Chikara (instrument)

Instrument From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The chikara is a bowed stringed musical instrument from India used to play Indian folk music. It is used by the tribal people of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Classification String instrument
Hornbostel–Sachs classification
(Composite chordophone)
Quick facts String instrument, Classification ...
Chikara
Chikara (second from left in foreground, #220) in the Horniman museum, London, UK.
String instrument
Classification String instrument
Hornbostel–Sachs classification
(Composite chordophone)
Related instruments
Chikari
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Description

The chikara is a simple spike fiddle played, similarly to the sarangi or sarinda, by sliding fingernails on the strings rather than pressing them to touch the fingerboard.[1] It has 3 strings, two horse hair and one steel,[2] in 3 courses and is tuned C, F, G.

Ambiguity

The term "chikara" is often used ambiguously to describe a variety of unrelated folk fiddles of northern India.[3]

Related Instruments

  • Chikari, smaller version of chikara.
  • Sarangi

References

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