Q13

Namaste Guruji. Can you shed some light on the relationship/ differences between the following 4 allied instruments: Rudraveena (Been), Surbahar, Kachhuva & Sitar? Many thanks & pranam.

A Kachwa is known as Kachwa Sitar and not Kachwa Been. From historical record, it appears that Kachwa Sitar is somewhere in between the instruments Surbahar and normal Sitar.
The name comes from Kachwa or a tortoise, as the lower part of the tubma is akin to the upper surface of a tortoise. To my mind, there is no other similarity, though the name Kachwa Sitar has continued over the centuries.
I have heard Kachwa Sitar only once in my life. I was too young to discern the differences of sound and plucking technique of a Kachwa Sitar as compared to a Surbahar.
It is evident therefore that, the instrument seems to have disappeared, as it had no worthwhile and unique characteristic, which could add in any substantial manner to the existing Indian instruments like Surbahar and Sitar.