Rubab or Robab is a lute-like musical instrument from Afghanistan[1]. It is mainly used in the classical music of Afghanistan.
Rubab is the traditional instrument of Pukhtonkhwa, and is thus also widely used in Afghanistan's neighbouring countries, like India, Iran and Pakistan. Although the models of Robab made in India and Iran differ from that of Afghanistan, the variety of Afghan Rubab, mostly known as Kabuli Rubab, remains the origin. The Rubab is known as The Lion of instruments, and together with Zerbaghali, they are the two National Instruments of Afghanistan.
It is a short-necked lute made of wood, with goatskin covering the body. It has three melody strings, three drone strings, and 11 or 12 sympathetic strings. The instrument is made from the stem of the mulberry tree and the strings are made from the intestines of young goats, brought to the size of thread.
Rubab is a very old instrument which probably exists since the 7th century. It is mentioned in old Persian literature books, and many Sufi poets have mentioned the rubab in their poetries.
It is the ancestor of the North Indian sarod and sarangi, which are used in Hindustani classical music, but - unlike the sarod - it is a fretted instrument.
Famous players of the rubab are Ustad Mohammad Omar, Ustad Mohammad Rahim Khoshnawaz, Aziz Herawi, Quraishi and Homayun Sakhi