The many regional designs have different names such as the Rudra veena, the Saraswati veena, the Vichitra veena and others. The veena, reigning as the chief ancient instrument and originaring in South India. About 3.5 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 meters) long to fit the measurements of the musician, it has a hollow body and two large resonating gourds under each end. It has four main strings which are melodic, and three auxiliary drone strings.