Ravanhattha, a musical instrument favoured by itinerent minstrels in the state of Rajas than, is a curious combination of primitive and modern features. It has been referred to in some of the earliest musical tests as one of the foremost bowing instruments of India. Mythological, it is associated with 'Ravana' the demon king of Lanka. lts historical background suggests that the instrument enjoyed widespread popularity throughout India till the medieval period, after which it gradually got restricted to the western region. Nevertheless, Ravanhattha prototypes and variants can still be found in various regions of the country.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Suneera Kasliwal
Born and brought up in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Dr. Suneera Kasliwal is a renowned sitar exponent. She had her early training from Dr. Sharda Mishra of Jaipur. Later she became a disciple of Late Pt. Lal Mani Mishra, the famous vichitra veena player and renowned musicologist of Banaras Hindu University (BHU). A gold medallist in Master of Music from BHU, she completed her doctoral programme under Dr. K.C. Gangrade. In 1987 she became a disciple of Pt. Uma Shankar Mishra, under whom she is still learning the intricacies of sitar playing of Maihar Gharana. A recipient of the Sur Mani Award, she was awarded the Pt. Omkar Nath Award in 1979. A regular contributor to AIR, Doordarshan and music journals and magazines, Dr. Kasliwal is currently a senior reader in the Department of Music, Delhi University.
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