Sangeeta

Sangeeta The word “Sangeeta” comes from Sanskruta, an old language spoken in India that is thought to be the origin of many modern Indian languages. It translates as “music” and is made up of the words “Sam,” meaning great, and “Geeta,” signifying a song or Read More …

Bones involved in Playing

Bones involved in Playing The role, practical implication, and action of arm bones and hand bones while playing Saraswati Veena: Role: The bones in the arms and hands play a crucial role in the execution of the movements required to play the Saraswati Veena. They Read More …

Construction of Veena

Construction of Veena To make a Veena, various tools and raw materials are used including: Jackfruit Wood: The main raw material used for making the Veena. Chisels and Hammers: These tools are used to carve different designs into the wood. L-shaped Scale: This tool helps Read More …

Sculpting Veena

The Saraswati Veena is a traditional Indian musical instrument that is four feet in length and consists of several parts, including a large resonator (Tumba), a wooden bridge (Mettu), a tapering hollow neck (Dandi), a smaller non-functional resonator, and seven strings. Skilled and expert artisans Read More …

Varieties of Plucking

Sanna Meetu: Mild striking for delicate sound Dodda Meetu: Hard striking for loud sound Lo Meetu: Index finger strikes string from top to bottom Veli Meetu: Strike from bottom to upwards Kattera Meetu: Index and middle finger strikes in quick succession Todu Meetu: Index and Read More …

Tanam

Tanam is the most attractive and important item, especially in Veena. It is Madhyamakala raga alapana with varieties of rhythmic flow at medium speed. Tanam playing is best showcased when performed on the Veena, as the instrument’s side strings (Tala strings) are particularly suited to Read More …

Gamakam Subba Rama Dikshitar wrote the notation for Dikshitar kritis, and while doing so he had Veena in his mind and hence gave some signs for various gamakaas. All these can be played on the veena. The ‘AANTARA SRUTIS’ can be played either by gamakaas Read More …

Frets-Srutis

Frets-Srutis In the world of Indian classical music, the placement of frets on the veena instrument was a purposeful and clever effort to make it more similar to vocal music and incorporate the intricate nuances of Carnatic music. The veena is renowned for being the Read More …