Lute

Sitar - 19th century

India
India

circa 19th century

The sitar, a plucked bowl-lute chordophone is mainly associated with Hindustani (North Indian classical) music, however, it is also played across South Asia from India to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal. It most likely evolved into its current physical form and musical style from the musical practices of the Hindu and Muslim courts of the late-Mughal empire (1707-1858 CE). A possible precursor of the sitar was the Persian setar (meaning ‘three strings’), introduced into North Indian courts in the 13th century. During the 18th century the term "sitar" referred to a three-string long-neck lute. Modifications began in the 19th century when chikari (drone) strings were added followed by the addition of taraf (sympathic) strings.

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Catalog#: HWMC

© Hartenberger World Music Collection