Swarmandal

The Swarmandal is basically a small harp and a type of an Indian stringed instrument. It is generally used for the drone to accompany the vocalists. The Indian harp is used in many traditional Hindu and Muslim rituals, and is a traditional instrument. 

The Swara (notes) and Mandal (group) represent its ability to produce a large number of notes. It has been used for many generations, dating back to the pre-Moghul era; though still used today; its use is not as widespread. 

This instrument measures from twenty four to thirty inches in length and twelve to fifteen inches in width. The singer may choose to employ any number of strings from 21 to 36. 

The strings are hooked in the nail lodged in the right edge of swarmandal and on the left, twirl around rectangular pegs which can be tightened with a special key. A sharp half-inch ridge is built on both sides of swarmandal a little apart from the nails on which the strings are tightened. This ridge functions as bridge on both sides. 

There is no standarized size for the surmandal, since there are no standard number of strings. Also different individuals will sing from different keys, thus the tunes of the surmandal, which every musician tunes, is different from the other.