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Ustad Vilayet Khan style sitar

Ustad Vilayat Khan revolutionized sitar playing by introducing the Gayaki Ang (vocal style improvisation), which aimed to emulate the nuances and expressiveness of human voice on the sitar. To support this innovative approach, he modified the traditional sitar, adapting its structure to meet the demands of his playing style.

The redesigned instrument, known as the Gandhar-Pancham Sitar or the Vilayatkhani Sitar, became synonymous with his musical genius. This sitar's unique design allowed for greater fluidity, melodic continuity, and the intricate sliding techniques essential to the Gayaki Ang. It remains a hallmark of his contributions to Hindustani classical music.


Specification

6 main strings (2 are playable, 4 are drone strings)

Mother-of-pearl celluloid work and less decorations

Bridges are generally made of Ebony wood, Deer Horn, Fiber

Gol/ Bandh Jawari

12 sympathetic strings (tarab strings)

this sitar don't have the upper back tumba (resonating gourd/sound chamber)


Gharana Association

Etawah-Imdadkhani Gharana (Gharana is a specific music school/ style)





Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan style Gandhar - Pancham Sitar

Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan, one of the foremost sitar virtuosos of our time, is a seventh-generation exponent of the Etawah (Imdadkhani) Gharana. Renowned for his mastery of Gayaki Ang, he carries forward the legacy of his uncle, Ustad Vilayat Khan, blending vocal nuance with instrumental brilliance.


Specification

6 main strings (2 are playable, 4 are drone strings)

Mother-of-pearl celluloid work and decorations

Bridges are generally made of Ebony wood

Gol/ Bandh Jawari

11 sympathetic strings (tarab strings)

this sitar don't have the upper back tumba (resonating gourd/sound chamber)


Gharana Association

Etawah-Imdadkhani Gharana (Gharana is a specific music school/ style)





Baby Gandhar - Pancham Sitar (Inspired by Ustad Vilayat Khan Style sitar)

The Baby Gandhar - Pancham Sitar is a compact & small version of the legendary sitar style developed by Ustad Vilayat Khan, one of the most influential sitar maestros of all time. This baby sitar carries forward that legacy in a lightweight, easily manageable form, ideal for those students who are in between the age of 3 to 10.


Specification

6 main strings (2 are playable, 4 are drone strings)

Mother-of-pearl celluloid work and less decorations

Bridges are generally made of Ebony wood, Deer Horn, Fiber

Gol/ Bandh Jawari

9-10 sympathetic strings (tarab strings)

this sitar don't have the upper back tumba (resonating gourd/sound chamber)


Gharana Association

Etawah-Imdadkhani Gharana (Gharana is a specific music school/ style)




See the same sitar model in Black Colour





Pandit Ravi Shankar Style Sitar – Kharaj Pancham Sitar

Pandit Ravi Shankar, one of the most iconic ambassadors of Indian classical music, developed a sitar style that merged deep traditional roots with his own powerful instrumental vision. Unlike the vocal-inspired Gayaki Ang of Ustad Vilayat Khan, Ravi Shankar emphasized Tantrakari Ang—a highly developed instrumental approach characterized by intricate rhythm, bold phrasing, and structural complexity.


Specifications

Main Strings: 7 total — 4 melodic strings and 3 drone (chikari) strings

Sympathetic Strings (Tarab): 13, enhancing resonance and harmonic depth

Jawari: Open (Kharaj) style, producing a bright, sustained sound

Bridges: Commonly made of deer horn or camel bone

Upper Tumba: Present (a secondary resonating gourd attached at the top for added tonal depth and visual balance)

Decoration: Rich ornamentation, with intricate carving and inlay work (often floral), using materials like ivory or imitation ivory.

Neck and Body: Slightly broader and heavier to support deeper bass strings and a more grounded tonal response


Gharana Association

Maihar Gharana
This sitar style belongs to the Maihar Gharana, established by Baba Allauddin Khan. It is known for its emphasis on both melodic elaboration and rhythmic architecture.