The Dilruba, which translates to ‘The Heart Stealer’ is a smaller, modified version of the Taus.

The dilruba is about 300 hundred years old and has been attributed to Guru Hargobind and Guru Gobind Singh. As a more mobile instrument, it was popular amongst the warriors who served in the army of the Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, as all warriors kept their instruments with them at all times.

This begs the question: why would Sikhs from 200 years ago want to carry their instruments everywhere? Why would they not put their instruments down even during battle?

The Sikh Gurus introduced these instruments as tools to balance our lives. With the ability to carry their Dilrubas with them everywhere, Sikhs were given constant access to the Guru’s Bani (Hymns), to guide and support them. Even today, the Dilruba and the other tools our Gurus gave us are not outdated in their ability to positively impact our lives.