Rare Indian Instrument - the Taus (‘Peacock’) | Sandeep Singh | Raag Ahir Bhairav | Music of India

#darbarfestival | Sandeep Singh plays the early morning Raag Ahir Bhairav on the taus (or mayuri veena), a rare instrument associated with Sikh saints and devotional music. Learn more about the music: Sandeep Singh plays the dilruba and taus, bowed instruments long associated with Sikh spiritual music. Featuring feathers and ornate paintwork, the taus (‘peacock’) may seem to be as much sculpture as instrument, but the sound is striking. Played with a sarangi-like bow, it produces a clear, unadorned tone, impressively similar to the cry of the bird. It is rare today, despite the superb accomplishments of musicians such as Sandeep. Ahir Bhairav is an early morning raga that blends ideas from North and South India. The Ahir are a caste of cowherds, milkers, and cattle breeders, and the raag is said to imitate the ringing of small cowbells in the early morning. It is often said to be a mixture of the Hindustani Bhairav and the ancient Carnatic Raga Ahiri, although the exact lineage is unclear. It ascends as Sr