Vicitra vina

Vichitra vina is a string musical instrument belonging to the Vina family, and is considered one of the oldest musical instruments used in Indian classical music.

Although there are many different opinions regarding the origins of vichitra vina, it is highly likely that the prototype of the instrument existed thousands of years ago, as described in Saman Veda.

While some say that the instrument took its present shape already in the 7th century, others believe that the instrument as it is used today was designed as late as in the 17th century. Regardless of those opinions, today, vichitra (colourful, versatile) vina is regarded as one of the oldest instruments found in Indian classical music.

Vichitra vina consists of four main strings and three side strings along with two chikaries (a group of strings which is used for high-pitch tones), and 15 tarabs (sympathetic strings) enabling the musician to play the notes on four octaves.

It is said that vichitra vina is the only plucked instrument which is capable of reproducing the finer nuances of the human vocal apparatus. In Hindustani classical music, vichitra vina is used to play mainly ragas. In the performance it is accompanied by the renowned percussion instrument tabla.