Ravana Hasta Veena, also known as Ravana Hatta, is a single-stringed instrument of the 7th century. It was invented by
Ravana, the main villain in the
Ramayana.
The bowl is made of cut coconut shell with its mouth covered. The shell is attached to a bamboo dandi, the main part of the neck. The instrument has two principal strings, one of steel and the other of a set of horse hair. Also, there is a set of sympathetic strings. The instrument is played with a bow, which has jingle bells.
Today, Ravana Hatta is a common fiddle instrument of west India, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
