Sarinda

A sarinda is a stringed Indian folk musical instrument similar to lutes or fiddles.  It is played with a bow and has between ten and thirty strings.  The bottom part of the front of its hollow wooden soundbox is covered with animal skin.  It is played while sitting on the ground in a vertical orientation. 

The sarinda seems to have its origin in tribal fiddle instruments called "Dhodro Banam" found throughout in central, north-western and eastern India.  It is an important instrument in the culture and religion of the tribal Santhals of West Bengal, Bihar and Odisha. 

Sarangi is an offshoot of Sarinda.  The Sarinda was introduced to and popularized in Sikh devotional music by Sikh Guru Arjan Dev.  

Several ethnic groups of India, e.g. Bauls of Bengal,  Punjabi people the folk artists of Rajasthan, Assam and Tripura, use the sarinda in their traditional music and dance.  It is the sole accompaniment for a soloist or group folk singer(s). 

See also
Sarangi a more common relative of the sarinda
Sarangi (Nepali) a simpler version of the sarangi, played in Nepal and Sikkim

External links

Afghan Sarinda Recordings
Website of Delhi based Tripuris
Article about dhodro banam a relative of the sarinda
Sarinda entry in an instrument encyclopedia
Brief description of the sarinda
Article on Sikhnet

Category:Indian musical instruments
Category:Necked bowl lutes
Category:Bowed instruments
Category:Drumhead lutes