Traditional Indian musical instruments have been an integral part of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage for thousands of years.
From the ancient Vedic rituals to the classical music of the courts, these instruments have shaped and enriched Indian music, reflecting the diverse and vibrant traditions across the subcontinent.
Instruments like the sitar, tabla, and bansuri have transcended their regional origins to become symbols of Indian music worldwide, influencing genres from classical to contemporary.
In this article we will explore a variety of traditional Indian instruments, detailing their construction, playing techniques, and the artisans and musicians who have preserved and popularised them.
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Prominent Indian Traditional String Instruments
Sitar: The Iconic Indian String Instrument
A plucked string instrument with a long neck and a gourd resonator, used in classical Indian music.
The Sitar is a long-necked string instrument that is central to North Indian classical music. It typically has 18 to 21 strings, including 6 or 7 main playing strings and 11 to 14 sympathetic strings that resonate when the main strings are plucked.
The body is made from a large gourd, while the neck is usually crafted from teak or tun wood. The frets are moveable and made from brass, allowing for intricate melodic expression.
The sitar produces a rich, complex sound with both melodic and resonant qualities, thanks to its sympathetic strings.
This instrument has its origins in ancient India, evolving over centuries into the form we see today. It plays a crucial role in classical Indian music but is not typically part of symphony orchestras or Western classical music.
Renowned musicians like Ravi Shankar and Vilayat Khan have brought the sitar to global fame, demonstrating its expressive power and contributing to its popularity both in India and internationally.
Read more facts about the Sitar musical instrument here
Sarod: The Soulful Indian String Instrument
A fretless string instrument with a deep, resonant sound, popular in North Indian classical music.
The Sarod is a prominent string instrument in North Indian classical music, known for its deep, resonant sound. Unlike the sitar, the sarod has a fretless metal fingerboard, allowing for smooth, gliding notes called “meends.” It usually has 17 to 25 strings, including four to six main playing strings, with the rest being sympathetic strings that enhance the instrument’s rich sound.
The body of the sarod is traditionally made from teak wood, with a resonator often made from a hollowed-out gourd. The playing surface is covered with a metal plate, and the strings are made of steel or bronze, contributing to the sarod’s bright and penetrating tone.
The sarod originated in the Afghan rabab and evolved in India to become a key instrument in Hindustani classical music.
Read more facts about the Sarod musical instrument here
Veena: The Classical Indian Lute
A large, plucked string instrument with a rich history, primarily used in South Indian classical music.
The Veena is one of the oldest and most revered string instruments in Indian classical music, particularly in South India. It has a large, resonant body made of wood, typically jackwood or teak, with a hollow, rounded soundboard.
The veena has seven strings, four of which are used for playing melodies, and three are used for rhythmic accompaniment and drone. These strings are plucked with the fingers, and the instrument has 24 fixed frets made of brass, which allow for precise note production.
The veena produces a rich, warm, and melodic sound, often described as deep and soulful. Its origins can be traced back to ancient India, where it was used in both religious and court music.
Prominent musicians like S. Balachander and Emani Sankara Sastry have brought the veena to prominence, showcasing its versatility and profound musical expression in both traditional and innovative compositions.
Read more facts about the Veena musical instrument here
Tanpura: The Drone Instrument of Indian Classical Music
A long-necked string instrument that provides a continuous drone, used to accompany classical Indian music.
The Tanpura is a long-necked string instrument that plays a crucial role in Indian classical music by providing a continuous drone that supports the main melody. It typically has four or five strings, which are plucked in a repetitive pattern to create a harmonic backdrop.
The body of the tanpura is made from wood, usually teak or tun wood, and the resonator is often crafted from a large gourd, which helps produce its deep, resonant sound.
The strings are usually made of metal, and when plucked, they produce a rich, sustained sound that is both soothing and meditative. The tanpura does not play melodies or rhythms but instead provides a constant pitch reference for the performers, ensuring that the music stays in tune.
Originating in ancient India, the tanpura is indispensable in Indian music, where it accompanies vocalists and instrumentalists alike. Renowned musicians like Ustad Amir Khan and Pandit Jasraj have utilized the tanpura’s drone to enhance the depth and richness of their performances.
Read more facts about the Tanpura musical instrument here
Surbahar: The Bass Sitar
Often referred to as the “bass sitar,” it has a lower pitch and is used in classical Indian music.
The Surbahar, often referred to as the “bass sitar,” is a large string instrument used in North Indian classical music. It looks similar to the sitar but is larger, with a longer neck and a deeper body, which gives it a lower pitch and a more resonant sound. The instrument typically has 18 to 20 strings, including both playing and sympathetic strings. The body is made from a large gourd, while the neck is crafted from wood, usually teak.
The surbahar produces a deep, mellow sound that is ideal for playing slow, meditative compositions. It is often used to perform the lower registers of classical ragas, creating a rich, soothing atmosphere.
The surbahar originated in India in the 19th century, evolving as a complement to the sitar for deeper, more profound expressions in music. Prominent musicians like Ustad Imdad Khan and Pandit Budhaditya Mukherjee have mastered the surbahar, showcasing its ability to convey deep emotional expression in traditional ragas.
Read more facts about the Surbahar musical instrument here
Esraj: The Bowed String Instrument of Bengal
A bowed string instrument used in the music of Bengal and North India.
The Esraj is a bowed string instrument commonly used in the classical and devotional music of Bengal and North India. It has a wooden body with a flat soundboard, and a long neck with 20 metal frets. The instrument typically has four main playing strings made of steel or brass, and 12 to 15 sympathetic strings that resonate when the main strings are played, adding a rich, reverberating sound.
The esraj is played with a bow, similar to a violin or sarangi, producing a soft, melodic, and somewhat haunting tone that is well-suited for both solo performances and accompaniment in vocal music. The sound is expressive and can closely mimic the human voice, making it a favored instrument for singing accompaniment.
The esraj originated in the Indian subcontinent during the 19th century and holds an important place in Indian classical music and Rabindra Sangeet (the music of Rabindranath Tagore). Musicians like Pandit Ranadhir Roy have been influential in bringing the esraj to prominence, demonstrating its lyrical and emotive qualities in classical compositions.
Read more facts about the Esraj musical instrument here
Rudra Veena: The Ancient Indian String Instrument
A large, ancient string instrument used in Dhrupad, one of the oldest forms of North Indian classical music.
The Rudra Veena is a large, ancient string instrument that holds a revered place in North Indian classical music, especially in the Dhrupad genre. It features a long wooden neck made from teak or bamboo, with two large resonating gourds attached at each end. The instrument has four main playing strings and three drone strings, all made of metal, which are plucked with a plectrum.
The Rudra Veena produces a deep, resonant sound with a meditative quality, making it ideal for playing slow, solemn compositions. Its sound is rich and profound, closely associated with the spiritual and contemplative aspects of Indian music.
The Rudra Veena originated in ancient India and is considered one of the oldest string instruments in Indian music. Prominent musicians like Ustad Asad Ali Khan and Zia Mohiuddin Dagar have been key figures in preserving and promoting the Rudra Veena, showcasing its unique ability to convey deep emotional and spiritual expression in classical music performances.
Santoor: The Striking Melodic Instrument of Kashmir
A hammered dulcimer from Kashmir, played with small mallets.
The Santoor is a traditional Indian string instrument, particularly associated with the music of Kashmir. It is a type of hammered dulcimer, consisting of a flat, trapezoidal wooden body made from walnut or maple wood. The santoor has around 72 to 100 metal strings stretched across its surface, which are played by striking them with two lightweight wooden mallets called “mezrab.”
The santoor produces a bright, shimmering sound that is both melodic and rhythmic, with a characteristic ringing quality. Each note resonates clearly, making it suitable for playing fast, intricate patterns and beautiful melodies.
The origins of the santoor trace back to ancient Persia, from where it was introduced to India and adapted into Indian classical music. It plays a significant role in Indian classical and folk music, especially in the music of Kashmir.
Pandit Shivkumar Sharma is one of the most renowned santoor players, credited with bringing the instrument to global prominence and incorporating it into Hindustani classical music, making it popular beyond its regional roots.
Read more facts about the Santoor musical instrument here
Sarangi: The Voice-Like Bowed Instrument
A bowed string instrument known for its close resemblance to the human voice, used in classical and folk music.
The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument known for its ability to closely mimic the human voice, making it a powerful tool in Indian classical music. It has a rectangular wooden body, typically made from teak or tun wood, with a hollow interior that amplifies sound.
The sarangi has three main gut strings that are played with a bow, and around 35 to 40 sympathetic metal strings that resonate to create a rich, layered sound.
The sarangi produces a deep, emotional tone that is often described as haunting and soulful. It is particularly valued for its ability to express complex emotions, making it ideal for accompanying vocal performances in Indian classical music.
The sarangi originated in India and has been used in both classical and folk music traditions. Though not part of Western symphony orchestras, it plays a crucial role in Hindustani classical music.
Renowned sarangi players like Ustad Sultan Khan and Pandit Ram Narayan have brought the instrument to international acclaim, highlighting its unique voice-like quality and emotional depth in classical compositions.
Read more facts about the Sarangi musical instrument here.
Ektara: The One-Stringed Folk Instrument
A one-string instrument used in folk and devotional music across India.
The Ektara is a simple yet powerful string instrument commonly used in Indian folk and devotional music. It consists of a single string stretched over a resonator made from a hollow gourd or coconut shell, with a bamboo or wooden neck attached. The string is plucked to produce sound, and the pitch can be altered by pressing the neck, allowing the player to create different notes.
The ektara produces a distinct, rhythmic sound that is both melodic and percussive. Its tone is raw and earthy, making it well-suited for folk songs and spiritual music, especially in regions like Bengal, Rajasthan, and Punjab.
The ektara has ancient origins in India and has traditionally been used by wandering minstrels, known as bards or bauls, to accompany their singing.
The ektara’s simplicity and expressive sound have made it a beloved instrument for conveying stories and spiritual messages, with musicians like Paban Das Baul bringing it to a wider audience through performances that celebrate its cultural roots.
Read more facts about the Ektara musical instrument here.
Prominent Traditional Indian Wind Instruments
Bansuri: The Soulful Bamboo Flute
A bamboo flute with a soulful tone, used in classical and folk music.
The Bansuri is a traditional Indian wind instrument made from a single piece of bamboo. It is a simple, cylindrical flute with six or seven finger holes that allow the player to produce different notes by covering and uncovering them. The length and thickness of the bamboo determine the pitch of the bansuri, with longer flutes producing deeper, more resonant tones.
The bansuri produces a soft, mellow sound that is often described as soothing and soulful. It is capable of expressing a wide range of emotions, making it ideal for both classical music and folk melodies. The instrument’s sound is deeply connected to Indian culture, evoking the pastoral and spiritual themes often found in Indian music.
The bansuri has ancient origins in India, dating back thousands of years, and is prominently featured in Hindu mythology. Playing a significant role in Hindustani music, legendary musicians like Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia have brought the bansuri to global prominence.
Read more facts about the Bansuri musical instrument here.
Shehnai: The Celebratory Wind Instrument
A double-reed wind instrument with a rich, haunting sound, often played at weddings and religious ceremonies.
The Shehnai is a traditional Indian wind instrument, often used in auspicious occasions like weddings and religious ceremonies.
It has a conical wooden body, usually made from a hardwood like teak, with a metal bell at the end.
The shehnai has six to nine finger holes, which allow the player to create different notes, and it is played with a double reed made from cane.
The shehnai produces a rich, piercing sound that is both festive and spiritual, often associated with the joy and sanctity of important life events. The instrument’s sound is complex, with the ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from celebratory to solemn.
The shehnai has its roots in ancient India, evolving from similar reed instruments used in folk and classical music.
Ustad Bismillah Khan, one of the most famous shehnai players, brought the instrument to global attention, performing at prestigious venues and making it an integral part of Indian cultural identity.
Nadaswaram: The Powerful Wind Instrument of South India
A long, double-reed instrument, similar to the shehnai, but louder and used in South Indian classical music.
The Nadaswaram is a traditional wind instrument widely used in South Indian classical music, especially in temple ceremonies and festivals.
It has a long, conical body made from hardwoods like ebony or rosewood, and it features a large metal bell at the end, which amplifies its sound.
The instrument has seven finger holes and is played with a double reed made from bamboo.
The nadaswaram produces a loud, vibrant sound that is both powerful and resonant, making it ideal for outdoor performances. Its sound is considered auspicious and is often used to accompany religious rituals and celebrations.
The nadaswaram has ancient origins in South India and is deeply embedded in the region’s cultural and spiritual life holding a significant place in Carnatic (South Indian classical) music.
Renowned musicians like Dr. Sheik Chinna Moulana and Namagiripettai Krishnan have elevated the nadaswaram’s status, performing complex classical compositions and bringing its majestic sound to concert stages around the world.
Pungi: The Snake Charmer’s Instrument
A traditional wind instrument used by snake charmers, with a distinctive, reedy sound.
The Pungi, also known as the been, is a traditional Indian wind instrument famously associated with snake charmers. It consists of a small, hollow gourd that acts as the resonator, with two reed pipes attached to it—one for melody and the other for a drone. The pipes are made from bamboo or cane, and the player blows into the gourd to produce sound.
The pungi produces a reedy, hypnotic sound that is distinctive and somewhat haunting. It has a limited range of notes, but its continuous, droning quality makes it ideal for the mesmerizing music played by snake charmers.
The pungi has its origins in folk music and is particularly popular in rural parts of India.
Algoza: The Double Flute of Punjabi Folk Music
A pair of woodwind instruments, played simultaneously, used in Punjabi folk music.
The Algoza is a traditional wind instrument commonly used in Punjabi folk music. It consists of two wooden flutes, held together and played simultaneously. The flutes are typically made from bamboo or reed. One flute is used to play the melody, while the other provides a continuous drone, creating a harmonious and rhythmic sound.
The algoza produces a bright, lively sound that is deeply associated with the energetic and festive music of Punjab. The simultaneous playing of both flutes requires significant skill and breath control, allowing the player to create complex rhythmic patterns while maintaining a steady drone.
The algoza has its origins in the folk traditions of North India, particularly in the Punjab region.
Read more facts about the Algoza musical instrument here.
Sundari: The High-Pitched Double-Reed Instrument
A small, high-pitched double-reed instrument, similar to the shehnai.
The Sundari is a small, high-pitched wind instrument similar to the shehnai but with a more shrill and piercing sound. It is crafted from a hardwood such as rosewood or teak and features a conical shape with a metal bell at the end.
The sundari has seven finger holes, allowing the player to produce different notes, and it is played using a double reed made from cane.
The sundari produces a bright, penetrating sound that is both lively and sharp, making it well-suited for fast, intricate melodies. Its sound is often compared to the shehnai but at a higher pitch, giving it a distinct place in Indian music.
The sundari originated in India and is mainly used in folk and temple music, particularly in the state of Karnataka.
Shankha: The Sacred Conch Shell Instrument
A conch shell that is blown to produce sound, used in religious rituals and ceremonies.
The Shankha, also known as the conch shell, is a traditional Indian wind instrument made from a large, spiral-shaped seashell. The shell is naturally hollow, with a small opening at the tip where the player blows to produce sound. The opening is often carved to create a mouthpiece, and the inside of the shell may be cleaned and polished to improve sound quality.
The shankha produces a deep, resonant sound that is loud and penetrating. Its tone is powerful and has a spiritual quality, often used in Hindu religious ceremonies and rituals. The sound of the shankha is believed to purify the environment and ward off negative energy.
The shankha has ancient origins and has been a part of Indian religious practices for thousands of years.
Harmonium: The Portable Reed Instrument
A free-reed instrument with a keyboard, widely used in Indian classical and devotional music.
The Harmonium is a popular wind instrument in Indian music, resembling a small, portable organ. It consists of a wooden box with a keyboard on the front and bellows at the back, which are pumped by hand to push air through metal reeds inside the instrument. The harmonium is typically made from wood, with metal reeds and a keyboard made of plastic or ivory.
When the keys are pressed, air flows through the corresponding reeds, producing sound. The harmonium produces a rich, warm, and resonant tone, capable of both melodic and harmonic play. It can sustain notes for long durations, making it ideal for accompanying singers in Indian classical, devotional, and folk music.
The harmonium was introduced to India during the British colonial period and quickly became a staple in Indian music.
Read more facts about the Harmonium musical instrument here.
Mukhaveena: The Melodic Mouth-Blown Instrument
A wind instrument similar to the nadaswaram, used in Karnataka music.
The Mukhaveena is a traditional wind instrument used primarily in South Indian classical music.
It is a mouth-blown reed instrument with a simple design, consisting of a wooden body and a reed made from bamboo or cane.
The instrument has a straight tube with finger holes that allow the player to produce different notes by covering and uncovering the holes.
The mukhaveena produces a bright, clear, and melodious sound, similar to the nadaswaram but softer and less piercing. Its tone is gentle and expressive, making it suitable for both solo performances and accompaniment in classical music.
The mukhaveena has its roots in South Indian folk traditions and has been adapted into Carnatic (South Indian classical) music.
Musicians often use the mukhaveena in temple performances and traditional ceremonies, where its soothing sound adds a spiritual and melodic atmosphere.
Surpeti: The Drone Instrument of Indian Music
A small reed box, similar to a harmonium, used for drone accompaniment in classical music.
The Surpeti, also known as the swar peti, is a traditional Indian wind instrument used primarily for providing a continuous drone in classical and devotional music. It resembles a small harmonium but lacks keys and is much simpler in construction. The surpeti is typically made of wood, with metal reeds inside that produce sound when air is pumped through them using bellows.
The surpeti produces a steady, soothing drone sound that serves as a harmonic background for singers and instrumentalists. It plays a similar role to the tanpura, sustaining a continuous note or chord to anchor the music.
Commonly used in vocal practice and performances, especially in Carnatic (South Indian) and Hindustani (North Indian) classical music.
Prominent Traditional Indian Percussion Instruments
Tabla: The Rhythmic Heartbeat of Indian Classical Music
A pair of hand drums, one smaller (dayan) and one larger (bayan), used in classical, popular, and folk music.
The Tabla is one of the most important percussion instruments in Indian classical music. It consists of two small hand drums, each made of wood with a hollow interior.
The smaller drum, called the “dayan,” is typically made from a hardwood like teak or rosewood, while the larger drum, called the “bayan,” is made from metal, usually brass or copper.
The drumheads are made from stretched animal skin, and each drum has a black tuning spot in the center, made from a mixture of iron filings, rice paste, and other materials.
The tabla produces a wide range of sounds, from deep bass notes to sharp, crisp tones. The player uses their fingers and palms to strike the drumheads in complex patterns, creating intricate rhythms.
The tabla originated in North India and is used in both classical and popular music, providing the rhythmic foundation for performances.
Renowned tabla players like Ustad Zakir Hussain and Pandit Anindo Chatterjee have brought the instrument to global fame, showcasing its versatility and depth in Indian classical music and beyond.
Read more facts about the Tabla musical instrument here.
Mridangam: The Rhythmic Pillar of South Indian Music
A barrel-shaped drum with two heads, essential in South Indian classical music.
The mridangam is a traditional percussion instrument that is central to Carnatic (South Indian classical) music.
It is a double-headed drum, barrel-shaped, and usually made from a single piece of jackwood or other hardwoods.
The drumheads are made from animal skin, stretched tightly over both ends of the drum. The two sides of the mridangam produce different sounds: the left side creates a deep, bass tone, while the right side produces a higher-pitched, sharp sound.
The mridangam is played by sitting cross-legged on the floor, with the drum resting horizontally across the player’s lap.
The player uses their hands and fingers to strike the drumheads, producing intricate rhythmic patterns that form the foundation of Carnatic music.
The mridangam has ancient roots in India, and its role in traditional music is vital, providing rhythm and structure in performances.
Renowned mridangam players like Palghat Mani Iyer and Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman have made significant contributions to the art of mridangam playing, elevating it to an essential instrument in Indian classical music.
Pakhawaj: The Ancient Drum of North Indian Classical Music
A barrel-shaped drum, similar to the mridangam, but used in North Indian classical music.
The Pakhawaj is a traditional percussion instrument with deep roots in North Indian classical music, particularly in the Dhrupad genre.
It is a large, barrel-shaped drum made from wood, typically from a tree like teak or jackwood. The drum has two heads, each covered with a stretched animal skin, usually goat or buffalo hide.
These drumheads are tightened with leather straps, and the left side is often laced with a mixture of flour and water to produce a deep, resonant bass sound, while the right side produces a sharp, crisp tone.
The pakhawaj is played by resting the drum horizontally on the floor or across the player’s lap. The player uses their hands to strike the drumheads, creating complex rhythmic patterns that are integral to traditional music performances.
The pakhawaj has its origins in ancient India and is one of the oldest percussion instruments in the region. It plays a vital role in classical music, especially in Dhrupad, the oldest form of North Indian classical music.
Famous pakhawaj players like Pandit Mohan Shyam Sharma and Pandit Akhilesh Gundecha have kept the art of pakhawaj playing alive, showcasing its deep, resonant sound in traditional performances.
Dhol: The Dynamic Drum of Punjabi Folk Music
A large, double-sided drum played with sticks, commonly used in Punjabi folk music.
The Dhol is a large, double-sided drum that plays a central role in Punjabi folk music, particularly in bhangra.
It is made from a hollow cylindrical wooden shell, typically crafted from mango, sheesham (Indian rosewood), or similar hardwoods.
The two drumheads, one on each side, are made from animal hide—goat skin on one side for higher-pitched sounds and buffalo skin on the other for deeper, bass tones.
The dhol is played with two sticks: a thick, curved stick called a “dagga” for the bass side and a thinner stick called a “tilli” for the treble side.
The combination of these two sounds creates the dhol’s characteristic loud, vibrant, and rhythmic beats that drive the energetic dance of bhangra.
Renowned dhol players like Lal Singh Bhatti and Johnny Kalsi have popularized the dhol not only in Punjabi folk music but also on international stages, showcasing its dynamic sound and powerful rhythm in various musical contexts.
Read more facts about the Dhol musical instrument here.
Kanjira: The Small but Mighty Frame Drum
A small frame drum with a single pair of jingles, used in South Indian classical music.
The Kanjira is a traditional South Indian percussion instrument, known for its sharp and vibrant sound. It is a small, circular frame drum, typically about 7 to 9 inches in diameter.
The frame is made from wood, usually jackfruit wood, and it has a single drumhead made from monitor lizard skin, which is stretched tightly across the frame.
This unique skin gives the kanjira its distinctive, crisp sound. A few metal jingles are attached to the side of the frame, adding a bright, metallic sound when the drum is played.
The kanjira is held in one hand while the other hand is used to strike the drumhead, producing a variety of tones by applying different pressures and techniques.
Despite its small size, the kanjira can produce a wide range of sounds, from deep bass notes to high-pitched slaps.
The kanjira originated in South India and is commonly used in Carnatic (South Indian classical) music, often accompanying the mridangam.
Prominent players like G. Harishankar have brought the kanjira to the forefront of classical performances, demonstrating its versatility and importance in traditional music ensembles.
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Traditional Indian musical instruments, from the melodic strings of the sitar to the rhythmic beats of the tabla, represent the rich cultural tapestry of India.
To truly appreciate the depth and diversity of Indian music, readers are encouraged to explore more about these instruments, their histories, and the artists who have brought them to life over the centuries.
