AI – ‘Yes, the sitar is often considered a sacred instrument in Indian culture, particularly within the context of Indian classical music. Its ethereal tones and intricate design are deeply intertwined with spiritual and philosophical concepts, and it’s frequently used in meditation, religious ceremonies, and other settings where music is used to connect with the divine according to The Spiritual Arts Foundation and sangeetapriya.com.
Here’s why the sitar is considered sacred:
Spiritual Resonance:
The sitar’s music is believed to transcend the physical realm, allowing listeners to experience a sense of connection with the universe and the divine.
Historical Significance:
The sitar has a long history in Indian classical music, which itself is deeply rooted in spiritual and philosophical traditions.
Symbolism:
The sitar is often associated with deities like Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge and music, further solidifying its sacred status.
Use in Rituals:
It is used in religious ceremonies and practices, reinforcing its connection to spirituality.
Influence on Healing:
The sitar’s music is believed to have therapeutic properties, impacting mental and emotional well-being.
Cultural Identity:
The sitar is a powerful symbol of India’s musical and spiritual heritage, representing a connection to its cultural roots.’
See also:
· The Sacred Sitar | The Spiritual Arts Foundation: The Sacred Sitar | The Spiritual Arts Foundation
· BBC Proms – 2025: Anoushka Shankar at the Proms – BBC iPlayer: BBC Proms – 2025: Anoushka Shankar at the Proms – BBC iPlayer
So what is the history of the Sitar?
AI –‘The sitar, a plucked stringed instrument, has a rich history rooted in the Indian subcontinent, evolving from earlier instruments like the Iranian sehtar and the Indian veena. It reached its present form in the 19th century, gaining popularity as a solo instrument and becoming a symbol of Hindustani classical music.
Here’s a more detailed look at its history:
Early Influences and Development:
- Persian Roots:
The name “sitar” is derived from the Persian word “sehtar,” meaning three-stringed.
- Influence of the Veena:
The veena, a long-necked lute with a gourd resonating chamber, is another instrument that contributed to the sitar’s development.
- Mughal Era Fusion:
During the Mughal Empire, Persian and Indian musical traditions interacted, leading to the adaptation and refinement of instruments. It’s believed that the sitar emerged as a fusion of the sehtar and the veena, with Indian musicians adopting the name “sitar” for the modified instrument.
- Early Forms:
Early sitars had fewer strings and were primarily used to accompany other musical forms like vocal performances and dance.
Popularization and Evolution:
- 18th and 19th Centuries:
The sitar continued to evolve, with musicians like Masit Khan playing a key role in its development. He is credited with bringing the sitar to greater prominence as a solo instrument, emphasizing its melodic capabilities.
- Solo Instrument:
The sitar gradually became a prominent solo instrument in Hindustani classical music, often accompanied by a tambura (drone instrument) and tabla (drums).
- Modern Form:
The sitar reached its present form in the 19th century, with refinements in design and playing techniques.
Global Recognition:
- Ravi Shankar‘s Influence:
The sitar’s global popularity surged in the late 1950s and early 1960s, largely due to the efforts of sitar maestro Ravi Shankar, who introduced it to Western audiences through concerts and collaborations.
- Western Music Integration:
The sitar’s unique sound also found its way into Western popular music, with artists like the Beatles incorporating it into their recordings.’
To learn about the history of the Sitar read my blog – ‘Is the Sitar a Sacred Instrument?’ at www.artandcivilization.tv
For a discussion about the existence of Sacred Music in Antiquity see my previous post – ‘Music of the Spheres & Songlines – Did any Ancient Civilizations recognize in their Art that Music is a Universal Language based upon immutable Natural laws?’. This also appears as blog at www.artandcivilization.tv.
If you want to hear Sacred Music, you could do no better than by watching and listening to the recent BBC Proms Performance by Anoushka Shankar, who is the world’s greatest living Sitar Virtuoso.