American Luthier magazine had a very good article on sitar building a few years back. Cant remember what issue number and it didnt offer any plans but a very good article non the less.
I've searched for sitar plans in the past but had no luck at finding anything.
Oh yes, you can also try the MIMFORUM (Musical instrument makers forum) those guys there may be able to help you.
If you need the link e-mail me and I'll send it to you.
What kind of information are you looking for, I built my own mayuri, I may be able to help. What you need to do is get a "Shitar" and strip it apart and use that as a pattern. Materials are easy to find here with the acception of tumba, I grow them, but for stock on my own instruments, however if contact a maker in Miraj, they can help you out.
Beenkar Ted Ceplina
I've seen this question many times, but I think the best answer is indeed to "reverse- engineer" one of those "shitars". You can find them on Ebay for well under $100 to use as a pattern!
I have grown gourds before. It is a long, painstaking process and only one out of maybe 100 is suitable for working into a resonating body. But at least nature does the hard work! You just provide the dirt, water, etc.
