Sitar

The name of the instrument is derived from the Persian expression ‘seh-tar’ meaning 3 strings, which is the number of strings the instrument originally had. It is the most common stringed instrument of India and has been in use for about 700 years. It is fashioned from a seasoned gourd and teakwood and has twenty mental frets with six or seven playing strings and nineteen sympathetic strings (tarab) below. It is played with a plectrum (mizrab) worn on the finger. The invention of the Sitar is credited to the great musician and statesman, Amir Khusrau and its origin goes back to the ancient Veena.
The sitar developed during the collapse of the Moghul empire (circa 1700). It reflected the culture of the times in that it showed both Indian and Persian characteristics.
The sitar is of a complex construction. There are a number of options in tuning and stringing the sitar. Even the same instrument will be tuned differently from piece to piece, according to the requirements of the rag.
The technique of the sitar is very involved. It is certainly advisable to have a teacher.