Instruments at the Museum

Surmandal

Surmandal otherwise known as swarmandal, is basically a small harp. It is generally used for the drone to accompany vocalists but it's enormous flexibility and tuning options allow it to be used as a solo instrument as well. The Swarmandal is tuned to the 3 octaves on a specific raga. The singer plays arpeggios of notes with his right thumb.