Ravanastram

Ravanastram is one of the earliest forms of bow and string instrument recorded in Indian history. It is a kind of Veena played with a bow.

The structure of Ravanastram is of primitive nature. The main body is made of a bamboo stick. Two wooden pegs, fixed on this stick, help in the tuning of the strings. A half coconut shell, covered with dry animal hide, is attached to the body of this instrument. The bow used for playing contains a string of horsehair tied to it.