Among the most distinctive and culturally rich instruments in the world, the sitar stands out not only for its mesmerizing sound but also for its deep historical and spiritual roots in Indian classical music. Known for its long neck, sympathetic strings, and complex resonance, the sitar has transcended regional boundaries to influence global music genres and inspire some of the most famous musicians in the 20th and 21st centuries. Whether heard in the soulful compositions of Indian raga or as a psychedelic feature in Western rock music, the sitar’s allure remains timeless.
This article aims to offer an in-depth look at the sitar, covering its definition, history, construction, sound characteristics, playing techniques, presence in various musical genres, and guidance on choosing one for yourself. Whether you’re a music student, an enthusiast, or someone looking to understand this fascinating instrument in depth, this comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about the sitar.
What Is a Sitar?
The sitar is a plucked string instrument from the Indian subcontinent, most commonly associated with North Indian (Hindustani) classical music. It belongs to the lute family of chordophones and is characterized by a long hollow neck, a gourd-shaped resonating chamber, and a varying number of strings—usually between 18 and 21—including melody strings, drone strings, and sympathetic strings (known as tarabs).
The word “sitar” is derived from the Persian word seh-tar, which means “three strings,” although modern sitars have many more. Despite this linguistic origin, the sitar is a uniquely Indian creation in terms of musical structure and playing style.
Sitar music is typically performed solo, but the instrument is also a key component of ensembles, often accompanied by the tabla (Indian drums) and tanpura (a drone instrument). Its tuning and playing style are intricately linked to Indian ragas, which are melodic frameworks for improvisation and composition.
History and Origins of the Sitar
The history of the sitar is rich and multifaceted, with roots reaching deep into Indian culture and beyond. While it is now an icon of Indian music, the sitar as we know it today evolved from a complex interaction of ancient Indian veena traditions and Persian instruments introduced during the Islamic rule in India.
Ancient Roots
Instruments similar to the sitar—like the rudra veena—have existed since Vedic times, around 1500 BCE. These veenas were made from gourds and had fretted necks, laying the foundational design that would influence later string instruments in India.
Influence of Persian Instruments
The actual evolution of the sitar is believed to have occurred around the 13th century, during the Delhi Sultanate period, when Persian musical influences merged with Indian traditions. One theory posits that Amir Khusrau, a Sufi musician and poet, developed a three-stringed instrument by modifying the Persian setar and combining it with the Indian veena. Though the modern sitar evolved much later, this fusion marked an important point in its development.
Mughal Era and Beyond
The sitar gained popularity in the Mughal courts (16th to 18th centuries), especially during the reign of emperors like Akbar and Shah Jahan, who were patrons of the arts. It was during this period that the instrument began acquiring its current shape and form.
19th Century Transformation
The sitar underwent significant refinements in the 18th and 19th centuries. Two prominent schools, or gharanas, of sitar playing emerged—the Ravi Shankar style and the Vilayat Khan style. Each had distinctive tuning systems, playing techniques, and structural nuances, helping further define the instrument.
Structure and Design of the Sitar
The sitar’s physical structure is intricate, making it both a functional musical instrument and a piece of fine craftsmanship. It is a visually striking instrument, typically about 4 feet (1.2 meters) long, and requires a balance of acoustics, aesthetics, and ergonomics.
Body (Resonator or Tumba)
The primary resonating chamber is usually made from a gourd (calabash). The soundboard is made of seasoned teak or tun wood, covered with a goat skin membrane in some styles. A second, smaller gourd may be attached to the top of the neck in some models for added resonance.
Neck (Dand)
The long neck is made of seasoned wood, often intricately carved. It houses metal frets tied with silk or nylon threads, which can be moved to adjust pitch—a unique feature allowing for microtonal tuning.
Strings
Sitars typically have:
- 6 to 7 main playing strings
- 13 to 15 sympathetic strings (tarabs) underneath
Chikari (drone) strings, which produce rhythmic and harmonic resonance.
Tuning Pegs (Kunti)
There are two types: large wooden pegs for the main strings and smaller ones for the sympathetic strings. These are inserted directly into the headstock and adjusted manually.
Bridge (Jawari)
Made from camel bone or horn, the jawari helps produce the buzzing, singing tone the sitar is known for. The bridge needs to be carefully maintained to preserve tonal quality.
How Does a Sitar Sound?
The sound of the sitar is immediately recognizable for its resonant, rich, and ethereal tone, which stems from its complex construction and unique playing techniques.
Resonance from Sympathetic Strings
When a melody string is plucked, it activates the sympathetic strings beneath it. These strings resonate in harmony, creating a layered, shimmering effect.
Jawari Effect
The flat bridge causes the string to buzz slightly as it vibrates, giving a sustained, metallic timbre known as jawari, which makes the notes seem to “sing.”
Bending Notes (Meend)
The sitar’s long, bendable strings allow for expressive glissando and microtonal inflections, which are crucial in Indian music. This produces a wailing, emotional quality that mimics the human voice.
Drone Strings (Chikari)
These are struck rhythmically to create percussive accents and maintain a tonic background, enriching the overall sonic texture.
The sitar is designed to fill space with its sound, making it ideal for solo performances that emphasize depth and spirituality.
How to Play the Sitar
Playing the sitar involves a combination of precise technique, musical intuition, and deep understanding of raga. Beginners often find the instrument challenging due to its complexity, but with patience and proper training, mastery is possible.
Sitting Posture
Sit cross-legged on the floor.
The main gourd rests on the left foot, and the neck leans against the left shoulder.
Your right hand plucks the strings using a mizrab (metal plectrum) worn on the index finger.
Basic Techniques
Plucking
Use the mizrab to pluck the melody and drone strings.
The technique involves up-down strokes for rhythmic variety.
Fretting and Bending (Meend)
Use your left-hand fingers to press and bend the strings across the frets, creating sliding effects.
Some notes may be stretched up to a whole octave by pulling the string sideways.
Striking Sympathetic Strings
These are not played directly but vibrate in response to played notes, enriching the tone.
Raga Performance
A typical performance includes an Alap (slow, unmetered intro), followed by Jor (rhythmic section) and Jhala (fast-paced climax), often accompanied by tabla.
Sitar in Music Genres
Though traditionally associated with Hindustani classical music, the sitar has found a place in various musical genres worldwide.
Indian Classical Music
Central to North Indian (Hindustani) music.
Used for solo performances, jugalbandi (duets), and ensemble works.
Integral in devotional music and temple rituals.
Film Music
Widely used in Bollywood soundtracks since the 1950s.
Adds a traditional or emotional layer to film scores.
Western Pop and Rock
Popularized in the West by George Harrison of The Beatles (e.g., “Norwegian Wood”).
Used in psychedelic rock (e.g., The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black”).
Also appears in fusion jazz and ambient music.
World Music and Fusion
Collaborations between Indian and Western artists have led to new genres that blend jazz, electronica, and sitar (e.g., Anoushka Shankar’s projects).
Notable Sitar Players
Many artists have elevated the sitar to global prominence through their virtuosic playing and innovative compositions.
Ravi Shankar
Arguably the most famous sitarist in history.
Known for collaborations with George Harrison, Yehudi Menuhin, and his role in the 1960s’ counterculture.
Landmark performances: Monterey Pop Festival, Woodstock, and Carnegie Hall.
Vilayat Khan
Pioneer of the Gayaki Ang (vocal style) of sitar playing.
Known for emotional expressiveness and technical finesse.
Anoushka Shankar
Daughter of Ravi Shankar.
Modern innovator who blends traditional ragas with flamenco, jazz, and electronica.
Shujaat Khan
Son of Vilayat Khan.
Continues the legacy of the Imdadkhani gharana with emotive playing and international collaborations.
Choosing a Sitar: What to Consider
Buying a sitar involves more than just aesthetics. The quality of sound, materials, and craftsmanship are key, especially for serious learners or professionals.
Beginner vs. Professional Models
Beginner Sitars
- Fewer strings (usually 18-19)
- Slightly smaller size
- Cheaper materials
- Good for practice and early learning
Professional Sitars
- Full-sized (20-21 strings)
- Superior tonewoods and jawari
- Custom-fitted frets and bridges
- Hand-carved decoration
Key Features to Consider
Material: Tun wood and aged gourds offer better sound.
Fret Quality: Movable, polished frets ensure better tuning.
Tuning Pegs: Smooth-turning pegs help with fine tuning.
Finish: Natural polish is preferred over synthetic coatings.
Recommended Brands and Luthiers
- Hiren Roy & Sons (Kolkata)
- Radha Krishna Sharma (Miraj)
- Monoj Kumar Sardar (Kolkata)
- Srishti Musical (for good entry-level models)
Buying from reputable luthiers or stores that specialize in Indian instruments is advisable.
Conclusion
The sitar is not just an instrument—it is a cultural symbol, a spiritual medium, and a gateway into the vast landscape of Indian classical music. With its deeply resonant tone, intricate craftsmanship, and capacity for emotional expression, the sitar continues to captivate audiences and musicians around the world.
Whether you’re drawn to its traditional raga-based performance or its fusion into global genres, understanding the sitar opens up a rich world of musical tradition and innovation. From historical roots in Mughal India to modern concert halls and recording studios, the sitar remains a timeless beacon of melody and meaning.
