iNdIan ClaSsiCal iNsTrUmEnT: VEENAI

The veenai is one of the most ancient string instruments of India. It is almost similar to the Grecian harp. There are three types of veenai; saraswati veenai, rudra veenai and vichitra veenai. The highest quality veenai have the whole body
carved from a single block of wood, while the lower quality veenai is carved in three sections (the resonator,neck and head). Commonly, veenai has a large, round body with a thick, wide neck, the end of which is carved into the head of a dragon. A small resonator is attached to the underside of the neck. The veenai has 24 metal frets embedded in hardened Beeswax, mixed with charcoal powder. Melody is produced on four metal strings that run above the frets. These are stretched over a wide bridge that sits on the body of the veenai. Three other strings run alongside the neck of the instrument. These are used for maintaining time and for playing the drone. The performer, who sits cross-legged on the stage, rests the small resonator on the left lap. The fingers of the left hand are used to press, pull and glide on the frets, while the fingers of the right hand are used to pluck the strings. The saraswati veenai is made up of jackwood, 52" long, has 24 brass frets and 7 strings.Unlike north Indian instruments like the sitar, the Saraswati veenai has no sympathetic strings. It has only four playing strings and three drone strings (thalam). A major centre for the manufacture of the Saraswati veenai is in Thanjavur. The rudra veenai is also known as the been. The duration of these veenai's notes is incredibly long. The been is made of a body, a hollow tube made of teak wood, on which the strings are fixed at both ends. The bridge is a flat bridge, multiplying the depth of the note's wavelength. Veenai is an integral part of the rich Carnatic music in Thanjavur. Popularly known as Veena, Veenai bears relics to the rich religious and cultural history of the place. According to mythological legends, Goddess Saraswati is always seen to play musical instrument of veenai.