12-06-2025
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The Banarsi Sitar: A Deep Dive into Varanasi's Musical Legacy
Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, is also the birthplace of some of the world's most exquisite sitars—instruments that embody centuries of craftsmanship, devotion, and sonic perfection. While sitars from Kolkata and Miraj dominate the market, the Banarsi sitar stands apart with its deep resonance, unparalleled sustain, and ergonomic design, making it the preferred choice for maestros who value emotional depth over sheer technical brilliance.
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The Making of a Banarsi Sitar: A 100-Step Artisan Journey
1. The Sacred Selection of Materials
Tumba (Gourd Resonator)
Only fully matured pumpkins (kaddu) from West Bengal or Odisha are used.
Aged for 5–10 years in controlled conditions to stabilize the wood.
Thicker walls than Kolkata sitars → warmer, bass-heavy tone.
Dandi (Neck)
Toon wood (Indian mahogany) or teak—never cheap substitutes like plywood.
Reinforced with bone/horn inlays at stress points for longevity.
Tabli (Soundboard)
High-quality tun wood, carved to 3–5 mm thickness for optimal vibration.
Tumba (Gourd Resonator)
Only fully matured pumpkins (kaddu) from West Bengal or Odisha are used.
Aged for 5–10 years in controlled conditions to stabilize the wood.
Thicker walls than Kolkata sitars → warmer, bass-heavy tone.
Dandi (Neck)
Toon wood (Indian mahogany) or teak—never cheap substitutes like plywood.
Reinforced with bone/horn inlays at stress points for longevity.
Tabli (Soundboard)
High-quality tun wood, carved to 3–5 mm thickness for optimal vibration.
2. The Art of Jawari: Where Science Meets Spirituality
Unlike Kolkata’s sharp, metallic jawari, Banarsi makers aim for a softer, rounded bridge curve.
Each jawari is hand-filed using a diamond dust-coated needle—a process taking 3–7 days.
Tested with a microscope to ensure perfect string contact.
Each jawari is hand-filed using a diamond dust-coated needle—a process taking 3–7 days.
Tested with a microscope to ensure perfect string contact.
3. Frets That Sing: The Banarsi Parda System
German silver or brass frets, bent and filed by hand.
Slightly wider spacing than Kolkata sitars → easier meend (glides).
Movable (thread-tied) for raga-specific tuning adjustments.
Slightly wider spacing than Kolkata sitars → easier meend (glides).
Movable (thread-tied) for raga-specific tuning adjustments.
4. The Final Assembly: A Symphony of Precision
Glue-free joinery: Traditional wooden pegs and lacquer ensure natural resonance.
Sympathetic strings (taraf): 13–15 strings, tuned to enhance specific ragas.
Hand-carved floral motifs: A signature of Banarsi artistry.
Sympathetic strings (taraf): 13–15 strings, tuned to enhance specific ragas.
Hand-carved floral motifs: A signature of Banarsi artistry.
Why Banarsi Sitars Dominate Classical Music
1. The Sound: A Vocal Quality Like No Other
Feature Banarsi Sitar Kolkata Sitar Miraj Sitar
Tone Warm, bass-heavy Bright, metallic Balanced, crisp
Sustain Long, resonant decay Medium sustain Short, precise
Best For Alap, slow gats Fast taans, gatkari Technical precision
Feature Banarsi Sitar Kolkata Sitar Miraj Sitar
Tone Warm, bass-heavy Bright, metallic Balanced, crisp
Sustain Long, resonant decay Medium sustain Short, precise
Best For Alap, slow gats Fast taans, gatkari Technical precision
2. Playability: Designed for the Maestro
Wider neck profile → Comfortable for big hands and complex meends.
Heavier but balanced → Reduces wrist fatigue in 3-hour performances.
Customizable string action → Adjustable for fingerstyle or mizrab players.
Heavier but balanced → Reduces wrist fatigue in 3-hour performances.
Customizable string action → Adjustable for fingerstyle or mizrab players.
3. The Aesthetics: A Work of Art
Natural shellac polish (not synthetic varnish) → Preserves wood resonance.
Hand-engraved peacock motifs on tumba → A Banarsi signature.
Ivory/bone inlays (pre-ban) → Now replaced with stag horn or synthetic.
Hand-engraved peacock motifs on tumba → A Banarsi signature.
Ivory/bone inlays (pre-ban) → Now replaced with stag horn or synthetic.
The Great Banarsi Sitar Makers: Keepers of the Tradition
1. Radhey Shyam Sharma (Varanasi)
Legacy: 4th-generation sitar maker.
Signature: "Raag-Specific Sitars" (e.g., a Darbari Kanada sitar with extra bass).
Used By: Pt. Shivnath Mishra, Pt. Rajeev Janardan.
Legacy: 4th-generation sitar maker.
Signature: "Raag-Specific Sitars" (e.g., a Darbari Kanada sitar with extra bass).
Used By: Pt. Shivnath Mishra, Pt. Rajeev Janardan.
2. Rikhi Ram & Sons (Delhi-Varanasi Hybrid)
Innovation: Blends Banarsi warmth with Delhi’s structural precision.
Famous Model: "Vilayat Khan Style" (smaller tumba, lighter weight).
Famous Model: "Vilayat Khan Style" (smaller tumba, lighter weight).
3. Hiren Roy (Kolkata-Banarsi Fusion)
Specialty: Pt. Ravi Shankar’s later sitars (modified Banarsi jawari).
How to Spot a Fake Banarsi Sitar
❌ Too light? → Likely plywood or unseasoned wood.
❌ Glossy finish? → Cheap polyurethane varnish (kills resonance).
❌ Perfectly uniform frets? → Machine-made, not hand-filed.
✅ Authentic Signs:
Tap the tumba → Should echo like a temple bell.
Check the jawari → Should have microscopic file marks.
Ask for the maker’s stamp → Reputable luthiers sign their work.
❌ Glossy finish? → Cheap polyurethane varnish (kills resonance).
❌ Perfectly uniform frets? → Machine-made, not hand-filed.
✅ Authentic Signs:
Tap the tumba → Should echo like a temple bell.
Check the jawari → Should have microscopic file marks.
Ask for the maker’s stamp → Reputable luthiers sign their work.