---
title: "Rudra Veena: Dhrupad's Ancient Stick-Zither | Model Diplomat"
description: "The rudra veena is a large North Indian stick-zither central to dhrupad, distinct from the Saraswati veena. Key facts for UPSC GS1 art-and-culture prep."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/rudra-veena"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The rudra veena is a large plucked North Indian stick-zither with two gourd resonators, historically the principal instrument of the dhrupad tradition.
- How does the rudra veena differ from the Saraswati veena?
- Why is the rudra veena considered endangered?
- What role did the Dagar family play in its survival?
- Why does the rudra veena matter for UPSC art-and-culture preparation?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In 2019, Ustad Bahauddin Dagar performed rudra veena at the Sangeet Natak Akademi's dhrupad programming in New Delhi, sustaining a lineage revived by his father, Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar.

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