Veena Facts by Kim Giancaterino © All Rights Reserved
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.
Indian Goddess Playing Veena
More Veena Facts
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.
Joint Saraswati Veena
Goddess Saraswati
Indian Handicraft Cotton Tapestry
Goddess Saraswati Playing Veena Cotton Tapestry
Performer and Educator 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.
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Traditional Saraswati Veena
Product details:
- Handmade in India
- Made from three logs of wood
- Tonal quality of instrument is better than regular joint veenas
- Some variation in dimension, design, or color is natural
Handmade Traditional Saraswati Veena
Closeup of Extra Resonator
Indian Woman Playing Veena
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Ellora Saraswati Veena Strings – Professional Quality – Direct From Makers – Checked and Tested – Complete Set of Strings
Vadyam Saraswati Veena Bridge – Brass Plate on Teak Wood – Professional Quality – 7.5 x 2.5 x 5 cm (Length-Width-Height)
eSplanade Musical Instruments Miniature Set in Brass – Veena, Sitar, Tabla, Harmonium – Handmade Home Decor
Hindu Goddess Saraswati Idol Figurine – Hand-Painted Poly Stone – Intricate Craftsmanship – Gift Boxed
Courtesies
Indian Goddess Playing Veena image by nikhilck1
Musician’s Mall – Berkeley, California
Kaleidoscope Mandala image by JuliusH
Indian Woman Playing Veena image by Hemanth_Karukola














