Sitar. Etymology and history[edit] The Hindi word sitar originally derives from Persian seh + tar, literally meaning "three strings. "[3] The instrument descended from a similar but simpler Afghan instrument called the Setar (meaning "three strings") and it's predecessor the Dutar (meaning "two strings")[4] The sitar flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries and arrived at its present form in 18th century India, gaining prominence in the royal court of the Mughal Empire based in Northern India. General layout[edit] The anatomy of a sitar A sitar can have 18, 19 or 20 strings. The bridges are fixed to the main resonating chamber, or kaddu, at the base of the instrument. Materials used in construction include teak wood or tun wood (Cedrela toona), which is a variation of mahogany, for the neck and faceplate (tabli), and gourds for the resonating chambers.
Sitar construction styles[edit] There are three popular modern styles of sitar offered in a variety of sub-styles and decorative patterns. Musique indienne Brigitte Menon Sitar. SITAR GUIDE. Great Music For Less.