PLATE IV.
BIN-SITAR. TAUS.
THE instrument to the left of this plate is the Bin-sitar, in outward appearance very similar to the bin previously described. It differs, however, in that the frets are moveable and are arranged precisely as given for those of the sitar. The strings are arranged as those of the bin, and therefore reversed in order from those of the sitar. The Bin-sitar is not a common instrument; indeed, the few specimens that I have met with have all been in Poona and the neighbourhood. The tuning is like that of the bin.
The instrument to the right of the plate is the Taus or Esrar. Sometimes this instrument is called Mohur. It is merely a form of sitar with moveable frets. The Taus is not much esteemed by any but Nautch musicians, and it is rarely to be met with out of Upper India. As its name implies, it is usually shaped like a peacock. Its body is painted like that of the bird, and to the lower end a wooden neck and head, covered with feathers, are attached. It is sometimes played with a bow.
The tuning varies slightly, but never employs other intervals than the tonic, fourth, and fifth, and occasionally the third. There are usually sympathetic strings attached, tuned to the intervals of the raga played.
