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 Playing Veena 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.

Best Gifts for Music Lovers

We’ve created more than 2,000 products for string instrument players and music lovers. Find a unique gift for your favorite veena player or enthusiast. Beware of inferior copycats! Our original designs are available here and in our String Kings Music Veena collection.

Find a Veena Online

Indian Handmade Plain Saraswati Veena

Product details:

Handmade in India
Natural color, polished finish
Veena is made from a single piece of special jack fruit wood
Some variation in dimension, design, or color is natural

Indian Handmade Plain Saraswati Veena, Natural Color, Polished Finish Instrument Dimensions are Approximately 56.69 x 19.29 x 18.5 inches (L-W-H)

Veena Gift Ideas

If you need to find a gift for your favorite veena player, you’ve come to the right place. We’re always creating new products and sharing our favorites from other designers.

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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