THANJAVUR VEENAI (TANJORE VEENA)

The Sanskrit word Veena in ancient and medieval Indian literature is a generic term for plucked string musical instruments. It is mentioned in the Rigveda, Samveda and other Vedic literature. A person who plays the veena is called a Vainika.  It is often called the Tanjore veena or the Saraswati Veena. Jackfruit trees are used for making Veenai. The body of the Thanjavur Veenai is painted and engraved with delicate woodwork, which usually consists of a picture of god and goddess, motifs of flowers or birds. It is played by sitting cross-legged with the instrument held tilted slightly away from the player. The beautiful Veena is a piece of art, as well as the most ancient stringed musical instrument from India. It is registered as GI (Geographical Indication) in 2013 by The Thanjavur Musical Instruments Workers Co-operative Cottage Industrial Society Limited.