The Music and Musical Instruments of Southern India and the Deccan c11.107

c11.107

The right hand is employed thus: the wrist is laid almost upon the edge of the belly, and the hand is slightly arched upwards; the first and second fingers are above, and are used to strike the large strings, all strikes being made with the nail downwards. Players upon the vina purposely allow the nails of the right hand to grow rather long, for this instrument is never played with plectra. The side strings are sounded by the third and fourth fingers of the right hand moved upwards.