India's classical tradition has a variety of musical instruments that reflect original creativity, adaptive innovation and assimilation.

The veena, the venu (the flute) and the drum find mention in the Vedas. The sitar and the tabla have been innovated under Persian influence. The West's violin has been assimilated into Carnatic music so completely that it is today as integral to it as the veena. Even the mandolin has been welcomed into Indian classical music.

A variety of string, wind and percussion instruments articulate the genius of Indian music, both Carnatic and Hindustani.