Instrumental Archaeology, Issue 5

The Sitar

A late 19th century Indian sitar. Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

History

There are two main traditions of classical music in India: Hindustani music from North India and Karnatak music from South India. The divide began in the late 12th century with a Muslim occupation of the region. Despite this early occupation, the sitar isn’t seen until the 18th century. And it’s not until much later do we see these two styles of music start to blend.

The Persian influence on the music of North India during this time was significant, introducing many instruments such as the kamanche, the santur, and the setar. The setar, which translates to “three-strings,” is the main influence in form and name for the Indian sitar. While the sitar is more popular in Hindustani music, its design is also inspired by the South Indian vina.

The Sitar

The sitar’s body is traditionally made from a gourd, usually a pumpkin. Its neck, typically made from Indian mahogany, is hollowed to allow the whole instrument to vibrate. A metal plectrum called a mezrab is fitted onto the player’s index finger to pluck the strings.

Even though sitars have roughly 23 strings, the melody is played on only one string, called the baaj tar. In addition to the melody string, there are six additional strings above the frets, chikari, that function as drone/harmonic/rhythmic texture and accompaniment. The remaining strings lay below the frets and resonate sympathetically, similar to the sympathetic strings found on the hurdy-gurdy. The strings on the sitar are strung with low tension, allowing impressive bends of more than half an octave.

But to me, the adjustable frets are the most interesting part. Before I began my research for this article, I didn’t know what all of the pegs running up the side of the neck were for. I never really thought about it, but would have guessed they were somehow for tuning the strings. But they are for tightening and loosening the frets. With roughly 20 adjustable frets, the player has the ability to move them freely, adjusting them for whichever raga is being played. Ragas are groups of notes and phrases used to create melodies in Hindustani and Karnatak music.

Lady Musician Playing a Sitar ca. 1800. Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Pandit Ravi Shankar

As one of the influential sitar musicians of the 20th century, Ravi Shankar played a major role in introducing the sitar to listeners outside of Indian classical music.

Shankar began playing the sitar as a young child and was already touring Europe with his brother’s dance troupe by the age of 10. Throughout his career, he created the Indian National Orchestra, composed three concertos for sitar, and scored a film. Shankar also integrated Karnatak ragas into Hindustani music and revived obscure ragas. Famously, he taught George Harrison when The Beatles traveled to India.

The Sound

Ravi Shankar performing Evening Raga at Woodstock.

Ustad Shahid Parvez performing at the Darbar Festival in 2018.

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If you enjoyed this look into the sitar, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Sources:

History and Origins of the Sitar. Indrajit Banerjee, January 2015, https://antaraschool.com/2015/01/09/origin-of-sitar/.

Howlett, George. The sitar from different angles (Pt. 1): Instrument basics, past masters. darbar, https://www.darbar.org/article/sitar-from-different-angles-pt-1.

Roda, Allen. Musical Instruments of the Indian Subcontinent. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, March 2009, https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/indi/hd_indi.htm.

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