EVOLUTION OF STRING INSTRUMENTS: CONSTRUCTIVE AND TECHNICAL SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE KASHGAR, AFGHAN, AND INDIAN RUBABS

This article examines the evolution of plucked string instruments by comparing the structural and technical similarities of the Kashgar, Afghan, and Indian rubabs. The study explores the historical development of the rubab family within the musical cultures of Central Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia, emphasizing the role of cultural exchange along the Great Silk Road in shaping their construction and performance traditions. Particular attention is paid to the organological characteristics of these instruments, including resonator design, string configuration, resonance strings, fret systems, sound production methods, and acoustic properties. The research demonstrates that although these instruments share a common historical origin, they have evolved independently under the influence of regional musical traditions and aesthetic principles.