Thanjavur is one of the few places in India where the Saraswathi veena — the classical long-necked plucked instrument that is the emblematic instrument of Carnatic music — is still made by hand in traditional workshops. The instrument has been associated with the city since at least the 17th century when the Maratha court made Thanjavur a centre of Carnatic composition and performance. The composer Tyagaraja, born in nearby Tiruvarur and associated with the Thanjavur region, played the veena throughout his life.
The workshops are concentrated in the old craftsmen's quarter near the palace. A full-sized concert-quality veena, with its large resonating gourd, carved neck, and tuning pegs, takes weeks to make and sells for 15,000–50,000 rupees depending on the maker and wood quality. Smaller practice instruments and decorative pieces are available at lower prices. Even if you are not buying, watching the joinery and finishing work is worthwhile — these are objects of considerable craft.