Swarmandal
The swarmandal (Hindi: स्वरमण्डल [s̪ʋərməɳɖəl̪]), surmandal, or Indian harp is a plucked box zither, originating from India, similar to the qanun that is today most commonly used as an accompanying instrument for vocal Indian classical music. It is part of the culture of Northern India and is used in concerts to accompany vocal music. The name combines Sanskrit words svara (notes) and maṇḍala (circle), representing its ability to produce many notes. The instrument was seen as equivalent by the Ā'īn-i-akbarī to the qanun.
Pundit Jasraj with a swarmandal | |
| String instrument | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Surmandal |
| Classification | (Chordophone), String instrument |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 314.122-5,6 (Resonated box zither, plucked by fingers or a plectrum) |
| Developed | Probably imported with conquerors or traders in medieval period and adapted to suit Indian culture. May have roots in a native instrument called the mattakokilā. |
| Related instruments | |
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