---
url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-int/faq/instruments-artforms/what-is-the-difference-between-the-taus-and-the-dilruba'
title: 'What is the difference between the taus and the dilruba?'
author:
  name: rajeevk
  url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-int/user/fce96177fd193d3a'
date: '2026-10-19T15:07:06+00:00'
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summary: 'The taus is larger and lower than the dilruba; tradition says the dilruba was made as a lighter taus for riders.'
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 FAQ · Instruments & artforms

# What is the difference between the taus and the dilruba?

 Updated 19 October 2026

 

The mayuri vina, or **[taus](/en-int/instrument/taus)**, is a larger variant of the dilruba and esraj with a lower range. Tradition credits Guru Gobind Singh with the dilruba, a lighter version of the taus that the Khalsa could carry on horseback, though researchers doubt the story. Darbar says the dilruba largely replaced the taus.



 

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## Related pages

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###  Instruments (1) 

- [   Taus The taus is a bowed, fretted lute with a peacock-shaped carved wooden body, used in Sikh Gurbani kirtan. Sikh tradition credits Guru Hargobind with creating it…     ](/en-int/instrument/taus)
 
  

 

 

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