Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c8.76

v1.c8.76

Vīṇā. It consists of a long hollow semi-cylindrical body handle with a number of keys on its sides. From each of these keys proceeds a string or wire which is stretched over the long body of the instrument and tied at the lower end. At this lower end is a square sounding box, and to the upper end a hollow gourd is attached to serve as a resonator. It is played with the left hand by passing the fingers lightly over the strings and pressing them down a little in required positions. The right hand plucks the various strings periodically to suit the requirements of the musician (see Pl. III, figs. 18 and 11).