Sarinda (instrument)

A Sarinda or Saranda is a stringed folk musical instrument from North and Eastern India and Pakistan, similar to the Sarangi, lutes, and the fiddle.

The Sarinda is played with a bow and is crafted from a single wooden block, and features three playable strings, consisting of two steel strings and one made from gut, along with a total of thirty-six sympathetic strings. These strings cascade down a slender waist and traverse an oval-shaped resonating chamber, which is partially adorned with animal skin. It is played while sitting on the ground in a vertical orientation.

History
The Sarinda was first introduced to the Sikhs by the fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjan, who used to play it while performing kirtan.

Regional variations
The Sarangi and Nepali sarangi are similar to the Saranda. The Bodos call it Serja or Serenja. In 2022, it was awarded a Geographical indication (GI) certificate.

Usage
Several ethnic groups of India, e.g. Bauls of Bengal, Punjabi people, the folk artists of Rajasthan, the Bodo of Assam, and the related Twiprasa of Tripura, use the sarinda in their traditional music and dance. It is the sole accompaniment for a soloist or group folk singer(s).