The esraj also belongs to the family of the dilruba. It is very similar to the dilruba both in appearance and in the technique of playing. However, there are few structural differences. The body of the dilruba is rectangular and flat like that of the sarangi.
The body of the esraj is a bit rounder in shape and shallower in the middle. The stem or the finger-board of the dilruba is broader than that of the esraj. The number of sympathetic strings in the dilruba is larger than in the esraj, hence the tone of the dilruba is more rich and resonant than that of the esraj whose tone is soft and mellow. The esraj is a very popular instru¬ment of Bengal where it is commonly used by both professionals and amateurs. The esraj can be played by itself or as accompaniment.
