The rudra vina is one of the most ancient and peculiar instruments of India. She is regarded as an early form of many modern instruments and was for centuries the noblest solo instrument in North Indian tradition. Its playing technique and repertoire were strictly kept a family secret, and therefore it is no wonder that many legends about magic powers are woven around this instrument. Because of its exclusivity, its very difficult playing technique and its very deep, extremely introvert tone colour, it is nearly extinct in the 20th century, however. The fact that most instrument-makers today refuse to make rudra vinas since they believe it's unlucky, may have contributed to its extinction. Good rudra vinas are therefore nearly impossible to get in India.
The rudra vina consists or a long wooden sound-tube which carries the bridge, frets and pegs. In order to amplify the sound, two big pumpkin resonators are attached to the tube. In traditional playing posture one of the resonators is placed over the left shoulder, so that the player can hold the tube diagonally in front of him, sitting between both pumpkins. The four playing strings are played just as the sitar's on the frets and pulled sideways. They are plucked alternately with the index and middle finger of the right hand, each wearing a wire plectrum. The rudra vina does not have any sympathetic strings. 

Glossary entry RUDRA VINA