7.3 Sri Lankan music: Kandyan and Low Country traditions

Sri Lankan music is a vibrant tapestry of traditions, with Kandyan and Low Country styles standing out. These musical forms reflect the island's diverse cultural influences, from ancient Buddhist practices to colonial-era adaptations.

Kandyan music, rooted in the central highlands, emphasizes drumming and Buddhist rituals. Low Country music, found in coastal regions, incorporates more melodic instruments and Hindu influences. Both traditions showcase Sri Lanka's rich musical heritage and cultural adaptability.

Kandyan vs Low Country Traditions

Geographic and Cultural Distinctions

• The Kandyan tradition is associated with the central highlands region around the city of Kandy, while the Low Country tradition developed in the coastal regions of southern and western Sri Lanka
• Kandyan music has a strong emphasis on drumming, especially the Geta Beraya drum, and is often used in Buddhist temple rituals and processions
• Low Country music incorporates more melodic instruments like the violin and is associated with Hindu temples and folk rituals
• Kandyan dancing features elaborate costumes and masks, while Low Country dancing has a stronger emphasis on graceful, fluid movements

Historical Influences and Development

• The Kandyan tradition emerged in the 15th century during the reign of the Kingdom of Kandy, which was the last independent kingdom in Sri Lanka before British colonial rule
• The Kandyan tradition was strongly influenced by South Indian Hindu culture and rituals
• The Low Country tradition developed in the coastal regions that were more heavily influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonizers, as well as South Indian Tamil culture
• The Low Country tradition incorporated Western instruments like the violin and adopted South Indian rhythms and melodies

Historical Context of Sri Lankan Music

Cultural Exchange and Colonization

• Both traditions have been shaped by the island's complex history of cultural exchange, migration, and colonization
• Sri Lanka's location in the Indian Ocean facilitated cultural interactions with South India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East
• Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonizers introduced Western musical instruments and influences, particularly in the Low Country region
• The Low Country tradition reflects the cultural hybridization resulting from centuries of colonial rule and migration

Religious Influences

• Buddhism and Hinduism have significantly influenced the development and practice of music in Sri Lanka
• Kandyan music is closely associated with Theravada Buddhism, the dominant religion in the central highlands
• Low Country music has stronger ties to Hinduism, particularly the worship of deities like Murugan and Shiva
• Musical traditions have evolved to serve religious purposes, such as accompanying temple rituals, processions, and festivals

Musical Characteristics of Each Tradition

Instruments and Ensembles

• Kandyan music prominently features the Geta Beraya, a double-headed drum played with the hands, and the Yak Beraya, a larger double-headed drum played with sticks
• Other common Kandyan instruments include the Thalampata (small cymbals) and the Horanewa (oboe)
• Low Country music incorporates the violin, harmonium, and Burmese oboe (Naga Svaram) alongside percussion instruments like the Rabana (frame drum) and Thammattama (cylindrical drum)
• Low Country ensembles often include a combination of melodic and rhythmic instruments, reflecting the influence of South Indian Carnatic music

Rhythms, Melodies, and Improvisation

• Kandyan drumming is characterized by complex rhythmic patterns and improvisation within a structured framework
• The most famous Kandyan drum rhythm is the Magul Bera, played at auspicious occasions like weddings and temple ceremonies
• Low Country music features intricate melodic ornamentation and improvisation, drawing from South Indian Carnatic music traditions
• Low Country compositions often include call-and-response singing between a leader and chorus, as well as devotional songs called Bhajans or Kavi

Dance and Drama Traditions

• Kandyan dancing is an integral part of the tradition, featuring elaborate costumes, masks, and acrobatic movements
• Kandyan dance is often performed alongside music at temple rituals and processions, such as the Kohomba Kankariya
• The Low Country tradition includes the Kolam dance-drama, which combines music, dance, and theater to tell stories from Hindu mythology and Sri Lankan folklore
• Low Country dance emphasizes graceful, fluid movements and expressive gestures, reflecting the influence of South Indian dance forms like Bharatanatyam

Music's Role in Sri Lankan Culture

Religious Ceremonies and Festivals

• Kandyan music is an integral part of the Esala Perahera, a grand annual Buddhist procession featuring elephants, dancers, and drummers
• Kandyan music and dance are performed at various Buddhist temple rituals, such as the Kohomba Kankariya, to invoke blessings and ward off evil spirits
• Low Country music is closely tied to Hindu temple rituals and festivals, such as the Vel Festival honoring the god Murugan
• Music and dance are offered as a form of devotion and prayer in both Buddhist and Hindu contexts

Life Cycle Events and Community Celebrations

• Both Kandyan and Low Country music are performed at important life cycle events like weddings, coming-of-age ceremonies, and funerals
• Music and dance help to mark transitions, celebrate community bonds, and express shared cultural values
• Performances at weddings and other auspicious occasions are believed to bring blessings and good fortune to the participants
• Music and dance serve as a means of preserving and transmitting cultural heritage across generations

Cultural Identity and Heritage Preservation

• Kandyan and Low Country musical traditions are essential components of Sri Lankan cultural identity
• The distinct musical styles, instruments, and performance practices reflect the island's diverse history and regional variations
• Music and dance serve as a means of preserving and transmitting cultural heritage, religious beliefs, and social values across generations
• The Sri Lankan government and cultural institutions have made efforts to support and promote traditional music and dance through education, performance, and documentation
• The continued practice and evolution of these musical traditions demonstrate the resilience and adaptability of Sri Lankan culture in the face of historical and social change