Highlights
1. Tambura and Veena are two different types of musical instruments used in India.
2. Tambura is a plucked stringed instrument used for fixing the Shruti or sound alignment during a musical performance, while Veena is also a plucked stringed instrument used in Carnatic music.
3. Tambura has a long necked plucked lute body and comes in different sizes with four or five wire strings, while Veena comes in various varieties such as Rudra Veena, Saraswati Veena, and Raghunatha Veena.
Introduction
On July 16, 2011, Kishor posted about the differences between Tambura and Veena, two musical instruments used in India. Tambura is a plucked stringed instrument used for fixing the Shruti or sound alignment during performances, while Veena is a plucked stringed instrument used in Carnatic music.
Tambura
Tambura is a long necked plucked lute similar to the Sitar in body structure. It has no frets like the Veena and comes in different sizes, with four or five wire strings. The strings are plucked sequentially to create a harmonic resonance on the basic note, known as the Shruti.
The size of the Tambura varies for male and female vocalists. The Tambura used by male singers has an open string length of approximately one meter, while the one used by female singers is three-fourths of that length.
The word “tambura” is derived from the combination of “tan” referring to musical phrases and “pura” meaning “full.” Tambura has three different styles: the Tanjore style, Tamburi, and Miraj style. The Miraj style is used by classical Hindustani musicians, the Tanjore style is used by Carnatic musicians, and Tamburi is used as an accompaniment by instrumental soloists.
In the initial stages of music practice, Tambura is often replaced by harmonium. Tambura players play a crucial role in assisting the main performer and are honored for their dedication to music.
Veena
Veena has various varieties such as Rudra Veena, Saraswati Veena, and Raghunatha Veena. The well-known Tanjore Veena, used in performances, comes in one standard size.
Veena is highly popular in Carnatic music, and renowned musicians like Dhanammal, Emani Sankara Sastri, Chittibabu, and Mysore Doreswamy Iyengar are celebrated for their contributions to Veena music.
Veena is also associated with religious and mythological characters in India. The goddess of Learning, Saraswathi, is often depicted with a Veena on her lap. Sage Narada is known to always carry his Veena, and Ravana, the king of Lanka, and his brother Vibheeshana are recognized as skilled vainikas or Veena players.
