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Veena (also spelled vina) is a stringed instrument used in Carnatic music.
Veena designs have evolved over the years. Currently the most popular design is known as the Saraswathi veena. This uses twenty-four frets, four main strings which pass over the frets and are attached to the pegs of the neck, and three supporting strings, which pass over an arched bridge made of brass and are used as side strings for rhythmic accompaniment. It is a difficult instrument to master and takes years of practise. The veena is played by sitting cross-legged and holding the veena in front of oneself. The small gourd on the left rests on the left thigh, the left arm passing beneath and hand curved round the stem so that the fingers rest upon the frets. The veena's main body is placed on the ground, partially supported by the right thigh.
The patron Hindu goddess of learning and the arts, Mother Saraswati, is often depicted seated upon a swan or peacock and with a veena in hand.
Some of the other variations of the veena are Rudra veena, Mahanataka veena, Vichitra veena, and Gottuvadhyam veena (also called Chitra veena).
Some famous veena players
- Emani Sankara Shastri
- S.Balachander
- Doraiswamy Iyengar
- Chittibabu
- R.Vishweshwaran
- E.Gayathri
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