R*bab

Rabāb used to be a term for any stringed instrument.

Ancient rabab

rabāb or rabābah, an Arabic fiddle in the 10th century. Parent of the medieval European rebec or rubebe (11th-18th century Mediterranean/Balkans) and lira (like the lyre?) The ancient rabāb was the ancestor of almost all European bowed instruments. It had a membranous belly, 2-3 strings, and narrow neck.

Medieval r*bab

PERSIA large rebab, more range Iraqi and Bedouin - joza, coconut-shell soundbox Kamanche - similar instrument

CENTRAL ASIA more western, higher pitched

MUGHAL seni rabab - wood body with resonator and six strings, no frets and traditionally no sympathetic strings kabuli rabab (Afghan) - hollow wood body with gut or nylon strings,