SwarMandal

Swar Mandal, an ancient harp of Indian origin, is referred to in ancient texts as Mattakokila and prescribed as an accompaniment to the chanting of Vedic hymns. The instrument does not play any explicit melody, but is merely strummed as a filler of silences during performance, adding to the richness of the musical experience. The strings are tuned to the raga being played or sung. The instrument enjoys reasonable popularity in all genres of vocal music across North India and Pakistan and is an accompaniment for Hindustani vocal music.