Punjabi Musical Instrument Rabab Professional Classical String instrument Rubab

The First Instruments of the Sikhs is the Rabab. This is a plucked instrument with gut strings that give more power and deepness in its sound.  The Rabab was given to Guru Nanak Dev as a present from Bebe Nanaki, his elder sister. India houses many types of Rababs which vary from region to region.

But the Sikh Rabab is called the ‘Firandia’ Rabab. Which was created by Bhai Firanda, who was instructed by Bebe Nanaki to make? Guru Nanak gave this Rabab to Bhai Mardana, his dear friend, to play and accompany him on his travels. Wherever Guru Nanak sang, the Rabab followed with such grace and majesty. This is where the tradition of ‘Kirtan,’ the singing of hymns, began.

The Rabab, which was played by his beloved companion Bhai Mardana, followed Guru Nanak as a shadow for 27 years on his travels around the world.