Veena Facts: Shop for Instruments, Accessories, Gifts

Veena Facts

The veena is a plucked string instrument with origins in ancient India. It’s used primarily in Carnatic classical music (South Indian) and Hindustani classical music (North Indian). The earliest veenas were referenced as far back as 15th century BC, and were similar to harps.

There are several types of veenas–some with frets and some without. Saraswati and chitra veenas used in Carnatic music are in the lute family. Rudra and vichitra veenas used in Hindustani music are technically zithers.

Depending on one’s playing technique and use of amplification devices, the instrument has a wonderful sound for both traditional and contemporary music.

More Veena Facts

Fun Fact
A person who performs on this string instrument is called a vainika.

Notable vainikas include Veenai Dhanammal, Veenai Gayathri, Rugmini Gopalakrishnan, Jayanthi Kumaresh, Nirmala Rajasekar, Veene Sheshanna, Veena Subbanna, Prince Rama Varma, and Tirupati Srivani Yalla.

Goddess Saraswati

Indian Handicraft Cotton Tapestry

Goddess Saraswati Cotton Tapestry

Listen to the Veena

Performed by Nirmala Rajasekar

Often called a “Carnatic Ambassador,” Nirmala Rajasekar is an internationally renowned veena virtuoso. She has performed south Indian classical music throughout the world, earning many awards along the way. Nirmala also enjoys collaborative projects with other music traditions including western classical and jazz.

We Love Veenas

Shop for the Best Veena Gifts

We’ve created more than 2,500 products for string instrument players and music lovers. Find a unique gift for your favorite vainika.

Beware of copycats! Our original designs are available here and in our String Kings Music Veena collection.

Find a Veena Online

Lakshman Sruthi Joint Veena

Product details:

Handmade in India
Good sound quality
Unique look, beautifully crafted from Jack Fruit Wood
Includes one set of Veena strings, Meetti, Veena stand, Veena cover, Mela cover

Generic Lakshman Sruthi Joint Veena Crafted from Well Seasoned Jack Fruit Wood

Veena Deals Online

Keep an eye on this automatically updating gallery of veenas and accessories available on eBay. Find bargains on all kinds of Indian stringed instruments including veenas.