text: TANPURA: Chordophone
  NORTH INDIA
  The principal drone instrument of North Indian classical music. Resonator made of gourd, joined to a long wooden finger board (Dand) and covered with light wooden plank, called Tabli, on which the main bridge is mounted. Four strings, three of steel and one of brass, tied to the string holder on the base of the resonator, stretched over the finger board and finally go to the respective pegs. Four beads are inserted in the strings for finer tuning. One secondary bridge and a string holder placed just before the peg box. Decorated on the face of the tabli and rear side of the resonator with fine inlay work. Held upright, placing resonator on the ground or on lap. The strings are plucked continously with index and middle fingers of right hand throughout the performance, providing basic sruti or svara to the performer.
  