The word ‘Sarangi’ was derived from the word ‘sau rangi’, which means 100 colors. This is a stringed instrument famous in classical and folk music of north India. As this instrument has the ability to reproduce almost all the variations of vocal music, it is the customary accompaniment to vocal music recitals in the
khayal and
thumri styles. Traditionally, it is played with a horse-hair bow held in the right hand with the left hand fingers pressing against the main strings at the side to produce melody. Sabri Khan and Ram Narain are two of the most renowned exponents of the Sarangi today.
