veena

Veena refers to a family of plucked string instruments native to the Indian subcontinent. Used in both Hindustani and Carnatic classical music, the veena encompasses several distinct instruments with related construction and playing techniques. The term derives from the Sanskrit veṇā, meaning “string instrument.”

Traditionally, veenas have a long neck and a resonator body, often carved from wood. They typically employ melody strings along with one or more drone or sympathetic strings to enrich resonance. The strings are plucked with the fingertips or a pick, and pitch is produced by pressing the strings against frets (where present) with the left hand.

Major varieties include the Saraswati veena, a fretted long-necked instrument central to Carnatic music; the Rudra veena, a long-necked Hindustani instrument valued for its deep, meditative timbre; and the Vichitra veena (also called chitra veena), a modern adaptation used in Hindustani performance.

Historically associated with the goddess Saraswati, the veena is regarded as an emblem of Indian musical heritage. It figures in ancient texts such as the Natya Shastra and in iconography, illustrating the long tradition of stringed instruments in Indian art.

In contemporary practice, veenas are used in solo performance, accompaniment for vocalists, and educational settings, spanning classical repertoire and modern fusion projects.