In This Article
Ancient Origins
The veena is arguably India's most ancient stringed instrument, with references dating back to the Vedic period. Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge and arts, is traditionally depicted holding a veena, establishing the instrument's sacred status in Indian culture. The modern Saraswati Veena, with its distinctive large resonator and long neck, evolved over centuries from simpler stringed instruments.
Anatomy of the Saraswati Veena
The Saraswati Veena consists of a large resonating gourd (kudam) attached to a long wooden neck with 24 frets. A smaller gourd at the top provides balance. It has four main strings for melody and three side strings (thalam) for rhythmic accompaniment. The frets are set in beeswax, allowing for precise tuning, and the instrument's design enables the characteristic gamakas — the oscillations and slides that are the very essence of Carnatic music.
Playing Technique
The veena is played by plucking the strings with the right hand while the left hand presses and pulls the strings along the frets. The pulling technique, unique to the veena, allows for continuous pitch bending that closely mimics the human voice. This is why the veena is often called the instrument closest to the human voice — it can produce the subtle gamakas, meend (glides), and jaru (slides) that define Carnatic melodic expression.
Masters of the Veena
The 20th century produced legendary veena masters: Veena Dhanammal, whose austere, deeply meditative style set the gold standard; S. Balachander, who popularised the instrument through concerts and recordings; and Emani Shankara Sastry, known for his scholarly approach. Today, artists like Jayanthi Kumaresh and Suma Sudhindra continue to evolve the tradition while honouring its ancient roots.