 Pundit Jasraj with a swarmandal | |
| String instrument | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Surmandal |
| Classification | (Chordophone), String instrument |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 314.122-5,6 (Resonated box zither, plucked by fingers or a plectrum) |
| Developed | Probably 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]
- ^ a b c Alastair Dick (1984). "Swarmandal". In Sadie, Stanley (ed.). The New Grove Dictionary of Musical Instruments. p. 477. Volume 3.
- ^ "SWARMANDAL". Government of India.