Study Guide · Chapter 5
Musical Instruments of India
Free study material · concepts, shortcuts & solved questions
| Instrument | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sitar | Plucked string | Long-necked, associated with Hindustani music; Ravi Shankar, Vilayat Khan |
| Sarod | Plucked string | Fretless, deeper tone than sitar; Ali Akbar Khan, Amjad Ali Khan |
| Veena (Saraswati Veena) | Plucked string | Ancient, associated with Carnatic music and Goddess Saraswati iconography |
| Santoor | Struck string (hammered) | Originally from Kashmir; Shivkumar Sharma popularised it in classical concert use |
| Sarangi | Bowed string | Traditionally used to accompany vocal/Kathak performances |
| Violin | Bowed string | Adapted from Western instrument, integral to Carnatic ensembles |
| Tabla | Percussion (pair of drums) | Principal Hindustani accompaniment; attributed by tradition to Amir Khusrau |
| Pakhawaj | Percussion (barrel drum) | Traditional accompaniment for Dhrupad |
| Mridangam | Percussion (barrel drum) | Principal Carnatic percussion instrument |
| Ghatam | Percussion (clay pot) | Carnatic percussion |
| Shehnai | Wind (double reed) | Associated with auspicious/ceremonial occasions; Bismillah Khan |
| Bansuri | Wind (flute) | Associated with Krishna iconography; Hariprasad Chaurasia |
| Nadaswaram | Wind | South Indian, played at temple and ceremonial occasions |
| Harmonium | Reed/keyboard (bellows) | European-origin instrument widely adapted for Indian vocal accompaniment |
| Tanpura | Drone string instrument | Provides a continuous harmonic drone background in both traditions |
Page 1 of 1