Ravanhatha

Ravanhatha or Ravana Hasta Veena is an ancient bowed, stringed musical instrument of India and Srilanka and is an important part of the folk traditions of both countries. Considered to have a mythical association with demon king Ravana of Ramayana fame, legend goes that Ravana used the Ravanhatha to express his devotions to Lord Shiva and hence the name and after Rama’s victory over Ravana, Hanuman apparently returned with Ravanhatha to India thus popularizing it in this soil. It is popular among the folk and street musicians of north-western India especially Rajasthan and is widely considered to be a predecessor of violin.