India’s Veena: Strings of Tradition Facing Modern Challenges

The Ancient Soundtrack of India’s Soul

In the heart of India, two artisans are battling time and trends to preserve the Veena—a stringed instrument as old as the country’s epics. Once the centerpiece of classical music, this symbol of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, now struggles to find its rhythm in a world dominated by digital beats.

Crafting Magic, One String at a Time

Building a Veena isn’t just woodwork—it’s alchemy. Artisans spend months carving jackfruit wood, tuning brass frets, and balancing resonance. 'It’s like crafting a smartphone… but with soul,' laughs one maker, whose family has shaped Veenas for generations. Yet, rising material costs and shrinking demand threaten this ancient art.

Mastering the Unseen Struggle

Learning the Veena isn’t for the faint-hearted. With no frets to guide fingers and a five-octave range, it’s the 'Dark Souls of instruments,' says a musician who’s played for 20 years. 'You don’t just play it—you argue with it, then become friends.'

Despite the odds, these guardians of tradition believe the Veena’s meditative tones can cut through today’s noise. As streaming platforms revive interest in classical arts, could this be the comeback story we’ve been waiting for?

Reference(s):

Assignment Asia: Strings of Tradition

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