Tampura
/tæmˈpʊərə/noun
A long-necked Indian string instrument that provides a continuous drone for vocal or instrumental music.
Did you know?Tampura is a variant spelling of tanpura, whose drone traditionally establishes the tonal center against which Indian musical performance unfolds.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient or Medieval South Asia
Sanskrit/Indic
tanpūrā
“An early Indic form associated with the long-necked drone instrument; the precise internal derivation is debated.”
Medieval Period
Persianate Indic
tanbūr / tambūr
“A long-necked plucked lute; related forms circulated widely across Central and South Asia.”
18th Century
Hindi/Urdu
tanpūrā
“The drone lute used to accompany Indian classical singing and instrumental music.”
19th Century
English
tanpura
“An English transcription of the Indian drone instrument’s name.”
Modern English
English
tampura
“A variant transliteration of tanpura, also called tambura in some South Asian traditions.”
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