bin

vina, rudra vina

Stearns #2065

India

India

Stick or tube zithers called "vina" or "bin" appeared in India during the 12th Century and became popular in Hindu court music in the 15th Century. Rudra vina music flourished in the 17th and 18th Century moghul courts of North India.

The modern rudra vina has four melodic strings that are struck by metal plectra attached to the index and middle finger of the right hand. To the left of the fingerboard are two strings whose function in rhythmic. To the right is a drone string plucked by the little finger of the left hand. The instrument's twenty-four high metal frets allow extensive changes in pitch produced by pulling strings sideways or pushing them down. The wide range of the rudra vina is ideal for displaying the richness of classical raga scales in performance.

Research: Stearns Staff