The Remarkable Rubab

Rubab, robab or rabab is a lute-like musical instrument originating from central Afghanistan. The rubab is mainly used by Pashtun, Tajik, Turkish, Kashmiri, Baluch, Azerbaijani, and Iranian Kurdish classical musicians. Rubab is one of the national musical instruments of Afghanistan. It has proliferated throughout West, Central, South and Southeast Asia.

A Brief History of Rubab

The rubab is known as "the lion of instruments" and is one of the two national instruments of Afghanistan. Classical Afghan music often features this instrument as a key component. Elsewhere it is known as the Kabuli rebab. In appearance, the Kabuli rubab looks slightly different from the Indian rubab. It is the ancestor of the South Asian sarod, though — unlike the sarod — it is a fretted instrument.

How Does A Rubab Work?

Rubab is a string instrument with three main strings which are made of goat intestine or nylon. As shown in the video the body is made of a single piece of wood carved hollow to make the sound chamber which is covered with a membrane. It also has 13 metal strings which are rarely used in playing songs. These extra strings help in producing the unique sound of the three main strings.

CATF’s depiction of Rubab

CATF has managed to recreate the majestic aura of this historic musical instrument in its artworks. Visit our gallery on Pashtun/Afghan culture today and get acquainted with the remarkable rubab.

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