

Sitar (kachvā sitar). 5 pegs for main strings. One peg for cikari string sited on side of neck between (missing) string guide and bridge. 2 holes in the side of the upper neck (one with peg with thin wire string, possibly from a different instrument) for pegs for sympathetic strings, 4 lower holes for sympathetic strings pegs, one with peg and remains of thin wire strings. Sides of neck are higher than the fingerboard, for attachment of frets, back of neck is curved. 7 small raised wooden nuts for cikari/sympathetic strings integral to fingerboard. Borders of instrument, soundboard and neck, painted in green and gold, with patterns of flowers and overlapping scales or feathers(?). Soundboard pierced with 2 sets of 3 small pin-hole type soundholes on opposite sides (horizontal axis) and further small soundholes on vertical axis. The gourd back (damaged) with gilt floral motif in the centre, and carved painted leaves at junction with neck. Over all length 115cm. oa.w. 26cm. 4461 inscribed on table.