Svaram - Tanpura Santoor (Monochord)

Anantar translates as “Infinite Strings” and relates the fact of a large number of strings. The front side has four strings of the Indian Tambura as well as 8 strings tuned to a pentatonic raga scale inspired by the Japanese Koto. The reverse side offers a multitude of strings as a drone, which allow the richness of natural harmonics to unfold.

Initiated in 2003 as a grassroots community, rural development project in Tamil Nadu (India),  Svaram has been recognised by the UN Initiative “Music as a Global Resource” as one of its first 50 projects worldwide. The open association and team of over 50 local artisans, trainees, international volunteers and professionals has always retained its emphasis on the human element, its heritage and prospect of evolutionary change and positive progress.

Initially focusing on communication-social-and craft-skill trainings with the practical core of hands on work with different materials like wood, metals, clay, bamboo and seeds/shells for instrument building, extensive explorations and a communal discovery process on the ‘magic of sound’ stimulated the growth of the team in ever unfolding and often surprising directions, creating a natural enthusiasm in everyone involved for the chosen work with the mystery and magic of sound!