Veena : In the Theory, Practice and Experiment in Karnatic Music/K.S. Raghavendra Rao and M.K. Jaishree Prasad. Bangalore, Abhinav Pub., 2005, xiv, 386 p., figs., tables.

    Contents: Introduction. 1. Evolution of Veena through the ages. 2. Sangita Ratnakara. 3. Swaramela Kalanidhi. 4. Caturdandi Prakasika. 5. Veena in Indian iconography. 6. The modern Veena. 7. Veena playing techniques of early period. 8. Recent trends in Veena playing. 9. Influence of Veena on the Kritis of Muthuswamy Diskhitar. 10. Influence of Veena on the compositions of Vainika Sikhamani Veena Seshanna. 11. Tanam. 12. Gamaka. 13. Vainikas of recent times. 14. Srutis and Swaras. 15. Musical scales. 16. Indian Musical scales. 17. Veena as a Solo concert instrument and as an accompaniment. 18. Veena in the future. 

    From the Preface: "This book is the outcome of the research work done under a research grant of the Sangeet Natak Academi, Delhi. The modern Veena is a complete musical instrument. It has four playing strings and three drone cum Tala Strings. The playing strings pass over frets which are placed very judiciously. The speaking length of a string can be limited at the frets to play different notes. Gamakas are produced by slight deflection of strings and also by sliding the fingers along the strings. Gamakas are characteristic of Karnatak Music and are truly its very soul. Elaborate fingering techniques discovered through many centuries are treated in detail.  The manufacture of a modern Veena is explained step by step in detail with the help of photographs. This book comprehensive and useful to its readers and stimulate study and research in music."  

Return to Arts of India Catalogue

Return to Carnatic Music Catalogue

Return to Music of India Catalogue