In this category of instruments, sound is produced through strings.

Some people also classify them into two types: 1. Tat Instruments, 2. Vitat Instruments (although this classification is not widely recognized).

In the Tat Instruments category, there are instruments played by plucking or using some other object, such as ‘Veena,’ ‘Sitar,’ ‘Sarod,’ ‘Tanpura,’ ‘Ektaara,’ ‘Dutar,’ etc.

The second category, Vitat Instruments, includes instruments played with the help of a bow. For example, ‘Israj,’ ‘Sarangi,’ ‘Violin,’ etc. Tat Instruments are also known as ‘Tantu Vadya,’ ‘Tantri Vadya,’ or ‘Tār Vadya.’