Each instrument carries centuries of accumulated technique, its own vocabulary of expression, and its own family of masters who gave it a voice the world would come to recognize.
The iconic plucked string instrument of Hindustani music, with its distinctive gourd resonator and movable frets.
The paired hand drums that accompany most Hindustani classical performances: a system of extraordinary rhythmic complexity.
The bamboo flute of Indian classical music, associated with Krishna and the pastoral tradition of devotional music.
The bowed string instrument considered the closest to the human voice, an emotionally expressive accompaniment instrument.
The hammered dulcimer of Kashmir, brought into the Hindustani classical tradition by Pandit Shivkumar Sharma.
The ancient stick zither associated with Shiva: the most venerable of Indian instruments, at the heart of the Dhrupad tradition.
The four-stringed drone instrument that sustains the tonic throughout every Indian classical performance.
A fretless, plucked string instrument descended from the Afghan rabab, known for its rich, resonant tone and expressive glides.
The double-reed oboe traditionally played at temples and auspicious occasions, made internationally famous by Ustad Bismillah Khan.
The barrel drum of the Dhrupad tradition, older than the tabla and with a different, more earthy rhythmic character.
Adopted into both Hindustani and Carnatic music, where it is played in a distinctive position and adapted to Indian intonation.