Southern India

Carnatic Classical Music

Wood, gourd, bone, metal strings
Length: 42 inches
Mid 20th century
Chordophones – Lutes

A unique Tanjore-style Carnatic folding tambura from the noted maker Ramjee of Thiruchirapalli.  The body shape is similar to that of the sitar, but it has no frets, and the strings are played open.  Unlike the Miraj-style tambura of northern India, with a large gourd resonator, this Tanjore-style tambura is slightly smaller with a more slender neck and the resonator bowl is carved from a single piece of jackwood.  Although the resonator is very compact, the sound is very rich.