Miraj Sitar
Musical Instrument
History
Miraj, a historic town in Maharashtra’s Sangli district, has been a hub for musical traditions for over 150 years. Renowned for crafting string instruments like sitars and tanpuras, it holds global recognition. The sitar, believed to have originated in the Indo-Pakistani subcontinent during the Mughal era, was a prominent instrument in royal courts, captivating audiences with its rich, melodious sound.
Raw Materials and Tools
Bhopla (kaddu), teakwood, deer horn (for bridges), steel and brass strings. Tools include hand drills, chisels, plastic stencils, files, and polishing materials.
Process
Artisans use bhopla (kaddu) to create the tumba, drying it by suspending it to prevent moisture damage. A wooden handle is attached, and intricate carvings are made using hand drills and stencils. The sitar is then polished and strung for tuning.
Design and Color
In general, the length of a sitar is about 4 feet (1.2 meters) and it differs from instrument to instrument. Floral design is one of the most common carvings seen on professional sitars.
Product Range
Here are some of the notable types of sitars:
Angurpatti: Features carvings of grape leaves on both the neck and the face.
Munda: The Munda sitar does not have any carvings on the thumba.
Plane Sitar: No specific carvings on any part of the instrument.