The ravanahatha (as seen in the picture) is the instrument traditionally played by Bhopa men during the epic tales passed down through generations, in the long nights of storytelling and singing, dating back to Maharajah times. They are the precursor to the modern day violin, but are much more rudimentary in style. They were originally brought to Europe along the Silk Road by Arabs. A ravanahatha sound box is made of a gourd, or halved coconut shell, hollowed out cylinder of wood or tin, with a membrane of stretched goat or other hide. The neck of this string instrument is wood or bamboo and has 1-6 peg turned strings of gut, hair or steel, strung over the bridge. The bow is usually horsehair. It has a very distinct sound and accompanies the Bhopa couple as they sing the stories.
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