Sitar indian carved

The carved Indian sitar is a plucked string instrument, symbol of Hindustani classical music, known for its long neck and hypnotic resonance.

About this subject

The sitar is one of the most iconic instruments of North Indian classical music, the Hindustani tradition. Its construction is complex: a body made from a carved gourd (tumba), a long wooden neck, and a secondary resonating gourd near the top. It has 18 to 20 strings, with 6 or 7 main playing strings and the rest sympathetic strings that vibrate sympathetically, creating the characteristic timbre. The sitar derives from the Persian setar (three strings) and was developed in the Indian subcontinent around the 13th century, achieving its modern form in the 18th century.

Culturally, the sitar is inseparable from Ravi Shankar, who popularized it in the West during the 1960s, influencing musicians like George Harrison of the Beatles. In Indian classical music, the sitar is used to perform ragas, melodic structures that evoke specific emotions and seasons. Each raga has strict rules of notes and ornamentation, and the sitarist slides their fingers over the curved frets to produce microtones and glissandos.

The craft of carving a sitar is passed down through generations of luthiers, especially in cities like Miraj and Kolkata. The gourd is dried, cut, and carved with floral or geometric designs, then varnished. Wooden pegs adjust the tension of steel and bronze strings. The musician uses a metal plectrum called a mizrab attached to the index finger. The most common tuning is C, F, C, G, C, D, D, but varies by raga.

Interestingly, despite being a concert instrument, the sitar also appears in lo-fi and experimental recordings. The lo-fi disposable camera aesthetic associated with this image suggests a vintage, grainy look, contrasting with the instrument's sonic richness. The sitar remains an icon of Indian culture and a bridge between musical traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the sitar played?

The sitarist sits on the floor with the instrument resting on their lap. They use a metal plectrum (mizrab) on the index finger to pluck the main strings, while other fingers damp or pluck the sympathetic strings. The curved, movable frets allow slides and microtones.

What is the difference between sitar and veena?

Both are Indian string instruments, but the sitar has a gourd body and sympathetic strings, while the veena has a wooden body and typically fewer strings. The sitar is associated with North Indian music and the veena with South Indian music, with different techniques and tones.

Who are the greatest sitar players in history?

Ravi Shankar is the most famous globally. Others include Vilayat Khan, Nikhil Banerjee, Shahid Parvez, and Kushal Das. Each developed unique styles within the Hindustani tradition.