Ravanahatha in India (Rajasthan)

The Ravanahatha (also known as ravanhatta, rawanhattha, ravanastron or ravana hasta veena), is believed to have originated in Sri Lanka during the time of the Hela civilization. The Asura king Ravan, the antagonist of the revered Indian epic, Ramayana is believed to have created it. The king was a staunch devotee of Shiva and he is said to have expressed his devotion through music. The Ravanahatha was his instrument of choice, hence the name, which literally translates to, ‘Ravan’s Hand.’

Legend has it that, after the war ended, Hanuman picked up the Ravanahatha and brought it to North India. The musical instrument enjoyed patronage from kingdoms in Rajasthan and Gujarat and is believed to have been the first instrument that the princes of these western states learned.

Ravanahatha in India (Rajasthan)