Swarmandal

Swarmandal
	Pundit Jasraj with a swarmandal
String instrument
Other names	Surmandal
Classification	(Chordophone), String instrument
Hornbostel–Sachs classification	314.122-5,6; (Resonated box zither, plucked by fingers or a plectrum)
Developed	Probably imported with conquerors or traders in medieval period and adapted to suit Indian culture. May have roots in a native instrument called the mattakokilā.
Related instruments
	autoharp; board zither; box zither; psaltery; qanun;

The swarmandal (Hindi: स्वरमण्डल [s̪ʋərməɳɖəl̪]), surmandal, or Indian harp is a plucked box zither, originating from India, similar to the qanun that is today most commonly used as an accompanying instrument for vocal Indian classical music.^[1] It is part of the culture of Northern India and is used in concerts to accompany vocal music.^[2] The name combines Sanskrit words svara (notes) and maṇḍala (circle),^[1] representing its ability to produce many notes. The instrument was seen as equivalent by the Ā'īn-i-akbarī to the qanun.^[1]

^ ^a ^b ^c Alastair Dick (1984). "Swarmandal". In Sadie, Stanley (ed.). The New Grove Dictionary of Musical Instruments. p. 477. Volume 3.
^ "SWARMANDAL". Government of India.

[grove-1] Alastair Dick (1984). "Swarmandal". In Sadie, Stanley (ed.). The New Grove Dictionary of Musical Instruments. p. 477. Volume 3.

[gov-2] "SWARMANDAL". Government of India.

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