The ravanhasta is a folk fiddle found in various parts of India. However it is especially popular in Rajasthan. There are a number of variations upon the name. The ravanhasta is variously referred to as ravanahastra, rawanastum, Ravanhattaor ravanastron, it is also called (incorrectly) sarangi or saringda.
It is of a very simple construction. One starts by taking a half coconut shell and covering it with a membrane; this forms the resonator. This resonator is penetrated by a length of bamboo; this forms the neck of the instrument. This length of bamboo has a number of tuning pegs attached to it. The strings attach directly to these tuning pegs and then pass over a bridge which rests on the taught membrane of the resonator. Finally these strings terminate at the other end. The ravanhasta is then played with a bow of horsehair.
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SELECTED VIDEOS
Snake Charmers and a Musician, Jaipur, India
inde : chant et danse Bopas
Bopa Bopi, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Ethnic Musician and boy dancer Agra Road India
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RAVANATHA
boy playing ravanatha
Mirza on Sarangi - Unknown Singer (It really is a ravanhasta)