound. They also possess a longer decay time, creating the Yal's characteristically ethereal notes that seem to linger in the
air.

 The Tuning Bar and Bridge:

• Fine-tuning the Yal's melody hinges on the tuning bar and bridge. The tuning bar, situated beneath the strings, allows for
precise adjustments in tension, influencing their pitch and frequency.
• The bridge, where the strings meet the resonator, transmits vibrations effectively and contributes to the overall tone of the
instrument. Its specific placement and design further enhance the sound quality.

 Beyond the Individual Elements:

• The Yal's design is not just a sum of its parts; it's a carefully calibrated orchestra where each element works in harmony.
• The curved neck optimizes string tension, the resonator amplifies and shapes the sound, the skin adds warmth and depth, the
gut strings contribute a unique timbre, and the tuning bar and bridge ensure precise control.
• This harmonious marriage of science and art is what gives the Yal its captivating voice, resonating with listeners across time
and cultures.
 Unveiling the Magic of the Yal:
A Deep Dive into its Working Principles
The Yal's captivating voice is born from a beautiful interplay of physics and the artistry of its construction.
This is a breakdown of how this ancient instrument works:

• Vibrating Strings: It all starts with the Yal's gut strings. When plucked
or strummed, these strings vibrate at specific frequencies, generating
sound waves. The thicker the string, the slower its vibration and the
lower its pitch. Conversely, thinner strings vibrate faster and produce
higher pitches.

• The Resonance Chamber: The Yal's boat-shaped resonator acts as an

amplifier for the sound waves generated by the strings. Its unique
hollow shape and the air trapped within it resonate with the frequencies Fig: Strings and Resonance chamber of Yal
of the vibrating strings, amplifying the sound and giving it depth and
richness.
• Tuning Bar & Bridge: The tuning bar sits beneath the strings and plays a
crucial role in adjusting their pitch. By tightening or loosening the strings on
the tuning bar, we can change their tension and consequently, their frequency
and pitch. The bridge, where the strings meet the resonator, also contributes to
sound transmission and tone.
• Harmonic Series: Beyond the fundamental frequency of each string, plucking
also sets in motion a series of smaller vibrations, called harmonics. These
harmonics are multiples of the fundamental frequency and add complexity and
richness to the sound. The Yal's design, particularly the shape of the resonator,
is well-suited to enhancing these harmonics, contributing to its
characteristically sweet and ethereal tone.
Fig: Tuning bar and bridge of
• Playing Techniques: The way the Yal is played further shapes its sound. Yal
Different plucking and strumming techniques, as well as the use of fingernails
or plectra, influence the harmonics generated and the overall timbre of the
instrument. Skilled Yal players can manipulate these techniques to create a
diverse range of expressions and emotions through their music