Conch‐shell and bamboo flute: Spiritual and musical expressions of acoustics in Vedic Hinduism

In Vedic Hinduism rooted in India, the field of acoustics plays an important role. The multi‐faceted expressions of acoustics include Vedic mantras (chants), music, yoga, philosophical aspects of language, spiritual aspects of sound, etc. A large number of musical instruments such as woodwind, percussion, string, etc. are used in Hindu culture and religion. Conch‐shell and bamboo flute are among the earliest musical instruments. A conch‐shell is used to evoke the spiritual effects in the environment during worship rituals at temples and homes. It has a high quality factor. The music played through a transverse bamboo flute is very melodious. It is a major instrument in orchestra music and dance performance. Concerts with bamboo flute as the lead instrument are also very common. This paper deals with spectral characteristics and tonal effects of these two important instruments. Also, the presentation includes a discussion of the importance of acoustics in life as viewed in Vedic Hinduism.