Sarangi

The sarangi is a bowed string instrument from the Indian subcontinent. It is a short necked, fretless instrument made of wood, with a hollow body and a skin belly. It typically has four playing strings made of gut, and up to thirty-five sympathetic strings made of steel. The sarangi is played with a fingernail instead of a bow, and the sound is produced by drawing the bow across the strings.

The sarangi is traditionally associated with Hindustani classical music, where it is used to accompany vocalists and instrumentalists. It is also popular in folk music and devotional music. The sarangi has a rich, complex sound that is said to resemble the human voice. It is known for its ability to produce a wide range of emotions, from joy to sorrow.

The sarangi has a long and distinguished history, dating back to at least the 16th century. It is believed to have originated in Central Asia and was brought to India by the Mughals. The sarangi reached its peak of popularity in the 19th century, when it was a favorite instrument of the royal courts. In the 20th century, the sarangi began to decline in popularity, due to the rise of new instruments like the violin and the harmonium.

Despite its decline, the sarangi has experienced a resurgence in recent years, thanks to the efforts of dedicated musicians and scholars. The sarangi is now being taught in music schools and conservatories around the world, and its unique sound is being appreciated by a new generation of listeners.