The jal tarang (Hindi: जल तरंग, Urdu: جل ترنگ), jaltarang, jal-tarang, jal-yantra, jalatarangam or jalatharangam is an Indian melodic percussion instrument.
It consists of a set of ceramic or metal bowls tuned with water. The bowls are played by striking the edge with beaters, one in each hand.
Earliest mention of Jal Tarang is found in Vātsyāyana's Kamasutra as playing on musical glasses filled with water. It is one of the 64 Arts and Sciences (kalas) to be studied by a maiden.
It is rarely seen or heard, even though the gentle tinkle of its unique sound is quite pleasing. Literally, jal tarang means "waves in water" but indicates motion of sound created or modified with the aid of water.
In the wave-instruments, it is the most prominent and ancient instrument. This traditional instrument is used in Indian classical music.
The jal tarang developed on the pattern of gongs of gamelan orchestras played in Java, Bali, and Burma (now Myanmar). Gongs of gamelan are made up of copper and other metal alloys and are molded in different shapes to create various musical notes. Holding bamboo sticks in both hands with cotton on the striking end of sticks, the gongs are gently struck to create the desired sound. Some scholars opine that in the ancient period these were in routine use around the eastern border of India.
