Dilruba

Overview

The Dilruba has a distinctive appearance characterized by its long, slender neck and a hollow, wooden body. The body is typically carved from a single piece of wood and is covered with a stretched animal skin (often goat skin) to form the soundboard. It has sympathetic strings running beneath the main strings, which resonate sympathetically to enhance the instrument's sound.

The Dilruba is played by resting it on the ground or on the musician's lap. The player uses the bow to produce sound by drawing it across the strings, while simultaneously pressing the strings against the frets to change the pitch. The sympathetic strings resonate sympathetically with the main strings, adding depth and richness to the sound.

The Dilruba is commonly used in Indian classical music, particularly in the Sikh musical tradition known as Gurmat Sangeet. It is also employed in Sufi music, devotional songs (bhajans), and various folk music styles across the Indian subcontinent.

The Dilruba produces a melodious and expressive sound, often compared to the human voice. Its versatile and emotive qualities make it a beloved instrument in traditional Indian music, valued for its ability to evoke deep emotions and spiritual sentiments.

Source - https://chandrakantha.com/articles/indian_music/dilruba.html