Veenas

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The Veena is a form of lute and as such, is classified as a chordophone. The Saraswathi veena is associated with Saraswati, the goddess of learning and the arts. Often it is simply called Vina, or Veena, with the "Saraswati" part being implied. It is one of the most important stringed instruments of India, primarily associated with the Carnatic Sangeet. Veenas are highly decorated with carvings and inlays. There are two forms; one that is played like the sitar (Veena Deluxe and Rudra Veena) and the other that is played flat with a slide (Vichitra Veena).

The Veena is carved of wood. It resembles the shape of the double toomba sitar, with two large wooden, or gourd, toombas. The more rare, and most expensive, are carved from a single block of wood. Most Veenas are constructed in three sections, the resonator, neck and head.

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