South Asian Flutes

South Asia has produced deeply developed flute traditions. The bansuri, a side-blown bamboo flute, is central to Hindustani classical music and to devotional traditions associated with Krishna. The venu serves a parallel role in Carnatic music, smaller and with a more delicate tone. Both instruments demand considerable breath control and embouchure development, and both open onto musical systems of enormous depth. This category covers the full range of South Asian flutes, from the concert bansuri to folk instruments from across the subcontinent.