Taus (Mayuri Veena)

Hindustani Mayuri Veena Taus

Taus (Mayuri Veena)

4 minute read

The Taus is a bowed string instrument with a distinctive peacock-shaped resonator, used primarily in Sikh devotional and Indian classical music. Its deep, resonant tone is similar to the Sarangi, allowing for expressive, vocal-like renditions of ragas. Played with a bow, the Taus features sympathetic strings that enhance its rich harmonic depth, making it a powerful instrument for meditative and spiritual compositions.

Historically, the Taus is believed to have been developed by Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, as a means of elevating devotional music in Sikh traditions. Over time, it was largely replaced by its smaller, more portable counterpart, the Dilruba, but the Taus remains an important symbol of Sikh musical heritage. Efforts by dedicated musicians have helped revive interest in the instrument, ensuring its legacy continues in both classical and spiritual music.

Historical taus photographed for Darbar’s ‘Music Wonders of India’ exhibition in 2015, in partnership with the V&A Museum, London

At the Darbar Festival in 2014, Kirpal Panesar performed on the Taus, accompanied by Surdarshan Chana on the Jori, mesmerizing audiences with the instrument’s soulful and reverberant sound. His performance highlighted the Taus’ ability to convey deep emotion and spiritual intensity, reaffirming its significance in Indian classical music.

Sandeep Singh plays the early morning Raag Ahir Bhairav on the taus, recorded on location in India.

Bhai Baldeep Singh, a 13th-generation Sikh devotional musician, explains the history of the taus (or mayuri veena).

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