Swarmandal

Swarmandal
Musician Jasraj with a swarmandal
Pundit Jasraj with a swarmandal
String instrument
Other namesSurmandal
Classification (Chordophone), String instrument
Hornbostel–Sachs classification314.122-5,6
(Resonated box zither, plucked by fingers or a plectrum)
DevelopedProbably imported with conquerors or traders in medieval period and adapted to suit Indian culture. May have roots in a native instrument called the mattakokilā.
Related instruments

The swarmandal (Hindi: स्वरमण्डल [s̪ʋərməɳɖəl̪]), surmandal, or Indian harp is a plucked box zither, originating from India, similar to the qanun that is today most commonly used as an accompanying instrument for vocal Indian classical music.[1] It is part of the culture of Northern India and is used in concerts to accompany vocal music.[2] The name combines Sanskrit words svara (notes) and maṇḍala (circle),[1] representing its ability to produce many notes. The instrument was seen as equivalent by the Ā'īn-i-akbarī to the qanun.[1]

  1. ^ a b c Alastair Dick (1984). "Swarmandal". In Sadie, Stanley (ed.). The New Grove Dictionary of Musical Instruments. p. 477. Volume 3.
  2. ^ "SWARMANDAL". Government of India.