What is the difference between tanpura and sitar

Apparently, there were two kinds, the fretted version, which developed into the present-day sitar, and the fretless type that was called the tambura. The tambura was used, as it is today, as a drone instrument to accompany vocalists for more info on the Tambura or Tanpura , click the link.

However, there are many different kinds of tambur and they come in all shapes and sizes. The Persian lutes that resemble the modern-day Turkish saz and had been played in the Mogul courts for hundreds of years clearly developed into the sitar at the end of the Mogul era. How can you tell which of these stringed instruments, used in Carnatic music vs.

Hindustani music, apart? Which instruments are used as a drone? And which is used in Hindustani music as a primary instrument? Veena or Vina comes from Sanskrit and is a generic term used for plucked stringed instruments. The Veena predates the Sitar and Tanpura. There are references to the veena from the Rig and Sama Vedas.

The Goddess Saraswati holds this instrument in front of her in most depictions. The rudra veena and Saraswati veena and Vichitra veena are regional versions of the same instrument. Tambura players are honored for their service to the cause of music. Veena too comes in different sizes, but the well known Tanjore Veena, used in performances, comes in one standard size. Veena is a very popular instrument when it comes to Carnatic music.

Veena also, is associated with religious and mythological characters of India. The goddess of Learning, Saraswathi is depicted as a goddess with Veena on her lap. Sage Narada is always said to carry his veena with him. A Tanpura is usually held straight up in front of the singer or tanpura accompanist people can tend to lean it towards their bodies or put it in their laps or flat down on the floor, whereas a Sitar is usually held diagonally across the body.

More on the sitar in the next post. Here is a video I just found with an explanation of the function of the Tanpura:. Tuesday, July 27, Difference between a Tanpura and a Sitar! Tanpura or Tambura : All Indian classical vocalists, of the well-known styles of Indian classical music i. He starts off here with a Sanskrit chant: Here is a video of the Khayal singer Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, singing a bhajan. Posted by Kirat Antani at AM.

Ayan October 21, at AM. Newer Post Older Post Home. Subscribe to: Post Comments Atom.