Stringed instruments

Narambukaruvi (Chordophones commonly known as Strings)

Narambukaruvi is derived from two distinctive Tamil words, “Narambu”, meaning vein and “Karuvi” meaning instruments. This category is exclusive to the instrument which produces sound by vibrating strings stretch between two points.

String instruments are further divided into two categories based on whether the instrument contains a resonator or not:

1) Those instruments which do contain a resonator. This class includes almost all instruments generally called string instruments including the Veenai, Thambura and Violin.


2) Those instruments which do not contain a resonator. This class includes very few instruments, such as the Yaal (harp).