The Rudra Veena is called after the Hindu deity Lord Shiva (Rudra – “the roarer”, Veena – stringed instrument). It is one of the most ancient string instruments in India.
According to Hindu myth, Lord Shiva saw his wife Parvati lying down and wished to commemorate her beauty. He saw her bangles adorned arm resting on her breasts and decided to create the Veena as a prolonged stringed body resting on two resonance gourds.
The Rudra Veena is played in the ancient musical style of Dhrupad. Its sound can be either deep and meditative or fast and ecstatic, according to the player’s will and ability.
Today, there are very few players preserving the Rudra Veena’s ancient musical heritage. Dudu Elkabir had the honor of learning this musical form from the great Rudra Veena player, Bahauddin Dagar.
The Rudra Veena is usually accompanied by a Pakawaj drum and a Tanpura. Its sound is a slowly progressing acoustic trance.[/embed]