Allam Durgaprasad weaves a rich tapestry of ragas on his atichitraveena

The Chitraveena is an ancient instrument first referenced in sage Bharata’s seminal treatise Natya Sastra two millennia ago. Sarangadeva’s magnum opus Sangita Ratnakara also alludes to this string instrument. Over the past century, the instrument has borne different nomenclatures such as Gottuvadyam, Chitravina itself, Atichitraveena, Navachitraveena and Vichitraveena, with the last one prevalent in North India. It brings forth the nuanced tapestry of Carnatic music with remarkable organicity — the interplay of plucking and sliding hands seamlessly weaving tonal vitality with the signature gamaka embellishments. Today, a handful of dedicated practitioners are striving to preserve its legacy and sustain its relevance, yet the instrument continues to navigate a precarious existence.