Welcome to Saeem Sitarmaker (Saraswati Tantuvadya Kendra, Miraj), where the rich tradition of Indian stringed instruments comes to life. We are Saeem Sitarmaker, and together with my Father Altab Sitarmaker, we carry forward a legacy of craftsmanship that has been passed down through seven generations.

Our Heritage

Established in 1850, Saraswati Tantuvadya Kendra is Miraj's oldest and most respected instrument-making shop. For over 170 years, our family has dedicated itself to the art of creating exquisite stringed instruments. We take immense pride in our heritage and the time-honored techniques that have been perfected over generations.

Our Craftsmanship

At Saraswati Tantuvadya Kendra, we specialize in crafting a wide range of stringed instruments, each meticulously handcrafted with passion and precision. From sitars and tanpuras to sarods and veenas, every instrument that leaves our workshop is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality.

Our Mission

Our mission is to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Indian classical music by providing musicians with the finest quality instruments. We believe in the power of music to transcend boundaries and bring people together, and we are honored to play a part in this beautiful tradition.

Why Choose Us?

• Generations of Expertise: With seven generations of experience, we have the knowledge and skill to create instruments of exceptional quality.
• Handcrafted Excellence: Every instrument is meticulously handcrafted using traditional techniques and the finest materials.
• Wide Range of Instruments: We offer a diverse range of stringed instruments to suit the needs of every musician.
• Legacy of Trust: Our reputation for quality and craftsmanship has been built on trust and customer satisfaction.

The Shikalgar Family

The main business of Shikalgar category was the making of arms and amutations like swords etc. and taking maintenance of them. The city of Miraj was the main head quarter of Emperor 'Aadilshah's ruling area'. The need for making and supplying arms and weapons was high. For this purpose, the 'Subadar of Miraj' called the 'Shikalgar family' to Miraj. He granted the familt land and place to stay in order to get established in the town.

After the Mughal defeat, Miraj came under the rule of 'Patwardhan Sarkar'. The arrival of Britishers brough along the decline of traditional Indian weapons like swords. This complied the Shikagar family to make their living on making and mending of mere carpentry instruments like scissors.

Our Ancestors

Late. Shri Faridsaheb

Shri Fardsaheb born in 1827, was trained under the guidance of his elder brother Moninuddin saheb in the business. Along with the weapons, Shri Moninuddinsaheb mastered in designing wooden Sursote, Ektari for Bhajan and other instruments as per requirements of the singers. Shri Faridsaheb had great love for music . Moninuddinsaheb encouraged him. At this time Shrimant Balasaheb Patwardhan II –the ruler of Miraj at that time was also a great lover of music . Many singers musicians embellished his court.Many famous female singers adorned the city at this time too. Faridsaheb attended all the music assemblies in the town. He, with much devotion, began mending and repairing the musical instruments of the singers who came and stayed in the town. He repaired them with great skill. While repairing instruments, he used to do complete study of the instrument. He used to open the instrument completely and study the complete pattern of making of the instrument. An old Tambora, after coming to his proficient hands used to be transformed into a new one!

At last the first instrument was created. The main work in creation of musical instrument is 'Javari'. Continuous experiment and invention helped Faridsaheb obtain the art of creating well refined 'Javari'. He obtained a fabulous skill in 'Javari' work. To make the instrument is a work of several months. Many singers and musicians used to stay in Miraj for a several months in order to get their instrument made from Faridsaheb. Many political authorities, royal members and British officers too were impressed and astonished by his skilled work gave special prices , gifts and certificates of honour.Many famous musicians from all over the nation came to Miraj to get the string instruments made by Faridsaheb. Shri Faridsaheb had two sons, Shri Pirsaheb and Shri Abdulgani. Shri Pirsaheb was a skilled sitarist but he had not learned his father's skill. He played his sitar in assembly of Miraj's land lord. The second son of Shri Faridsaheb had learned the art of making the string musical instruments and started his own independent business. Shri Faridsaheb taught all the art & skill of string musical instruments making to his grandson Shri Husainsaheb. The family business reached its crest during the time of Shri Husainsaheb.

Shri. Faridsaheb passed away in 1898 at the age of 71 years after proudly reassigning his estate and his precious shop on the name of his grandson Shri. Husainsaheb. This business of string musical instruments which had started in 1850 as a mere seedling - 150 years ago is converted into a giant tree. After Shri. Faridsaheb, his sons Shri Pirsaheb and Abdulgani and Shri. Mohinuddin's sons Shri. Abasaheb and Aminsaheb, Shri Pirsaheb's sons Husainsaheb and grandson Shri. Faridsaheb, shir.Abasaheb Shri.Mehabub gave their entire time and energy in fostering this precious legacy. Today the city of Miraj is now called the home town of Indian string instruments and is known all over the world through this family. A prominant area of the town and the road leading to it is named after Faridsaheb Sitarmaker.