Heritage Instruments
Rabab, Taus, Dilruba, Saranda, Sarangi, Tanpura, Pakhawaj, Tabla
Rabab
Rabab is a plucked instrument with gut strings that give more power and deepness in its sound. The mellow yet piercing sound comes due to a hollow base which is covered with animal skin. Not only does this instrument sing and resonate but it also keeps the rhythm by using the plectrum. It is a two-in-one instrument, which carries the tune as well as the rhythm.
Taus
Taus is a bowed instrument known for its deep, mellow sound. It has four main strings and twenty frets, which are the keys to the notes. The soundbox is very big and hollow and is covered with goatskin. Making the Taus requires great craftsmanship, as it is carved from a single piece of wood.
Dilruba
Dilruba is a smaller, modified version of the Taus. The reason for its creation was due to the practicality of carrying it for the warriors who served in the army of the Tenth Master, Sri Guru Gobind Singh, as all soldiers kept their instruments with them at all times.
Tanpura
Tanpura is a long-necked plucked string instrument found in various forms in Indian music It does not play melody but rather supports and sustains the melody of another instrument or singer by providing a continuous harmonic bourdon or drone.
Saranda
Saranda is a bowed instrument with three main gut strings and around 30 sympathetic strings. As you can see in the picture, it has a big, hollow sound box, which creates a unique, soul-pleasing sound.
Sarangi
Sarangi is an instrument used in Indian classical music. The enchanting and powerful instrument was created around 5000 BC. This instrument is the oldest bowed instrument still used today.
Tabla
Tabla is a percussion instrument originating from the Indian subcontinent, consisting of a pair of drums, used in traditional, classical, popular, and folk music. The tabla consists of two single-headed, barrel-shaped small drums of slightly different size and shapes
Pakhawaj
Pakhawaj or Mridang is an Indian barrel-shaped, two-headed drum. It is the standard percussion instrument and is widely used as an accompaniment for various forms of music performances.