What is santoor?

Santoor is a musical instrument that originated in the Kashmir region of India. It belongs to the family of hammered dulcimers and is made of walnut or maple wood. The instrument has a trapezoid shape with a set of strings that are struck with a pair of wooden mallets, known as “hammers”.

The santoor is a popular instrument in Indian classical music and is also used in folk music and Sufi music traditions. It is known for its rich and resonant sound, with a calming and meditative quality.

The modern santoor has around 100 strings that are divided into two sets, each set having around 50 strings. The instrument is played by striking the strings with the hammers in a rhythmic pattern to produce melodic and harmonic sounds.

The santoor has gained popularity globally and is now used in various genres of music. It has undergone modifications and improvements over the years, making it a versatile and captivating instrument loved by musicians and audiences alike.