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EsrajThe Esraj also known sometimes as Israj, or Dilruba is found in two forms throughout the north, central, and east regions of India. It is a young instrument by Indian terms being only a couple hundred years old. The Dilruba is found in the north, where it is used in religious music, and light classical songs in the urban areas. The Esraj is found in the east and central areas, often in Bengal and modern Bangladesh. It is used in a somewhat wider variety of musical styles than the Dilruba. The structure of both instruments is very similar, both have a medium sized Sitar-like neck, with 20 heavy metal frets. This neck holds on a long wooden rack of 12-15 sympathic strings with the Dilruba has more sympathetic strings and a differently shaped body than the esraj. They both have 4 main strings which are bowed. All the strings are metal. The soundboard is a stretched piece of goatskin similar to what is found on a sarangi. Sometimes they have a gourd on the top for balance. It can be rested between the knees while the player kneels, or more commonly rested on the knee of the player while sitting, instrument leaning on the left shoulder, played with a bow while using the hand to press the strings between the frets. You can then slide the note up or down to achieve the portamento, or sustained vibrations, characteristic of Indian music.
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