The Indian santoor is a trapezoid-shaped hammered dulcimer and a type of the Iranian santur. It is usually made from walnut wood and has 25 bridges. Each bridge holds 4 strings, which results in a total of 100 strings. This instrument is traditional in Jammu and Kashmir and has been used since ancient times. In old Sanskrit writings, it was known as Shatha Tantri Veena.

Development

In ancient Sanskrit writings, the instrument was called shatatantri vina, meaning "100-stringed vina." In Kashmir, the santoor was used to play folk music. It is played in a type of music called Sufiana Mausiqi. Some researchers think it is a version that was developed from a simple instrument used in Mesopotamia between 1600 and 900 B.C. Sufi mystics used the santoor to support their hymns. When playing the Indian santoor, musicians use special-shaped mallets called mezrab. These mallets are light and held between the index and middle fingers. A typical santoor has two sets of bridges, allowing it to produce notes across three octaves. The Indian santoor is usually rectangular and may have more strings than the Persian santoor, which typically has 72 strings. Instruments similar to the santoor have been used in many places around the world.

Characteristics

The trapezoid framework is usually made from walnut or maple wood. The top and bottom boards may be made from plywood or veneer. The top board, called the soundboard, holds wooden bridges that support stretched metal strings. The strings, grouped into sets of 3 or 4, are attached to nails or pins on the left side of the instrument and stretch over the soundboard, resting on the bridges on the right side. On the right side, steel tuning pegs, also known as tuning pins, help adjust each set of strings to the correct musical note, frequency, or pitch.

Technique

The santoor is played while sitting in a posture called ardha-padmasana, with the instrument placed on the musician's lap. The wider part of the santoor is positioned near the musician's waist, while the narrower part faces away. The instrument is played using two lightweight wooden mallets, held in both hands. The santoor is a delicate instrument that responds well to gentle touches and smooth movements. The musician strikes the strings either near the bridges or slightly away from them. These different positions create various sounds. One hand can cover the strings with the palm to soften the sound, adding variety to the music.